DARK TENET, 6min., USA
Directed by Jesus Narvaez, Jonathan Lanz
Emily, Abby, Dan and Jake, arrive at the remote cabin for a relaxing weekend. After settling in, Jake receives a call and leaves abruptly, expressing concern over a family emergency. Later that evening a hysterical woman, Amber, shows up in a panic pleading for safety. Unfortunately, Amber has led an dark, ominous cult right to their front door.

Get to know filmmaker Jesus Narvaez:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

– The motivation that I had to make this film which was a story that I made that I wanted to show and tell about. Finding topics or genre that engages me to motivate me making this film.

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

– This film took about six to nine months to go through the whole the film process from pitching the idea to post-production of the film. Another year to finish finalizing the film to submit it to film festivals.

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

– Two words to say about this film is “Very Disturbing”

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

– There were a lot of challenges when completing this film. The biggest obstacle I was facing when completing this is film was what the story I was telling here. I was trying out telling a story more from a visual viewpoint from a storyboard that drew instinctual from my head. It was a mystery to unravel itself.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

– The favorite stage of the filmmaking process is the development because that’s where I fun stuffs is created.

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

– I realize I wanted to make films when I was twenty-nine years old at the time. I started the filmmaking process in my early twenties by taking college classes. However, I was undisciplined at the time. I was saying to myself I want to make films but I needed the skills, disclipline, and knowledge that’s when I went back to college to learn making films.

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

– The film that I seen the most times in your life has to be Halloween (1978). Still remains to be a classic to till this day.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

– The person who I want to collaborate with on a film is Guillermo Del Toro. Because it would be a challenge and good learning experience to learn from the master.

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

– My experience working with festival via FilmFreeway has been a great experience to submit to many kinds of film festivals outside there and get your work critique by film professionals and critics. I would definitely recommend it.

10. What is your favorite meal?

– My favorite meal to eat is Steak and Lobster with a side of Baked Potato loaded, a garden salad, a piece of bread, and a lemonade. It’s tall order.

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

Well, I’m working on a comic book project which is long overdue and now making it a reality trying to finish it and see everyone says about it. Making a new film? Hmm… It’s been a while since I made another film. I would like to make another new film just need to see idea in front of me and tell a story.