Celebrating “Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads”: Winner of Best Story at the LGBTQ Toronto Film Festival
I’m thrilled to announce that my film Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads is the Winner of Best Story at the LGBTQ Toronto Film Festival! This honor is not only a recognition of my work as a filmmaker but also for my roles as a composer, narrator, author, and graphic designer.
Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads is my directorial debut and the first vignette in a series of shorts. Each vignette is a standalone scene that contributes to a larger narrative, much like chapters in a book. Parker Jesse Chase aptly described my vignette as “audio-visual book,” highlighting their unique blend of storytelling elements.
The Essence of Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads
Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads is inspired by my time in Argentina, a place that has had a profound impact on my life and artistry. The film adapts the first chapter of my (also) debut book Santa Fe & Esmeralda, which I narrate, and features music from my upcoming album, Nostalgia. The narrative explores the deep bond between Kita, a young Dutch woman, and Lorenzo, the gay son of a prominent Argentine family. Set against the backdrop of Argentina’s evolving democracy and vibrant art scene, the story captures their journey through friendship, love, and the challenges posed by AIDS.
This film is more than just a story—it’s a reflection on a significant chapter of my life and an homage to a time and place that shaped my creative vision. The narrative follows Kita and Lorenzo as they navigate family dynamics and societal challenges, with Kita taking on the role of caregiver and preserving their bond through storytelling.
Below, you’ll find the trailer for Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads as well as the official audience feedback video Toronto LGBTQ+ Film Festival sent me. These glimpses offer a taste of my film’s narrative and its connection to the vibrant, transformative era of Argentina in the 1980s and 1990s.
Official Trailer:
Audience Feedback Video:
A Fusion of Art and Emotion
Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads has been described by film director Randal Kleiser as “Evocative and Artistic!” This praise highlights the film’s commitment to blending visual artistry with emotional depth. Parker Jesse Chase’s review further elaborates on the film’s aesthetic achievements, noting its compelling fusion of art and animation, and the thoughtful use of sound design to mirror the characters’ emotional landscapes.
The film is praised for its delicate balance between reality and art, featuring serene ballet sequences and powerful music that draw viewers into the emotional highs and lows of the characters. This reflection of newfound freedoms, deepening friendships, and the challenges of aging during a time of global uncertainty resonates deeply with the themes that inspired me.
Looking Ahead
As I continue my artistic journey, I remain committed to exploring and expressing the confluence of my diverse experiences through my multifaceted artistry. Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads is just the beginning of a series that will bring the rich tapestry of my music and book to life through film.
Thank you for joining me on this visual and auditory exploration. I’m deeply honored by the recognition and support for Santa Fe & Esmeralda – CrossRoads. Stay tuned for more updates and future projects as we delve further into a world where past and present converge, and every moment is imbued with the essence of nostalgia.