it? Tell me about that.
Julio ENCRUCIJADA IS A STORY ABOUT FAITH AND GIVEN THE SPIRITUAL
TURMOIL THAT THE CHARACTER FINDS HIMSELF IN, IT ALLOWS FOR THE
DIALOGUE TO BE TRUE AND SINCERE TO THE VIEWER. ALTOGETHER IT
DELIVERS A POSITIVE AND POWERFUL MESSAGE IN THE END. MY
MOVIES ARE ALL ABOUT THE SCRIPT, CREATING AN INTRIGUING
STORYLINE WITH BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS AND FILLING IT WITH
MOMENTS THAT WILL REMAIN WITH THE VIEWER FOR A LONG TIME.
Armando| Now “Encrucijada” was filmed on location in Guatemala
City and you chose El Cemeterio General for one of the scenes. Where
were you taking the viewer when choosing these locations?
Julio| EL CEMENTERIO GENERAL IS A LANDMARK OF GUATEMALA SINCE
IT HAS BEEN THE RESTING PLACE OF A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE,
REGARDLESS OF RACE, CULTURAL BACKGROUND OR STATUS. I WANTED
A LOCATION THAT EVERYONE IN GUATEMALA COULD IDENTIFY WITH
SINCE I AIMED THE FILM AT THE POPULATION AT LARGE.
Armando| If you could describe your direction style, how would you
describe it?
Julio| I LOVE TO MAKE THE VIEWER FEEL LIKE THEY ARE A PART OF THE
FILM. IT IS A STYLE THAT BECOMES MORE ENGAGING SPECIALLY WHEN
THE LOCATIONS AND CHARACTERS ARE MINIMAL. USING A HANDHELD
METHOD OF SHOOTING AND A LESS THAN PERFECT FRAMING, THE
VIEWER IS TAKEN INTO A REALISTIC JOURNEY ALONGSIDE THE
CHARACTERS IN THE MOVIE.
Armando| What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Julio| NUTELLA.
Armando| How long have you been involved with Cine Latino
Americano Trieste, and how did you get started with them?
Julio ENCRUCIJADA IS A STORY ABOUT FAITH AND GIVEN THE SPIRITUAL
TURMOIL THAT THE CHARACTER FINDS HIMSELF IN, IT ALLOWS FOR THE
DIALOGUE TO BE TRUE AND SINCERE TO THE VIEWER. ALTOGETHER IT
DELIVERS A POSITIVE AND POWERFUL MESSAGE IN THE END. MY
MOVIES ARE ALL ABOUT THE SCRIPT, CREATING AN INTRIGUING
STORYLINE WITH BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS AND FILLING IT WITH
MOMENTS THAT WILL REMAIN WITH THE VIEWER FOR A LONG TIME.
Armando| Now “Encrucijada” was filmed on location in Guatemala
City and you chose El Cemeterio General for one of the scenes. Where
were you taking the viewer when choosing these locations?
Julio| EL CEMENTERIO GENERAL IS A LANDMARK OF GUATEMALA SINCE
IT HAS BEEN THE RESTING PLACE OF A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE,
REGARDLESS OF RACE, CULTURAL BACKGROUND OR STATUS. I WANTED
A LOCATION THAT EVERYONE IN GUATEMALA COULD IDENTIFY WITH
SINCE I AIMED THE FILM AT THE POPULATION AT LARGE.
Armando| If you could describe your direction style, how would you
describe it?
Julio| I LOVE TO MAKE THE VIEWER FEEL LIKE THEY ARE A PART OF THE
FILM. IT IS A STYLE THAT BECOMES MORE ENGAGING SPECIALLY WHEN
THE LOCATIONS AND CHARACTERS ARE MINIMAL. USING A HANDHELD
METHOD OF SHOOTING AND A LESS THAN PERFECT FRAMING, THE
VIEWER IS TAKEN INTO A REALISTIC JOURNEY ALONGSIDE THE
CHARACTERS IN THE MOVIE.
Armando| What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Julio| NUTELLA.
Armando| How long have you been involved with Cine Latino
Americano Trieste, and how did you get started with them?
www.ambiente.us FEBRUARY | FEBRERO 2010
Interview with director Julio Ponce Palmeiri
by Armando Diaz, Jr.
Centro-América ha sido el lugar de nacimiento de algunos de los
artistas, los poetas y civilizaciones más grandes del mundo. Este
hecho es a menudo olvidado, en medio de la nube de la agitación
política y violaciónes de derechos humanos, que parece que
afligen a la región. Sin embargo, para todo yin hay un yan. Mis
raíces siendo de Honduras, tuve el placer de entrevistar a un vecino
cultural.
Based in Toronto, the Guatemalan director Julio Ponce Palmeiri has an
incredible resume of films already under his belt. Simply labeling this man a
director would not be just, as his credits also include writer, producer, composer,
editor, and even actor.
Among the young director’s achievements and awards, was his win at the 2007
Queens Film Festival, where he walked away with the awards for “Filmmaker on
the Rise” as well as the Queen Spirit Award for “Best Feature Screenplay” for an
upcoming 2011 film, “The Hunchback”, which
he shared with Max Ryan. Julio already has
an impressive (13) films under his belt, (9) of
which he directed, (10) of which he
produced and (12) which he wrote. Among
these are my favorites which happen to be
Interview with director Julio Ponce Palmeiri
by Armando Diaz, Jr.
Centro-América ha sido el lugar de nacimiento de algunos de los
artistas, los poetas y civilizaciones más grandes del mundo. Este
hecho es a menudo olvidado, en medio de la nube de la agitación
política y violaciónes de derechos humanos, que parece que
afligen a la región. Sin embargo, para todo yin hay un yan. Mis
raíces siendo de Honduras, tuve el placer de entrevistar a un vecino
cultural.
Based in Toronto, the Guatemalan director Julio Ponce Palmeiri has an
incredible resume of films already under his belt. Simply labeling this man a
director would not be just, as his credits also include writer, producer, composer,
editor, and even actor.
Among the young director’s achievements and awards, was his win at the 2007
Queens Film Festival, where he walked away with the awards for “Filmmaker on
the Rise” as well as the Queen Spirit Award for “Best Feature Screenplay” for an
upcoming 2011 film, “The Hunchback”, which
he shared with Max Ryan. Julio already has
an impressive (13) films under his belt, (9) of
which he directed, (10) of which he
produced and (12) which he wrote. Among
these are my favorites which happen to be
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(2) of his latest productions, “Encrucijada” and “Rabid Rage”. I
caught up with Mr. Palmeiri who was happy to answer a few questions
for a readers and the world at large to get to know him and his works.
Armando| Julio so how are you feeling right now?
Julio| VERY EXCITED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAT
WITH YOU AND AMBIENTE MAGAZINE!
Armando| I think I mentioned we’re somewhat neighbors, your roots
being from Guatemala and mine in Honduras! It’s great to see a
Central American por aqui!
Julio| DEFINITELY APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND IT IS GREAT TO SHARE
MY THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES WITH A FELLOW CENTRAL AMERICAN.
Armando| How long have you lived in Toronto?
Julio| I MOVED TO TORONTO FROM GUATEMALA IN 1990 AND HAVE
BEEN LIVING HERE SINCE. (Armando) Do you love it? (Julio) TORONTO
IS A WONDERFUL MULTI-CULTURAL CITY THAT ALLOWS YOU TO
MAINTAIN YOUR ROOTS EVEN THOUGH YOU SHARE AN EVERYDAY LIFE
ALONGSIDE AN ENGLISH COMMUNITY. A CHINESE PERSON CAN
CONTINUE THEIR CHINESE TRADITIONS, AN ITALIAN CAN CONTINUE
BEING AN ITALIAN AND SO ON. IT IS GREAT TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO
HOLD ON TO MY CULTURAL IDENTITY.
Armando| So I was very taken with the underlying element of darkness
and faith in the film “Encrucijada”. How do you manage to
accommodate such incredible intensity into a mere, 15 minutes was
caught up with Mr. Palmeiri who was happy to answer a few questions
for a readers and the world at large to get to know him and his works.
Armando| Julio so how are you feeling right now?
Julio| VERY EXCITED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHAT
WITH YOU AND AMBIENTE MAGAZINE!
Armando| I think I mentioned we’re somewhat neighbors, your roots
being from Guatemala and mine in Honduras! It’s great to see a
Central American por aqui!
Julio| DEFINITELY APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT AND IT IS GREAT TO SHARE
MY THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES WITH A FELLOW CENTRAL AMERICAN.
Armando| How long have you lived in Toronto?
Julio| I MOVED TO TORONTO FROM GUATEMALA IN 1990 AND HAVE
BEEN LIVING HERE SINCE. (Armando) Do you love it? (Julio) TORONTO
IS A WONDERFUL MULTI-CULTURAL CITY THAT ALLOWS YOU TO
MAINTAIN YOUR ROOTS EVEN THOUGH YOU SHARE AN EVERYDAY LIFE
ALONGSIDE AN ENGLISH COMMUNITY. A CHINESE PERSON CAN
CONTINUE THEIR CHINESE TRADITIONS, AN ITALIAN CAN CONTINUE
BEING AN ITALIAN AND SO ON. IT IS GREAT TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO
HOLD ON TO MY CULTURAL IDENTITY.
Armando| So I was very taken with the underlying element of darkness
and faith in the film “Encrucijada”. How do you manage to
accommodate such incredible intensity into a mere, 15 minutes was
Julio| I AM NOT DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH THEM ALTHOUGH I AM
EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE SHOWCASE THAT I RECEIVED WITH THEM
THIS PAST NOVEMBER. BEING THE FIRST GUATEMALAN TO BE
SHOWCASED AT THE FESTIVAL IN ITS 24 YEARS WAS A GREAT HONOR,
SPECIALLY SINCE I PRESENTED EIGHT OF MY PRODUCTIONS WITH THEM. I
SIMPLY SUBMITTED SOME OF MY FILMS WITH THE FESTIVAL AND THE
DIRECTOR LOVED THEM SO MUCH THAT HE DECIDED TO INCLUDE ALL OF
THEM IN A SPECIAL SECTION TITLED "A GUATEMALAN IN CANADA". IT
WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
Armando| The film “Rabid Rage” has a bit more action to it, was this
more challenging?
Julio| "RABID RAGE" WAS MORE OF A COMMERCIAL MOVIE THAT WAS
GEARED MORE TO ENTERTAIN THE GENERAL PUBLIC. AND IT DID SO
GREATLY IN GUATEMALA WHERE IT RECEIVED A THEATRICAL RELEASE.
THE PROJECT WAS A LOT OF FUN TO DO SINCE MOST OF THE PEOPLE
INVOLVED WERE GOOD FRIENDS AND VERY WILLING TO MAKE THE FILM
A REALITY. ACTION IN ITSELF IS ALWAYS MORE CHALLENGING BECAUSE
IT REQUIRES A GREATER AMOUNT OF PREPARATION AND COVERAGE IN
ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY EDIT THE SCENES. BUT OVERALL, ANOTHER
GREAT HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER.
Armando| Rumor has it there’s a possible “Rabid Rage” sequel in the
future?
Julio| IF "RABID RAGE" BECOMES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DVD
MARKET AND IT SELLS WELL THEN A SEQUEL IS A DEFINITE MUST. THE
ORIGINAL STORY COMPLETELY LEFT IT OPEN FOR ANOTHER SEQUEL AND
IT EVEN LENDS ITSELF TO A PREQUEL IF NEEDED.
Armando| How do you manage to do all this with no budget?
Julio| MOST PEOPLE DON'T BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL THEM THAT I HAVE
NO MONEY TO PUT IN MY FILMS. I ACCOMPLISH THIS BY BEING THE
WRITER, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR AND EDITOR OF THE FILM. SOMETIMES I
EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THE SHOWCASE THAT I RECEIVED WITH THEM
THIS PAST NOVEMBER. BEING THE FIRST GUATEMALAN TO BE
SHOWCASED AT THE FESTIVAL IN ITS 24 YEARS WAS A GREAT HONOR,
SPECIALLY SINCE I PRESENTED EIGHT OF MY PRODUCTIONS WITH THEM. I
SIMPLY SUBMITTED SOME OF MY FILMS WITH THE FESTIVAL AND THE
DIRECTOR LOVED THEM SO MUCH THAT HE DECIDED TO INCLUDE ALL OF
THEM IN A SPECIAL SECTION TITLED "A GUATEMALAN IN CANADA". IT
WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE.
Armando| The film “Rabid Rage” has a bit more action to it, was this
more challenging?
Julio| "RABID RAGE" WAS MORE OF A COMMERCIAL MOVIE THAT WAS
GEARED MORE TO ENTERTAIN THE GENERAL PUBLIC. AND IT DID SO
GREATLY IN GUATEMALA WHERE IT RECEIVED A THEATRICAL RELEASE.
THE PROJECT WAS A LOT OF FUN TO DO SINCE MOST OF THE PEOPLE
INVOLVED WERE GOOD FRIENDS AND VERY WILLING TO MAKE THE FILM
A REALITY. ACTION IN ITSELF IS ALWAYS MORE CHALLENGING BECAUSE
IT REQUIRES A GREATER AMOUNT OF PREPARATION AND COVERAGE IN
ORDER TO SUCCESSFULLY EDIT THE SCENES. BUT OVERALL, ANOTHER
GREAT HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER.
Armando| Rumor has it there’s a possible “Rabid Rage” sequel in the
future?
Julio| IF "RABID RAGE" BECOMES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DVD
MARKET AND IT SELLS WELL THEN A SEQUEL IS A DEFINITE MUST. THE
ORIGINAL STORY COMPLETELY LEFT IT OPEN FOR ANOTHER SEQUEL AND
IT EVEN LENDS ITSELF TO A PREQUEL IF NEEDED.
Armando| How do you manage to do all this with no budget?
Julio| MOST PEOPLE DON'T BELIEVE ME WHEN I TELL THEM THAT I HAVE
NO MONEY TO PUT IN MY FILMS. I ACCOMPLISH THIS BY BEING THE
WRITER, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR AND EDITOR OF THE FILM. SOMETIMES I
| . |
EVEN DO THE CAMERA WORK AND THAT AMOUNTS TO ABOUT 80% OF
THE WORK. THE REST OF THE PROJECT COMES FROM THE TALENTED
ACTORS THAT BELIEVE IN WHAT I'M DOING AND WANT TO BE A PART OF
A GOOD FILM. I OFTEN WORK WITH ANOTHER PRODUCER, SPECIALLY
ON FEATURE FILMS AND MOST OF THE TIME IT HAPPENS TO BE A CLOSE
FRIEND OF MINE SO THE "WORK" BECOMES FUN.
Armando| I can only imagine what you COULD do WITH a Hollywood
budget. With that in mind what would you like Hollywood to know
about director Julio Ponce Palmieri?
Julio| THAT I HAVE PROVEN MYSELF AT EVERY LEVEL. I TOOK A 400
DOLLAR MOVIE THEATRICAL AND SEVEN OF MY SHORT FILMS HAVE
WORLD WIDE DISTRIBUTION. AND I HAVE DONE ALL OF THIS IN FIVE
SHORT YEARS. THE TALENT, DISCIPLINE AND DESIRE ARE ALL THERE
ALREADY AND I AM ONLY GETTING BETTER. GREAT IDEAS ARE
SWIMMING IN MY HEAD BUT THEY REQUIRE A BUDGET WITH
HOLLYWOOD BACKING.
Armando| Julio what’s your favorite song you’re listening to these days?
Julio| OFTEN I FIND MYSELF LISTENING TO LUCIANO PAVAROTTI'S
VERSION OF "CARUSO", A BEAUTIFUL LOVE SONG SUNG BY AN
AMAZING VOICE.
Armando| Is a soundtrack an integral part of your inspiration and of the
films you direct?
Julio| I DO LOVE A COUPLE OF SONGS WITH AWESOME LYRICS THAT
ALWAYS INSPIRE ME TO MAKE FILMS. BUT SECURING THE RIGHTS CAN BE
QUITE EXPENSIVE AND AS YOU ALREADY KNOW MY BUDGET IS NON-
EXISTENT AT THE MOMENT.
Armando| Do you attend the film festivals, the ones in Europe as well as
the ones here?
THE WORK. THE REST OF THE PROJECT COMES FROM THE TALENTED
ACTORS THAT BELIEVE IN WHAT I'M DOING AND WANT TO BE A PART OF
A GOOD FILM. I OFTEN WORK WITH ANOTHER PRODUCER, SPECIALLY
ON FEATURE FILMS AND MOST OF THE TIME IT HAPPENS TO BE A CLOSE
FRIEND OF MINE SO THE "WORK" BECOMES FUN.
Armando| I can only imagine what you COULD do WITH a Hollywood
budget. With that in mind what would you like Hollywood to know
about director Julio Ponce Palmieri?
Julio| THAT I HAVE PROVEN MYSELF AT EVERY LEVEL. I TOOK A 400
DOLLAR MOVIE THEATRICAL AND SEVEN OF MY SHORT FILMS HAVE
WORLD WIDE DISTRIBUTION. AND I HAVE DONE ALL OF THIS IN FIVE
SHORT YEARS. THE TALENT, DISCIPLINE AND DESIRE ARE ALL THERE
ALREADY AND I AM ONLY GETTING BETTER. GREAT IDEAS ARE
SWIMMING IN MY HEAD BUT THEY REQUIRE A BUDGET WITH
HOLLYWOOD BACKING.
Armando| Julio what’s your favorite song you’re listening to these days?
Julio| OFTEN I FIND MYSELF LISTENING TO LUCIANO PAVAROTTI'S
VERSION OF "CARUSO", A BEAUTIFUL LOVE SONG SUNG BY AN
AMAZING VOICE.
Armando| Is a soundtrack an integral part of your inspiration and of the
films you direct?
Julio| I DO LOVE A COUPLE OF SONGS WITH AWESOME LYRICS THAT
ALWAYS INSPIRE ME TO MAKE FILMS. BUT SECURING THE RIGHTS CAN BE
QUITE EXPENSIVE AND AS YOU ALREADY KNOW MY BUDGET IS NON-
EXISTENT AT THE MOMENT.
Armando| Do you attend the film festivals, the ones in Europe as well as
the ones here?
| . |
Julio| BEING IN TORONTO I OFTEN ATTEND THE TORONTO INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL AS WELL AS THE CFC SHORT FILM FESTIVAL. I LOVE
GOING TO NEW YORK AND HAVE ATTENDED MANY FESTIVALS THERE AS
WELL. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TO FILM FESTIVALS IN LOS ANGELES BUT DON'T
GET THERE AS MUCH SINCE IT IS ALMOST THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MAP.
Armando| Are there any upcoming festivals we should be aware of?
Julio| MY INTENTION IS TO BEGIN PUSHING MY FEATURE FILM TITLED
"GAME OVER" IN SOME FILM FESTIVALS IN NORTH AMERICA. I HAVEN'T
DECIDED WHERE TO SUBMIT YET SINCE I AM ALSO IN TALKS FOR A
THEATRICAL RELEASE IN GUATEMALA. NOTHING HAS BEEN SECURED YET
AS OF TODAY.
Armando| What can we expect from Julio Ponce Palmieri in the next
couple of years?
Julio| MY INTENTION IS TO MAKE THREE FEATURE FILMS IN THE NEXT TWO
YEARS. I HAVE TWO ENGLISH SPEAKING PROJECTS TITLED "HOST" AND
"ANATOMY OF A KIDNAPPING" AND ONE SPANISH PROJECT THAT I'D LIKE
TO FILM IN GUATEMALA TITLED "LEYENDA". I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE MOVIES WITH A HOLLYWOOD BUDGET BUT I
WON'T LET THAT HOLD ME BACK SINCE I WILL CONTINUE MAKING
MOVIES NO MATTER WHAT STANDS IN MY WAY.
FILM FESTIVAL AS WELL AS THE CFC SHORT FILM FESTIVAL. I LOVE
GOING TO NEW YORK AND HAVE ATTENDED MANY FESTIVALS THERE AS
WELL. I HAVE ALSO BEEN TO FILM FESTIVALS IN LOS ANGELES BUT DON'T
GET THERE AS MUCH SINCE IT IS ALMOST THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MAP.
Armando| Are there any upcoming festivals we should be aware of?
Julio| MY INTENTION IS TO BEGIN PUSHING MY FEATURE FILM TITLED
"GAME OVER" IN SOME FILM FESTIVALS IN NORTH AMERICA. I HAVEN'T
DECIDED WHERE TO SUBMIT YET SINCE I AM ALSO IN TALKS FOR A
THEATRICAL RELEASE IN GUATEMALA. NOTHING HAS BEEN SECURED YET
AS OF TODAY.
Armando| What can we expect from Julio Ponce Palmieri in the next
couple of years?
Julio| MY INTENTION IS TO MAKE THREE FEATURE FILMS IN THE NEXT TWO
YEARS. I HAVE TWO ENGLISH SPEAKING PROJECTS TITLED "HOST" AND
"ANATOMY OF A KIDNAPPING" AND ONE SPANISH PROJECT THAT I'D LIKE
TO FILM IN GUATEMALA TITLED "LEYENDA". I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THE MOVIES WITH A HOLLYWOOD BUDGET BUT I
WON'T LET THAT HOLD ME BACK SINCE I WILL CONTINUE MAKING
MOVIES NO MATTER WHAT STANDS IN MY WAY.
| . |
For more information on the innovative young director and his work
visit : http://www.myspace.com/julioponcepalmieri
and http://www.youtube.com/MrQuetzal
Queens International Films Festival
(http://www.queensfilmfestival.com/)
Max Ryan (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1043075/)
Cine Latino Americano Trieste
http://www.cinelatinotrieste.org/fest2009/
CLICK HERE for more Armando Diaz, Jr.
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