GARDEN VALLEY, 28min., USA
Directed by Manuel Navarro
Inspired by the horrific Mann family murders of spring 1988, Garden Valley follows two friends lost in a haze of hard rock, reckless choices, drugs, and volatile romance. Set against the bleak landscape of the Garden Valley trailer park on San Antonio’s Southside, the story unfolds over one fateful day—April 14, 1988—when their lives descend into chaos, obsession, and the lingering psychological shadows of violence.

https://www.instagram.com/bxrfilms

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Rediscovering Iron Maiden’s debut album… listening to the songs over and over, recalling tales and stories of my youth regarding the Mann Murders in San Antonio, TX back in 1988.

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

3 years

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

Innocence Loss

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

Post-Production, Editing

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?

Development. Really enjoyed researching, interviewing, discussion among friends and family.

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

When I Developed a film production program at the community college I worked at the time.

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

Lawerence of Arabia

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

Sean Baker

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

Excellent

10. What is your favorite meal?

Chicken Chop Suey

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

Working on pre-production on our next short film, Gasman