10.31.2016

Reflecting on Volunteerism, Ready for Weekend of Film #wkendoffilm


There have been countless of strictly volunteer hours put into this Rio Grande Valley non profit organization, RGV Film Society also known as FiSo. It is something that I had a vision for 6 years ago that has taken a while to form but is finally positioned to grow into the next phase. All of this volunteer film society work that was punched into the last 2 years has helped propel our organization.
It is very rewarding to see this list that only encompasses events we produced/ created/ hosted beginning with 2014; the year we decided to go big and go public with the organization. Prior to 2014 since Jan of 2010 several key meetings in the valley, Austin and Dallas were held to begin to plan and shape the organization. In 2012 we gained our official logo and began forming the rest of the board, by Jan 2014 we were ready with a calendar of events for the year.

Since then we have accomplished;

24 hour race Panel Discussion "A Day in the Life - filming your community" October 2016
Despierta Film Screening Documentary October 2016
Table Read at Sombrero Meeting Room August 2016
Mixer Russos July 2016
Holiday Posada  December 2015
Weekend of Film November 2015
Mixer Half Moon July 2015
Community Brainstorming Meeting Galassi Cafe May 2015
Holiday Posada December 2014
1st Table Read at Green Screen Studios October 2014
Ciclo Documentary Film Screening August 2014
Mixer Cine El Rey July 2014
Ciclobia Film Screenings June 2014
Top 10 Movie List 2014
Film Screening A Night in Old Mexico May 2014
Panel Discussion at private screening May 2014
Introductory El Hueso Meeting January 2014

Much of this couldn't have been possible without the generous support of community businesses, leaders, organizations and my very own family and spouse. I am grateful for my mother and father for enabling me to follow my vision, my passion, my dreams. They have helped with odds and ends and most recently with big ticket items (as I was pregnant and now caring for my newborn). My spouse for understanding my drive to serve my community in the arts sector.

Growing up in my household serving our community was normal, expected, respectful and a rewarding fulfilling task. So for me, dedicating time and contributing my skills and expertise for a greater vision that will impact my community was totally OK with me and something I participated in my entire life- even during college and the first years out of college- when you can say- it was hard to afford to volunteer my time.
For my husband, the volunteerism duty was different but I am grateful that he has been on the sidelines the whole way.

RGV Film Society's 2nd Annual Weekend of Film


As we get ready to present our biggest film society event of the year, I must take a moment to count our blessings for we have been able to do very much with what most consider "nothing." I am proud to say that we have been able to gain traction for the film industry in the RGV. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude for all the help along the way. Thanks to God who has always guided and protected me, please stay with us.


I am very much looking forward to this Saturday's Weekend of Film and I hope that this event production is yet another example of why we need to keep cultivating organizations, events, activities, that inspire us, that contribute to the local arts enrichment, that empower filmmakers and the creative community. Support the arts, local film culture, filmmakers, and the film industry of the Rio Grande Valley. #rgvfiso

10.19.2016

New Feature Film filming in Brownsville - Back to Work!

Yes sir,
And just like that I'm back on production work.

Feeling grateful that work on a show came up before the end of the year; the news alone is exciting. I didn't think an opportunity would come up so soon, given I just about 8 weeks ago I left my full time teaching job, and just about 4 weeks ago I had my baby but ... however.. opportunities are meant to be seized. As my Tshirt from my high school youth group says, "I can do all things through Christ." :) amen. I'm looking forward to filming an entire feature film the Rio Grande Valley, mostly in Brownsville but locations are still TBD.

I am joining the team as the Producer of the film- and the work begins right away.

Looking to shoot in December latest Jan, will need to recruit cast & crew, aiming for mostly local but willing to negotiate with out of town talent.

As the project continues, the plan is more concrete I will be able to share more details. Tentative title of the film "THE WHOLE" with the production company "Pink Ape Media."

Exciting #filming. Sorry I can't share more at this point, but stay in the loop and more will unfold.

Image by JOhn Kissee - I really like the interpretation of a producer especially because I love and practice mediation and yoga now if only it was a female producer :).

10.16.2016

Welcome mi vida, Alicia Maria

I like the way my good friend Lynne Moon put it- "You're greatest production yet," my daughter Alicia.
Here is the photo I took during her 1st month photo shoot with mommy.

Parenthood is a total life changer. Not only does it change your schedule completely around, but major things like; the meaning of life, the impact of a mother's care, unconditional love, quality of life, a new found meaning of stress... all begin to unfold in the rapid first 2 weeks. Giving birth to my daughter felt like the bravest thing I've ever done. God is good, God is great, he works wonders and is always by my side. Our little blessing Alicia is finally here.

Welcome to world corazon.
All Rights Reserved, Laura Lilia, 2016.