Writer and Director, Krisstian de Lara, Producer, Victor Mares and Actor, Sebastian Tafoya get invited to Contacto Matutino on XHIJ Canal 44 to speak about the production of the independent feature film Rift City. The host of Contacto Matutino, Claudia Vega, starts off the interview by asking Krisstian what the project is about, “It’s an independent project that conveys a positive message to the entire border community, since the border is so unique.” He continues,

We must showcase this story that tells a lesson of hope, that people of Juarez are arduous workers and show the world Juarez is not what they think it is.
KRISSTIAN DE LARA

Claudia continues by asking if will be filmed in the city, in which Victor replies, “Yes, in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. We have been working on [this project] for two years.” Vega adds, “because filming a feature film is complex and costly.” Mares confirms, “It is costly, but it is incredibly satisfying. We have worked with a team that is very self grounded and a crew of almost 25 people.”

Vega continues by asking Sebastian what role he has in this movie, “This boy who goes by Chuy, who doesn’t have many economic resources, and basically values his relationships with his best friend, Doroteo, and his mother, Gloria the most… He is young and brave, but also not too smart when issues emerge…” Sebastian says. Vega reiterates, “So, you would say he doesn’t make good decisions.” Tafoya adds, “Yes, he’s a sixteen-year-old kid that gets carried away by his emotions.” Claudia jokes, “Well, at sixteen!” The four of them laugh. De Lara then continues by explaining the inciting incident that kicks off the story.

Vega concludes by wishing the team good luck and pointing out the talent and rigorous work from de Lara and Mares and their willingness to go far and certainly, not letting the lack of resources stop them from accomplish their goals.

Rift City tells the story of Oriana, a college student who travels to Juarez to make a documentary about Chuy, a teenager whose mother has gone missing. However, once she finds her whereabouts, Oriana struggles to come to terms with doing what’s best for her or Chuy.

The project will be filmed in the border community of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and is expected to be released in the United States and Mexico in 2020. 

Watch the full interview above.

For more information about Rift City, visit the official site here. In addition, follow behind the scenes photographs on Krisstian de Lara’s Instagram here.