PEPPER CHICKEN AND TOSTONES COMBINATION, 12min,. Puerto Rico
Directed by Javier Java Santiago
Juan, an oriental cook in a fast food restaurant in Puerto Rico, tries to make a gourmet dish, to convince his nebulous boss to release him and thus set up a fine restaurant, while Hiu Yan, his co-worker and arts expert supposedly tries to avoid it.
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
What motivated me to make this film is the great admiration and respect I have for asian culture, and above all the intrigue and mystery that exists within the kitchen, the sounds and smells of these asian fast food restaurants.
They settle on the island of Puerto Rico or anywhere in the world, mixing their culinary skills with the cuisine, people and local culture, learning the language and becoming part of us, where everyone is equal, demonstrating that there is only one race, the human race.
They take a Puerto Rican food like Tostones con ajo, and include it in their menu and do it better than the Puerto Ricans themselves.
Every time I visit one of these interesting restaurants, there is so much to see, so much to imagine, so much to analyze and learn. It is inevitable to think or write a thousand stories on the subject.
That’s why I took on the task of interviewing Jimmy, (Hiu Yan in the Movie), a Chinese, actor and restaurant owner and friend of mine, who has been living in Puerto Rico for many years, to tell me a little about his story and that of many like him. And from there, I was able to complete the idea for my story. We can understand that in the story there are many elements that can be considered, based on real stories.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took me 7 years to make this short film, from idea to final product.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Intriguing comedy
4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was getting the money and the location, until I met the actor Shuming (JUAN in the film). It turns out that I found an asian fast food restaurant out of service, with a phone number to call and rent it, I tell my producer Kathy (THE CASHIER GIRL in the movie) who calls Shuming, to see if he knows who owns that restaurant, since all of asian people are they know each other, and it turns out that it was his and there, we were able to get the location after so much searching.
My producer and I say that the universe conspired so that this short film could be made.
5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
When I saw the reaction of the public speaking so highly of the project and even the direction, I felt a feeling of satisfaction that I had not felt for a long time, it was very emotional for me, it has been one of the best experiences in my life. That’s why I always say that festivals like this are what make filmmakers like me live their dreams.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Since I was a child I always wanted to make movies, but it wasn’t until I decided to take the reins, find a way to make it myself, and do it, that I realized I could make movies.
7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
I think “Ghostbusters”
8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
That they can expose our works more to industry professionals, such as representatives of film directors and investors. I have a colleague, a film director in Puerto Rico, who is now making films in Hollywood, because he submitted one of his feature film to festivals, and from there he managed to get a representative of film directors to recruit him and get him those new projects.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway is excellent. Thanks to them I have been able to submit my project to many festivals, seeking the growth opportunities that you offer.
10. What is your favorite meal?
Chinese food!
11. What is next for you? A new film?
The next thing is to make the feature film of “Pepper Chicken and Tostones Combination”.
I’m already writing it because there are people interested. Meanwhile, I continue making music for films, which is my daily life, such as coordinating stunt rigging and looking for financing for another short film that I have written ready to film.
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