Under The El, 7min., USA
Directed by Emmett Madden-Prado
In the open air drug market of Kensington, Philadelphia, an unhoused addict is tricked into participating in a new form of rehabilitation, virtual reality, only to be released back to the streets for the results of her rehab to take hold.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Working in Kensington Philadelphia at a production studio, there were hundreds of unhoused, often drug addicted individuals who roamed the streets by our studio. I interacted with them daily, many times to ask them to leave our streets for the sake of our business but that ultimately transitioned into a much more compassionate relationship. As I began to learn names and more about their backgrounds, we often had conversations about their addictions and origin stories. Many people had families and careers that were lost due to their addiction. In speaking with the police who patrolled the neighborhood, their options for protected the streets were limited to city policy. It created a hectic and unsanitary environment for any resident of the area. There were also organizations like Project Home who cared for the unhoused, and supplied them with food and necessities from time to time. But obviously the issue was deeper than any organization could address given the resources available and political climate that limited action. I made the film to take a far fetched approach to rehab, and to show that every person has an alternate path that could inspire them to use as a North Star. And that this North Star could be stronger than their addiction.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

About 2 Years.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Thought provoking.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Filming in the neighborhood of Kensington. I wanted this to be an authentic Kensington experience. Which was great for the film, but production logistic wise made for many unfortunate run in throughout our production that jeopardized the completion of scenes and the amount of takes we could roll on.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was thrilled to see a group of people really analyze the film and get deep into the concept. That was one of the coolest things. When I made the film, I was concerned that people unfamiliar with that environment would not grasp the depth of the character, and was so pumped that the audience here took to El like that.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I was a Freshman in high school I went to a film production camp that really got me excited about filmmaking. I always loved writing and film gave me a new way to write and create. From there I knew it was what I wanted to do, and through the years I’ve found ways to make a living in adjacent avenues to filmmaking.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

Maybe ET? Just because it was one of the only movies my grandparents had as a kid.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I wish other festivals provided the same level of audience feedback.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Hit or miss.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Let’s say a Philly Cheesesteak.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I would love to turn Under the El into a feature film.

Watch Audience Feedback Video: