Pozole is a short film about a mixed-race Latina woman who feels isolated from her proud, traditional Mexican family. When she sets out to reconnect with her roots on her Nana's 100th birthday, things go terribly wrong. A dark comedy about what it means to be the 'other' in the family.
Pozole is a short film about a mixed-race Latina woman who feels isolated from her proud, traditional Mexican family. When she sets out to reconnect with her roots on her Nana's 100th birthday, things go terribly wrong. A dark comedy about what it means to be the 'other' in the family.
Participating In
100 Days of Optimism
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Story
Mission Statement
The Pozole team is deeply committed to representing a diverse spectrum of Latinos, which make up 17.8% of the U.S. population and 30% of the film-going audience. As such, we intend to employ non-traditional casting to welcome new faces in the industry that have not felt welcome in Hollywood (yet)!About The Project
WOAH, WE HIT OUR GOAL...BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
Check out the video below for more on just what we can accomplish if we hit our new STRETCH GOAL of 20K!
From Writer/Director Jessica Siqueiros:
(My Great-Grandma, Grandma, Mom & Tio)
Pozole is a wild and colorful dark comedy. The Royal Tenenbaums if Wes Anderson was a Chicana woman.
Maia is the Margot Tenenbaum of the family. Her Mother, Lea, is Anjelica Houston, stern yet caring. After a long estrangement where Maia was raised by her white father, Maia returns ready to reconnect with her roots, only to accidentally cause her 100 year old grandmother's death. As the only non-Spanish speaker in her family, she must now navigate feeling utterly out of place as she tries to mourn a grandmother she barely knew and fulfill a desire to reconnect with her mother. Her primary obstacle is a sneaking suspicion that everyone in the family blames her for her Nana's death. If only she spoke Spanish, she could know what they were truly saying.
In the end, she must decide whether to embrace tradition or isolate herself from her family forever.
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The origin
This story is a dramatized version of my own. My family is a proud Mexican family from South Tuscon. Often, I have felt isolated and lost for not being “Mexican enough”, not just by my family but by the community overall. There are deep, unspoken divides within the Latino community in this way. In our current political climate, I think it’s vital that we start talking about the grey areas in society. It is a time to celebrate pride, heritage, and honor, especially within each cultural minority community where sometimes racism, isolation, and ‘other’-ness can lead people to abandon their roots. Much like Maia, my grandmother died shortly after her 100th birthday. I have regretted not feeling closer to her, a feeling that reaches far beyond racial/cultural audience divides. This film is my return to my own roots.
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Why it's important
While Latinos of all races and backgrounds make up 17.8% of the population in America, we make up only 5.8% of the character we see on screen. That's over 3x underrepresentation. It's time to change the game and prove that we are not a 'niche' audience. Our stories can transcend race and culture, they can cause deep empathy for people from all backgrounds. It's time for us to ask for more in our storytelling. This film will take us one step closer.
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'How can I help?'
I already appreciate you for reading this far, so CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU! The bright and colorful world of Pozole is going to take quite a bit of support, and attention to detail to do it justice. And that support and time means money, but that's not the only way you can help us!
You can help us in three ways:
DONATE: Of course, this is the most direct way that you can become part of our team. We have some incredible incentives for you. And you'll be supporting innovative Latina voices in film.
FOLLOW: At Seed&Spark, more followers directly translates to filmmaker support from the platform. If we get 500 followers, we unlock an incredible filmmaker package. We are also participating in S&S's 100 Days of Optimism Campaign. Which means, at 1000 followers we are elegible for Grants and numerous rewards to help make Pozole even stronger.
SHARE: We all know how vital social media buzz is in getting a new project off the ground. By sharing, you help us reach networks that we wouldn't otherwise. We think this story is incredibly important, and we want not just our friends, but all of their's and beyond to know/support what we are up to.
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Thank you
We are a small crew of innovative women, but even so we would not be able to do this without you and your support. Thank you for helping to show the world how vital independent filmmaking is NOW. We cannot wait to share this film with you!
Best,
Jessica, Melissa, and the Pozole Team
Incentives
$10
Join Our Family
This is our dedication to ACCESSIBILITY for Latino stories. We want you to be part of our process, and celebrate our stories. In return, you'll see the film first!! Let's build a huge audience NOW, and show 'em that our stories matter.
(Same as the Classic Grito)
$25
Mexican Candy Giveaway
3 winners will be chosen for a care package of our favorite Mexican candies!
Previous giveaway winners:
Latinas Swatch
WINNER: SHAMIKAH MARTINEZ
'I Could Fall In Love With You' Selena/Pizza Shirt
WINNER: LINDA BOLLAND
$25
Personal Pen Pal
The art of letter writing is not dead, at least it wasn't for Nana!
You'll recieve a hand written postcard with a line of dialogue from the film, and a personal message from a member of our core creative team!
Plus:
- Social Media Shoutout
- First access to the film
$40
MEXICANA SOCKS & SIGNED SCRIPT
WE'VE RECIEVED AN AMAZING DONATION OF THESE SWEET MEXICANA THEMED SOCKS!
Claim your pair for a $40 contribution, and also recieved a signed copy of the POZOLE script.
Claimed: 5 of 6
$50
Secret Family Recipes
Mexican family recipes are a well-protected thing, passed down from generation to generation. We'll compile an amazing e-book of our team's family recipes for you to try at home.
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Personalized postcard
$100
Come to Our Quinceanera!
Our premiere screening will be QUINCEANERA THEMED!! Every party entry comes with a shot of tequila OR a margarita. And you'll be the very first to see the film.
If you aren't local to LA, we'll send you a secret link to the film! You can also tune in for a livestream of the big event!
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
$250
Branding/Marketing Package
Our writer/director is also incredible at helping actors or small businesses brand their content. For your donation, she'll give you the full treatment: a 3 hour photoshoot with video/photo content for your website. She will work closely with you to develop and hone in on your specific style and market.
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Sold Out!
$500
Dia de los Muertos in Style
We'll sneak your photo onto Nana's altar in the film. You'll live amongst the flowers forever, and we'll make sure to take a picture of exactly where you are so you can look for yourself in the film!
You'll even get your name in the credits!
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Become an Associate Producer
FOR A LIMITED TIME
Get a chance to be a part of the Pozole family by coming on board as an associate producer. The team of established artists we have assembled is incredible, and you will get to join them in the titles of the film as an official producer.
You will also be welcome on set where the magic happens (travel & airfare not included)!
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,500
One of a Kind
@dreams_incarnate
You'll get a one-of-a kind denim jacket hand-painted by our graphic designer. Alejandra Velasco is an incredible visual artist spearheading the #relaxitsonlyflesh movement. The best part of filmmaking is how it brings together artists of all mediums. You'll not only be supporting our film, but you'll be supporting the work of a much deserved Latina visual artist.
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
Executive Producer Credit
Telemundo, here you come!
You'll get all of the above perks, and an executive producer credit on the film which includes a (not so) free ticket to join us on set and see where the magic happens!! We'll also make sure you have 2 tickets for our festival premiere, wherever it may be (airfare not included).
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 2
-
Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Join Our Family
This is our dedication to ACCESSIBILITY for Latino stories. We want you to be part of our process, and celebrate our stories. In return, you'll see the film first!! Let's build a huge audience NOW, and show 'em that our stories matter.
(Same as the Classic Grito)
$25
Mexican Candy Giveaway
3 winners will be chosen for a care package of our favorite Mexican candies!
Previous giveaway winners:
Latinas Swatch
WINNER: SHAMIKAH MARTINEZ
'I Could Fall In Love With You' Selena/Pizza Shirt
WINNER: LINDA BOLLAND
$25
Personal Pen Pal
The art of letter writing is not dead, at least it wasn't for Nana!
You'll recieve a hand written postcard with a line of dialogue from the film, and a personal message from a member of our core creative team!
Plus:
- Social Media Shoutout
- First access to the film
$40
MEXICANA SOCKS & SIGNED SCRIPT
WE'VE RECIEVED AN AMAZING DONATION OF THESE SWEET MEXICANA THEMED SOCKS!
Claim your pair for a $40 contribution, and also recieved a signed copy of the POZOLE script.
Claimed: 5 of 6
$50
Secret Family Recipes
Mexican family recipes are a well-protected thing, passed down from generation to generation. We'll compile an amazing e-book of our team's family recipes for you to try at home.
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Personalized postcard
$100
Come to Our Quinceanera!
Our premiere screening will be QUINCEANERA THEMED!! Every party entry comes with a shot of tequila OR a margarita. And you'll be the very first to see the film.
If you aren't local to LA, we'll send you a secret link to the film! You can also tune in for a livestream of the big event!
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
$250
Branding/Marketing Package
Our writer/director is also incredible at helping actors or small businesses brand their content. For your donation, she'll give you the full treatment: a 3 hour photoshoot with video/photo content for your website. She will work closely with you to develop and hone in on your specific style and market.
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Sold Out!
$500
Dia de los Muertos in Style
We'll sneak your photo onto Nana's altar in the film. You'll live amongst the flowers forever, and we'll make sure to take a picture of exactly where you are so you can look for yourself in the film!
You'll even get your name in the credits!
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 10
$1,000
Become an Associate Producer
FOR A LIMITED TIME
Get a chance to be a part of the Pozole family by coming on board as an associate producer. The team of established artists we have assembled is incredible, and you will get to join them in the titles of the film as an official producer.
You will also be welcome on set where the magic happens (travel & airfare not included)!
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 1
$1,500
One of a Kind
@dreams_incarnate
You'll get a one-of-a kind denim jacket hand-painted by our graphic designer. Alejandra Velasco is an incredible visual artist spearheading the #relaxitsonlyflesh movement. The best part of filmmaking is how it brings together artists of all mediums. You'll not only be supporting our film, but you'll be supporting the work of a much deserved Latina visual artist.
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
Executive Producer Credit
Telemundo, here you come!
You'll get all of the above perks, and an executive producer credit on the film which includes a (not so) free ticket to join us on set and see where the magic happens!! We'll also make sure you have 2 tickets for our festival premiere, wherever it may be (airfare not included).
Plus:
- Social media shoutout
- First access to the film
- Pen pal
- Secret family recipes
- Quinceanara Invite
Claimed: 0 of 2
- Updates
-
Current Team
About This Team
We have an INCREDIBLE team put together. Female-lead, Latina-driven, and utterly powerful.
Jessica Mendez Siqueiros (Writer/Director) Jessica's Website
Jessica is an alumni of the LAByrinth Theatre Co. Ensemble Workshop, T. Schreiber Studio, and The Freeman Studio in NYC. Her work has been featured in the NY Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. Her films have shown at festivals around the country, most recently selected to be one of 19 films cultivated from over 1,400 to be showcased at the Tribeca Film Center by the prestigious Downtown Urban Arts Festival in May of 2018.
Lara Aqel (Cinematographer) Lara's Website
Lara Aqel has lived and shot on three continents. Worldwide, she has worked on commercials, short films, features, and doc-style projects. Lara draws inspiration from photojournalism because it’s about “that one shot that has to say it all.” She loves when location is a character and loves watching characters be true. Lara strives to create evocative and emotive imagery organically - cinematography that is borne out of character, story, subtext and genre. These days, Lara wants to be stretched and is thankful for the ambitious director’s creative challenge.
Gary Perez (Cast)
Gary is an Award-nominated, television, film and stage actor and is an original founder of the acclaimed LAByrinth Theater Company (originally Latino Actors Base) that he founded along with John Ortiz, Paul Calderon, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Along with a long list of theater credits he has worked with many top writers including Pulitzer Prize winners - John Patrick Shanley, Nilo Cruz, Lynn Nottage and Stephen Adly Guirgis. As well, he has worked with multiple award-winning directors Anna D. Shapiro, Tony Taccone, Brian Kulick and Jo Bonny at such theaters as Steppenwolf, Yale Rep, 2nd Stage, The McCarter, La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Rep, and The Joseph Papp, Public Theater. Gary was nominated for a JEFF Award for his portrayal of Cousin Julio, in Steppenwolf's historic first, all Latino cast of The Mother Fucker with the Hat - directed by Anna D. Shapiro, playing alongside the long-time friend, John Ortiz and Jimmy Smits.
This past summer of '17, Gary was a recurring as a Guest Star on The Last Ship. He's worked with Common on the Sundance-LAB film All About Nina, written and directed by Eva Vives. He did a supporting role in the film Love, starring Susan Sarandon & Boris McGiver, written and directed by the uber-talented James Gallagher. Recently, Gary joined the cast of Big Dogs with yet another Guest Star recurring role. You have also seen Gary as "Tony's Dad" - Arturo Padilla in the widely popular Netflix hit show 13 Reasons Why, where he worked with the Oscar-winning director, Tom McCarthy. He has Guest Starred on Homeland as Deputy Chief Jansen, Blue Bloods as Detective Dennis and was on the CW's hit Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Last year he joined Whoopi Goldberg in the ABC pilot Delores and Jermaine as a Series Regular where he got to use his comedic chops. Other television Guest Star roles include - Chicago PD, Madame Secretary, NCIS-Los Angeles, Person of Interest, The Closer, Awake, Prime Suspect, Lie to Me, The Unit, Numb3rs, Without a Trace, Law & Order, Third Watch, along with Guest Star Recurring roles on two HBO hits: OZ and The Sopranos and the NBC pilot Tin Man, directed by DJ Caruso.
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