ENTRE Documentary Intensive: A Celebration of Local Storytelling
At the heart of McAllen, Texas, a vibrant event unfolded at Common Space, drawing a packed crowd eager to witness the premiere of four compelling documentaries. This significant moment spotlighted the talent of first-time filmmakers hailing from the Rio Grande Valley, culminating from an engaging eight-week documentary intensive organized by the ENTRE Film Center.
Building a Creative Community
The bustling venue offered an air of excitement, as co-founders Andres Sanchez and C. Diaz worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure all technical challenges were resolved, preparing to deliver an unforgettable screening experience. Combining their passion for local cinema, Sanchez and Diaz have dedicated themselves to fostering the creation, exhibition, and preservation of community-made films.
Roots in a Creative Landscape
Sanchez’s journey began in 2011 with his band, Jungle Bodies, which opened for notable artists at local venues. This experience ignited a passion for creative collaboration and community engagement in the arts within his hometown. Over the years, he developed a robust connection with the local artists by managing influential platforms such as a popular blog and a publishing company called Universal Punk that showcased regional talent.
On a parallel track, Diaz honed his skills in film editing after studying Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas at Austin. His pivotal moment came from attending a workshop at Mono No Aware, which led him to explore analog filmmaking. His experiences included notable projects like Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women and Beyoncé’s Lemonade, contributing to a professional trajectory that would bring him back to McAllen.
Bridging Connections
The journeys of Sanchez and Diaz converged in 2017, during Diaz’s production of a feature film set in the Rio Grande Valley. Their collaboration sparked discussions about revitalizing the South Texas film community, setting the stage for the formation of ENTRE.
Launching ENTRE with Community Support
A pivotal moment came when Natalia Rocafuerte invited Sanchez and Diaz to help curate the Miraaa Media Fest, a media festival that connected over 25 regional artists across various art forms. This festival, funded by the NALAC Arts Border Narrative Grant, highlighted the cultural richness of South Texas and laid the groundwork for establishing a permanent film center dedicated to encouraging creative collaboration.
By 2021, ENTRE secured crucial funding from the Interchange Artist Grant program, allowing them to create a support space that hosts workshops, film screenings, and community events, furthering their mission of nurturing local filmmakers.
The Documentary Intensive Experience
As the opening credits rolled at the documentary premiere, each filmmaker reflected on the invaluable support and resources provided during the intensive. ENTRE equipped participants with essential equipment—cameras, microphones, and editing software—while also offering constant guidance and inspiration from Sanchez and Diaz.
Diverse Voices Explored
Throughout the intensive, filmmakers explored an array of topics, from sustainability practices in local culture to highlighting the importance of community nature centers. For instance, Abigail Vela’s project focused on environmentally friendly living, acknowledging the underrepresentation of marginalized voices in sustainability discussions.
The Premiere Night
The atmosphere at Common Space was electric. Attendees, including supportive friends and family, eagerly awaited the screening as Sanchez welcomed everyone. Following the heartfelt presentations, Diaz and Sanchez joined filmmakers for a Q&A session, illustrating the deep community engagement nurtured through ENTRE. As a young attendee expressed her emotional journey throughout the films, it was evident the program had ignited a passion for storytelling ripe for future iterations.
Continuing the Journey
The films produced during the ENTRE documentary intensive can be viewed here. To stay updated on ENTRE’s upcoming events and workshops, visit their official website at entrefilmcenter.org. Through their steadfast commitment, Sanchez and Diaz are carving a brighter future for the film landscape in South Texas, enriching the cultural fabric of the community.
