The story

'Eres tú, papá?' ('Is that you, dad?') is a gripping psychological horror film set in Cuba. It tells the story of Liliana, a 15 year old girl, who has no choice but to move with her parents from the south-eastern province of Holguin to the capital Havana. Her parents are dreaming of a better life, following Liliana's father's promotion, but these dreams are shattered when he suddenly dies in a tragic incident. Missing her father, Liliana evokes his spirit using a black magic ritual but the spirit is evil and seeks to destroy what is left of the family. Liliana’s mother dismisses the visions as the result of her trauma. Will Liliana be able to convince her mother that the evil spirit is real or will she have to overcome this nightmare alone?

 

The film begins optimistically, shown by beautiful images of the Cuban countryside and Havana city landscape. From that feeling of wide open space, the story changes to a claustrophobic mood following the death of Liliana's father. The evil ghost, father of Liliana, is represented in human form, wearing blood stained clothes from the time of his death, giving a sense of magical realism. 

 

The visual style of the film will be similar to films such as 'The Orphanage' and 'The Others'. Muted tones will be used to create an atmosphere of fear. The second and third parts of the film take place predominantly indoors, drawing the audience more deeply into the horror that the family is experiencing. 

 

The audience will have the chance to experience the reality of current times in Cuba; working with the horror genre, we will be showing a Cuban family and Cuban life in a way that allows the audience to see the culture from a different perspective. This film will be not only the first psychological horror film to be made in Cuba but will also be a documentation that will keep alive forever this period in Cuba's history. 

 

Who we are

I’m the director, originally from Cuba but now based in Leeds, UK. I wrote a 25-page treatment, and now I am working with the writer, Alan Parkinson, to polish the screenplay so that it will stand out from the crowd. In Cuba, I will have an intensive period of rehearsal with the actors where they will develop and adapt the dialogue to ensure it is true to the Cuban culture.

My friends the Cuban producer Sandy Perez and the Cuban cinematographer Bilko Cuervo are part of our team in Cuba. When I met up with them in Cuba and presented the story to them, we felt connected straightaway and from there we decided to put this project together. Sandy is the producer of Lucy Mulloy’s ‘Una Noche’, which had its world premiere at the Berlinale 2012 and also is in the official selection at Tribeca Film Festival 2012. Bilko has a vast portfolio and brings with him a strong camera and lighting department. 

Rebecca Randell, co-director with me of AlmostFilm Productions, pitched the idea for the film at the ‘Pitch Factor 2011’ at Bradford International Film Festival, to a panel made up of Hugo Heppell (Screen Yorkshire), Alby James (EON Screenwriters' Workshop), Alex Usborne (Picture Palace North), and Chris Collins (BFI), and we got from them a brilliant response that reconfirmed the treasure that we have in our hands. In March 2012, IndieWire gave us a great opportunity to spread the word about our project when they selected 'Eres tu, papa?' as the Project of the Day. We received huge enthusiasm and support from so many people, in the UK and Europe and from Cubans who now live in the US (Miami and New York), Mexico and Canada.

 

What we need & what you get

We’re aiming to raise $30,000. This is the bare minimum we need to bring the film to life maintaining the production values that we want.

Please help us reach and exceed our goal! I promise you won’t regret being part of it!

In return for your contribution we’re offering exclusive ‘perks’ that will give you the opportunity to feel part of this project. And remember, however much you contribute, by doing this you are being a patron of the arts and when the film comes out you can tell people that you helped to make it happen.

 

Other ways you can help

We hope we have inspired you with our ambition, now we want you to spread it with us! Please:

• Like us and share the link on Facebook
• Tweet about our campaign
• Email the Indie GoGo link to your friends and family

If you sign up and log in, IndieGoGo automatically tracks your referrals and the number of people who contribute as a result of you sharing the link. We’ve added an extra perk which isn’t in the list here – the person who manages to have the most referral contributions (i.e. who manages to get the most people to contribute, regardless of how much they contribute) will receive all of the ‘arty friend’ perks.

 

You can contribute by debit or credit card or using PayPal. You will be charged in US dollars. The figures in brackets provide a rough equivalent in UK pounds.

Where can I learn more about the director?

Go to www.almostfilmpro.com/rudy-riveron-sanchez-rebecca-randell.html

What will the money be used for?

The money raised will pay for the production part of the film:

• Expenses for actors for a rehearsal period before shooting begins
• Expenses for main cast and extras
• Expenses for crew: Camera and lighting team, art department, costume design, sound recorder and production department, make up artist and assistants and runners. 
• Location costs, catering, transportation

'Eres tú, papá?' was written with a micro-budget in mind. It will be shot in a creative and resourceful manner, employing a small crew and putting extra emphasis on thorough preparation in advance of the shoot. We’re currently approaching companies for discounts and support ‘in kind’ so that we can make the best use of the money we raise.

What if you don’t reach your goal?

We will, even if not in the timeframe of this IndieGoGo campaign. ‘Eres tu, papa?’ will get made and you can help to make that happen.