lo que fuimos sin ser

Guadalajara, Mexico | Film Short

Experimental, LGBTQ

Green Light

This campaign raised $1,630 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.

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"Enveloped in mud and blood, two girls experience the fleeting fantasy of desire and queer attraction. Set in a Mexican rural town, the film explores their identities in relation to the landscape, delving into the contradictory feeling of belonging to a place, yet not being a part of it."

About The Project

  • The Story
  • Wishlist
  • Updates
  • The Team
  • Community

Mission Statement

This is an exploration of queer desire and feminine identities within the context of a rural town in Mexico; mixing narrative structures with experimental techniques, it weaves a poignant portrait of Latinx queerness.

The Story



The story follows Soledad, a reserved 19-year-old who has lived her whole life comfortably in routine and simplicity. 

Unexpectedly, what begins as a mundane outing spirals into disaster when a terrible accident leaves her younger sister critically injured.


In a frantic search for help, Soledad runs into Meztli, the enigmatic daughter of the new town doctor. A chance encounter that marks the beginning of an intense unraveling. 


From that moment on, the lives of these three girls begin to weave together in tender, tangled, and painful ways. Their identities collide and transform under the weight of guilt, desire, and the yearning to find a sense of belonging in a place that feels determined to reject them.


The Film !


Experimental filmmaking is also an act of resistance, a way to give visibility to voices and identities that are often overlooked, and a means to challenge traditional modes of storytelling that have been established by a restrictive and elitist industry. 


The film will be entirely shot in 16mm film, switching structurally between modes of conventional narrative filmmaking, and experimental sequences that involve poetic imagery, alternative modes of editing, and hand-processing of the material to get a very textured and imperfect look. Constructing a fragile and vulnerable collection of vignettes that distort the lines that separate past, present, and future. 


Throughout its approximate 30 minute runtime, memories and dreams become indistinguishable from one another. Queer desire is approached paradoxically, as both myth and reality; painfully present in the subtleties of everyday life in a place where it is given no room to exist.


The environment and nature are deeply significant, the landscape itself becomes a character in the story, shaping the complexities of what it means to call a place home.





Director’s Statement !


Developing this project has been incredibly difficult, but also insanely rewarding. I’ve learned so much about myself and about this artform, and it has only deepened my love and passion for filmmaking.

 

It was a terrifying experience to crack myself open and stand completely vulnerable in front of so many people, but I’m endlessly grateful that I did. Along the way I’ve met the sweetest, most talented people ever, and I’m beyond honored to work alongside them as a team to bring this film to life. 


This fall I’ll officially begin my final year at CalArts, which makes this my thesis project. To me, it feels like a culmination of everything I’ve learned from my teachers and friends, who never cease to amaze and inspire me. I left my country to attend this school, chasing a dream. Now, I return to my hometown with hands full of everything they’ve given me, determined to create something special. 


Our Timeline !


Principal shooting will take place during the last week of August, in less than a month! 

Followed by intensive months of post-production and secondary photography, we expect to have a finished film by Spring 2026. 




Our Goal !


We have all been working really hard and pouring our entire hearts into this production. 


Everything is ready for us to begin filming, we just need a bit of extra support to ensure the film becomes the best version of itself.


We’re currently raising $2,000 USD to cover essential costs such as equipment rentals, transportation to and from the location, and fair compensation for our crew. With your help, we can ensure a safer, more efficient production and provide well-deserved payment for the labor and dedication of everyone involved.


We’re hopeful this campaign will reach people who, like us, are excited to support the creation of independent Mexican cinema.


We also understand that not everyone can contribute financially, but any form of support will be deeply appreciated; whether it’s by sharing our project or following along with its progress.


If we’re fortunate enough to exceed our initial goal, our STRETCH GOALS ($5,000 USD) include covering post-production and distribution costs. We would love to finish the project on physical film, so that it exists not just digitally, but as a tangible piece of art. Traditional film editing is both time-consuming and expensive, but we remain passionate and optimistic about making it happen.


Rewards !


To show our appreciation for all the donations received, we want to give you something in return! 


Our rewards have been carefully designed and selected to enhance the overall experience of the film, and to offer exclusive insights into the process. 


IMPORTANT NOTE: The rewards can be received digitally worldwide or be sent out physically ONLY if you are based in the following locations: 

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Ciudad de México, MX
  • Guadalajara, MX 


Our Community ! 


Filmmaking is a collaborative art. This film is only made possible by the people that have come together to support it. 


The film industry has historically been exclusionary towards diverse voices, particularly those of women, queer individuals, and other marginalized communities.


It was essential for us to create a space where our perspectives are not only acknowledged but celebrated. This is especially important in a project such as this one, which demands unique sensitivities and alternative ways of seeing and understanding the world.


We consider it a great privilege to collaborate with a creative team composed entirely of women and queer artists.


It is truly an honor to contribute to the visibility of the Mexican LGBTQ+ community by offering the kind of representation that has long been lacking. One that is honest, genuine, and born from the collective aspirations of remarkable and dedicated artists.




Wishlist

Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.

16mm film roll 100ft

Costs $60

we are shooting everything on film ! an extra roll would help us get more footage :)

16mm film roll 400ft

Costs $220

we are shooting everything on film ! an extra roll would allow us to get more footage :)

transport

Costs $800

if you have a large vehicle and are local to guadalajara or talpa de allende, help us move our film crew and equipment between locations !

crafty

Costs $920

help us keep our team well fed and taken care of !

Cash Pledge

Costs $0

About This Team

Director: ale sánchez trejo

https://alesanchezcb03.myportfolio.com/work


Line Producer: Lilian Mendoza

https://www.acantiladolunar.mx/


Assistant Director: Andrea Díaz


Director of Photography: Valeria Santana

https://valsantanaj.com/showreel


Cast:

Melisa Guzmán


Mariana Arroyo


Samantha Basulto


Sound Mixer: Omeyolotl Raya


Production Designer: Jerilee Morales

https://www.instagram.com/jerileeale/




Current Team

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