CINEVELIZ.COM

OUR WEBSITE IS UP NOW

2008-05-08T11:26:00.001-05:00

Just in case you didn't know..our website is up now and we will no longer be using blogger. Visit us at www.cineveliz.com

DOUBLE DAGGER POSTER

2008-04-02T17:07:00.001-05:00

DOUBLE DAGGER POSTER
Originally uploaded by cineveliz

Attention everybody!!! The premiere for Double Dagger will be on June 21st so please save the date. The premiere will be at the Santikos Palladium Theaters at the RIM near 1604 and i10. Doors open at 7:00PM and the films promptly starts at 8:00PM. Please come and join us for this super exciting event that will shake the town's film industry. - Pablo

DANNY TREJO AT THE CINEVELIZ SET

2008-03-13T10:15:00.007-05:00

Mr. Danny Trejo stars in the new CINEVELIZ feature film "The Boys of Ghost Town". Trejo plays the Character of XAVIER in the film written by Manuel Garcia and Directed by Pablo Veliz. The film is being shot in San Antonio and in Houston and is to be released in the late fall of 08. The film also stars Marian Zapico, Spirit Award nominee Pedro Castañeda, Mr. corando Martinez and the witter himself.

CLEMENTE DVD RELEASE

2008-02-21T13:10:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to all the cast and crew of Clemente. The film is now available on DVD throughout the United States. Here are some links were you can find the film...

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8672135&st=clemente&type=product&id=1801329 (.com)

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcat17006&type=page&_requestid=72782 (in San Antonio Stores!)

http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Clemente/70086345?lnkctr=srchrd-sr&strkid=2011658215_0_0

http://www.blockbuster.com/catalog/movieDetails/388613 (Online Rental)

http://www.blockbuster.com/stores/storelocator/findStoresWithTitleAvailability (in San Antonio)

ALAMO NIGHT LIGHTS

2008-02-13T11:10:00.002-06:00

This last weekend, the Wenk Crew and the CINEVELIZ Crew got together to producer our dear friend Chris Wenk's short film, "Alamo Light Nights". The film was shot at Pipe Creek, Texas, and is a clever and witty comedy about three young men out on a beer run. Here is a small vlog (video log) about the weekend. By the way, we will be posting weekly vlogs to keep you updated with the latest and coolest adventures in the film industry.

CLEMENTE TO BE RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 19

2008-02-06T14:10:00.001-06:00

CLEMENTE POSTER
Originally uploaded by cineveliz

The much awaited release of the film Clemente is here. On February 19th, the movie will be for sale and rent at any video store and on Television pay-per-view. Adelante Magazine reviewed the film as a man crosses the Rio Grande in hopes of starting a new life in America. When an unexpected raid separates him from his family, Clemente is forced to make the grueling passage back. His harrowing journey back to his new home vividly illustrates the dangers and motivations involved for many people who brave this resolve-testing odyssey. On DVD February 19.

HOME MEDIA MAGAZINE wrote an article that can be viewed here.

Congratulations to all cast and crew...

DOUBLE DAGGER IN POST PRODUCTION

2008-02-06T11:40:00.001-06:00

DOUBLE DAGGER POSTER
Originally uploaded by cineveliz

Filming for Double Dagger has been completed and is currently in post production. As the film is undergoing the online edit process in Los Angeles, we continue with our next film takes place in Houston, "The Boys of Ghost Town" written by Manuel Garcia.

Double Dagger is CINEVELIZ's 4th film to date. The film was shot in Los Angeles and in San Antonio. Directed by Pablo Veliz and starring Sandra Echeverria , Gerardo Valdivia, Manuel Garcia and Jason Cox. Assistant Directors Dago Patlan and Victor Agustin, Wardrobe by Rachel Haley.

SYNOPSIS OF THE FILM.
Alvaro (Gerardo Valdivia) is the owner of what used to be the most prominent jewelry store in Los Angeles. Now, he faces bankruptcy and the loss of an empire that took him years to build. In the past, he was Peru's infamous thief and now he is planning the biggest heist of his life, on his own store.

Click Below to watch the trailer...

And check out the making of the film below...

7 KILOS RELEASED TODAY ON DVD

2007-10-16T23:54:00.001-05:00

7kilosposter
Originally uploaded by cineveliz

Hello everyone, my website has been down and for that I apologize. Today is the release of our third film 7 KILOS nation wide at every Blockbuster Video and will hit the video market at every video store in that nation this Thursday. Thank you all for your encouraging support and continued friendship along this road.

Currently, I am in Los Angeles editing our latest project, DOUBLE DAGGER. The film is set in LA and is about a diamond heist. I will keep you updated in the following days as I continue to update and revise this blog. I estimate that I will have the film's first cut in the next three weeks. Then, back to Texas to finish up with some pick ups. See you then. - Pablo

7 KILOS TRAILER

2007-08-17T18:29:00.001-05:00

7 KILOS is the story of street savvy Camilla (Brenda Estrella Rojas), a Latina who’s life is dramatically changed when she is the only survivor in a brutal gang hit that accidentally leaves her with 2.5 Million dollars from a drug deal gone bad. She is now on the run to Mexico with her fortune but not before encountering unforeseen obstacles and difficulty. Her only way out is with the help of Cain (Cliff Weeks), a cowboy who knows the back ways and trails to Mexico. Camilla will try to use him as she begins her journey to her new life.

7 KILOS TO BE RELEASED OCTOBER 18 2007

2007-06-17T00:44:00.001-05:00

Tentative artwork.

2007-03-23T23:07:00.000-05:00

The Third CINEVELIZ production currently entitled "7 KILOS" will wrap this week and begin the editing process the following week. This movie was shot using the F900, A top of the line high Definition Camera, and will be out on DVD and video in about 6 months. It is very exciting to continue to work and to grow, especially when undertaking new and challenging technology.
Here are some production photos.We will start our fourth production this late summer and will hold auditions at the beginning of the summer here in Texas and in Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more information.

SUNDANCE 07 PICS

2007-01-29T12:20:00.000-06:00

Here are some more pictures from the Sundace 07 film festival. This picture is of Pablo, Jorge, and Markus Redmond , writer and director of If I had Know I Was a Genuis. The movie is about a teenager with a high I.Q. who decides to become an actor. When his TV show gets cancelled, he is faced with a difficult career choice. Also starring Tara Reid and Whoopi Goldberg.

SUNDANCE 07

2007-01-25T02:40:00.000-06:00

After participating at the first Sol Dance film festival, near Park City, with their film Clemente, Pablo, Drew and Jorge head to the Sundance Film Festival, 07. This is the First time that Jorge attends the prestigious festival. This year's festival is as magical and extraordinary as ever, harboring the best of independent film making in the world.

Happy New Year

2007-01-16T11:20:00.000-06:00

Cineveliz wishes you and yours a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

SCREENING OF CLEMENTE AT THE INSTITUTO DE MEXICO

2006-11-13T00:10:00.000-06:00

instituto-screening
Originally uploaded by cineveliz.

The Screening at the Instituto de Mexico was a huge success. The audience was great as they were engaged by the film’s graceful and tragic moments. If you have any comments about the film, please feel free to click on the comment button below and post your thoughts. We will have one more screening on Thursday November 16, 2006 from 7:00 to 10:00pm at The Buena Vista Theatre (BV 1.326)at the UTSA Downtown Campus501 W. Durango BlvdSan Antonio, TX 78207.

HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS

2006-11-10T23:42:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Jon and I (Pablo) were walking around Hollywood Blv. when we saw Snoop Dog's new music video "Candy" being filmed. See picture below. And today, we went to the screenign of Babel at the Archlight Theater where director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarítu was present. Don't forget about our upcoming screening this Sunday, for more information click here.

Snoop Dog's new music video being filmed at Hollywood Blv.

Iñarítu at the Archlight.

LA TRAGEDIA REVIEWED BY BOXOFFICE

2006-11-09T01:59:00.000-06:00

Inspired by a real incident in which 19 illegal immigrants died a similar death, "La Tragedia de Macario" takes one of the great issues of our time and makes it human in scale. The suffocation scene is surely one of the most terrifying sequences that will appear in any movie shown this year. - Ray Greene -- Boxoffice.com

Watch the Video

PABLO IN HOLLYWOOD

2006-11-08T17:38:00.000-06:00

PABLO IN HOLLYWOOD
Originally uploaded by cineveliz.

This is Drew and I at the American Film Market. Yesterday, I began negotiations for a multi picture deal. This would have CINEVELIZ create several pictures in the coming 2007 year. Please stay tuned for the upcoming production in just a few weeks to be shot in San Antonio and Los Angeles. The picture remains untitled and the story classified for now. Casting for the picture begins December.

JOSÉ JOSÉ

2006-11-08T16:18:00.001-06:00

José José returns to Los Angeles to receive an award and took some time to relax and look at the cover of Estrenos Magazine where La Tragedia de Macario is featured. La Tragedia de Macario was at this years AFM (American Film Market). Don't forget the upcoming screening of our second feature, listings are below.

PABLO AND DREW AT THE AMERICAN FILM MARKET

2006-11-07T13:49:00.000-06:00

Drew and I have been meeting with some producers regarding our plans for the film future of San Antonio. As you can see by the pictures, we are working really hard. We also had dinner with Ron Colby, producer of Some kind of Wonderful (1987), and Material Girls (2006) with Hillary Duff.

CANARY ISLANDS FILM EXHIBIT

2006-11-05T13:23:00.000-06:00

Pablo and CINEVELIZ crew attended the Canary Islands film showcase at the Instituto de Mexico and got to meet the Producers and Directors. Pablo’s favorite film at the festival was La Hora Fria (Cold Hour) directed by Elio Quiroga. The film is a Scifi mystery. This even showcased an array of films from the Canary Islands as part of the Sister City cultural exchange initiative celebrating the 275th anniversary of the city.

UPCOMING SCREENINGS OF CLEMENTE

2006-11-02T18:44:00.000-06:00

Additional screenings for "CLEMENTE"

For those of you that were unable to attend the premier of our second feature film "CLEMENTE" and have asked about additional screenings, we will be having 2 screenings in November as of now. However, there is a possiblity for more and I will post that information if and when it becomes available.

The first screening will be held on November 12, 2006 at Instituto de Mexico en San Antonio from 4:00PM-6:00PM.600 Hemis Fair PlazaSan Antonio, TX 78205Phone: 210-227-0123 There will be a reception w/food and drinks following the screening.

The second screening will he held on Thursday November 16, 2006 from 7:00 to 10:00pm at The Buena Vista Theatre (BV 1.326)at the UTSA Downtown Campus501 W. Durango BlvdSan Antonio, TX 78207 Phone: (210) 458-2700Also be sure to view our website WWW.CINEVELIZ.COM for details.

Thank you for your support and interest in our projects and we look forward to seeing you there!

Clemente, the new film by Pablo Veliz that follows the saga of the immigrant struggle will screen again...

INSTITUTO DE MEXICO
November 12 at 4:00OPM
600 Hemis Fair Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
Reception will follow screening and admission is free.

and...

UTSA DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
The Buena Vista Theatre (BV 1.326) at the Downtown Campus on Thursday November 16, 2006 at 7:00 PM. Admission is free.
Pablo Veliz's latest film, CLEMENTE, screened October 7th at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium, to more than 1200 people. Here are links to the reviews.

The Paisano - Bart Taylor 10.0.06 "Veliz screens newest immigration drama"

The SA Current - Brian Villalobos 10.10.06 "Immigrant Song"

San Antonio Express-News - Rudy Arispe 10.12.06 "Second Feature"

SA Express-News - Rudy Arispe 10.12.06 "Véliz's latest release another worthy effort"

Sa Express-News - Andy Gately 10.10.06 "Immigrant struggle shown in 'Clemente'"

CINE FESTIVAL

2006-11-02T16:21:00.000-06:00

We attended this years Cine Festival and got to meet a great director, Fernando Kalife. His film, 7 DAYS, is one of my favorite films ever at Cine Festival. We also got a Chance to meet the lead actor, Eduardo, who did an extraodinary job in hos role of "Claudio". Below is a picture of Pablo and Ana with Carlos Gallardo, the star of El Mariachi.

CLEMENTE PREMIERES TO AUDIENCE OF 1200

2006-10-15T19:58:00.000-05:00

Last week, on October the 7th, our second film CLEMENTE premiered to am audience of 1200 people and since has received three excellent reviews.
I am now on my break as I prepare for my trip to LA to negotiate distribution and to engage what we call project the "El Cinco".
We Also engaged the 48 Hour Film Project, this year set at Enchanted Springs Ranch.

Below is a Review from the current.
Well, I don’t feel quite so bad for Macario anymore. (That, or I feel worse. I’m not quite sure which.)

Thing is, even if the protagonist of twentysomething San Antonio filmmaker (and recent UTSA graduate) Pablo Véliz’s debut La Tragedia de Macario had successfully made it across the Texas-Mexico border and secured a job stateside, a glance at Véliz’s second feature, Clemente, suggests that his troubles certainly wouldn’t have ended there.

Indeed, Clemente picks up where Macario would presumably have liked to have left off: Mexican immigrant Clemente (Jorge Jimenez) lives and works in San Antonio, on his way to earning American citizenship. He works steadily as a mechanic, wrestles lucha-libre style on the weekends, and dotes on his family, particularly on 9-ish, chirpy, adoring daughter Dalia (Mariana Wachter). Sure, things aren’t perfect. Clemente’s supercilious mother-in-law (and much of the post-pubescent female contingent of wife Lorena’s family, incidentally) thinks he’s a bum — a perception he’s unable to shrug off entirely. His legal status is uncertain, and apparently stalled; the lawyer overseeing his case is remarkably uninterested in helping. Lorena, bombarded persistently with nagging, motherly admonishments, has begun to wonder whether Clemente only married her in order to fast-track his citizenship. Regardless, the days seem more or less manageable, and the family treads water reasonably happily — until INS agents raid the auto shop, capture Clemente, and deport him to Mexico. Clem must then somehow find his way back across the border and home; his family, low on money and short on prospects, must try, meantime, to survive without him.

Clemente certainly has its problems. Like Macario, it tends frequently to fall back on extended handheld shots, which don’t always seem justified, and serve occasionally to compromise moments. A handful of jerky crane shots are likewise distracting. There are a few choice sequences (one of them is breathtakingly spectacular), but camerawork generally isn’t the film’s strongest point. Acting and script also periodically suffer — somewhat mightily, in some points — but Clemente’s saving graces are its story and its heart, the latter provided by a believable, enduringly winsome father-daughter rapport between Jimenez and Wachter.

As Clemente, Jimenez never falters: there isn’t a moment in which you catch him acting. His performance is natural and effortless, but switches on the intensity/charm when needed. Wachter, a first-time actress, has a bit of difficulty in one or two instances, but otherwise seems as comfortable as Jimenez — she brings a light, unselfconscious presence to the proceedings, and it’s generally an enlivening treat when she’s onscreen.

There are considerable and maddening snags in Clemente. By the final act, however, they have either ceased altogether or ceased to be perceptible, and there is nothing but the absorbing, emotionally resonant story of a man’s journey back to his family. At film’s end, when you’re hit with the big guns — swelling score, the aforementioned stunning visuals, and a judicious poignant kick — go ahead, get a little misty. You’ve earned it. And so, despite its blemishes, has Clemente.

Clemente

2006-10-01T23:41:00.000-05:00

Clemente Trailer

Synopsis

Pablo Véliz, director of the 2006 official Sundance selection, “La Tragedia de Macario,” creates his second feature film, Clemente, in honor of the continuous immigrant struggle in America. Clemente an immigrant from Mexico, lives with his wife Lorena and daughter Dalia in San Antonio, Texas where he works as a mechanic, and as a luchador on the weekends. Lorena, an American from a Mexican family understands the complexities of her husband’s legal status and tries to assist him in getting his green card. She visits her lawyer to see what progress has been made on her husband’s case, only to find that his story is one among many and that it takes years to receive legal status. Clemente, a loving father and husband, struggles to keep his family united amidst poverty and the ever-present immigrant oppression they face daily. Despite all of his efforts, misfortune arrives when Clemente is deported, breaking up his family and launching him in a journey back home that challenges his life and faith.

Clemente is based on the real-life story of a Mexican immigrant family struggling to survive in the United States. In the film, Véliz illustrates the harsh reality that many immigrant families face while trying to stay united amidst their illegal status, and with the constant threat of deportation. “With the recent immigration debate, and the deportation raids occurring across the nation, this film shows the struggle that immigrant families living in the United States face on daily basis,” says Véliz. Véliz’s first film, La Tragedia de Macario, won numerous awards including selection into the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, the 2006 Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the 2006 South by Southwest Film Festival. La Tragedia de Macario was based on the worst immigrant tragedy in the history of America where 19 immigrants died of asphyxiation, dehydration and heat exposure inside of a locked, double-insulated trailer truck while trying to cross the U.S.-Mexican border. For additional information about the upcoming film along with interview requests, please contact Giovanna Colson-Basurto at 210.267.7732 or email at giovanna@cineveliz.com. CINEVELIZ, INC. is a production company based in San Antonio. Comprised by a group of filmmakers CINEVELIZ’s goals are to create inspiring films. Executive Director, Pablo Véliz established the company in 2005 and since then has produced one feature film, and is currently producing his next.

Clemente Begins

2006-06-23T13:10:00.000-05:00

This past Wednesday, June 21, we started production on our film Clemente~la lucha-the struggle. With the help of Drew Mayer-Oakes and Janet Vasquez at the San Antonio Film Commission we have been able to shoot at all of our desired locations throughout San Antonio.
Stay posted for more updates about Clemente .

La Tragedia Screens Again in Austin

2006-04-11T17:20:00.000-05:00

"La Tragedia de Macario" will screen next week in Austin. Details below:

Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 p.m.
Third Coast Film Night at the Alamo Drafthouse,

I will be on hand for Q&A along with Austin filmmaker Sylvia Romo.

Location: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema downtown, 4th and Colorado.
Tickets - $6.50 general / $5 student, senior - are available at the event or online at http://www.drafthouse.com.

Rockin with Metallica

2006-01-26T13:27:00.000-06:00

Had a moment to relax, so I thought I would check out Metallic here at Sundance. Of course I had to sneak in the back, but $20 bill got us all in. Crammed but fun. More later....

La Tragedia Acquired by Arrival Pictures for US Theatrical

2006-01-24T19:31:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 23, 2006

2006 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL SPECTRUM FILM "LA TRAGEDIA DE MACARIO" ACQUIRED
FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE

Park City, UT - January 23, 2006 -- Today at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, "LA TRAGEDIA DE MACARIO" a narrative film by twenty-three year old first-time filmmaker Pablo Veliz was acquired by Arrival Pictures for domestic theatrical release.

Arrival Pictures, coming fresh off the success of "THE KEEPER: THE LEGEND OF OMAR KHAYYAM" and producer's representatives Strategic Film Partners closed the deal two days after the world premiere of the film.

Negotiations between Arrival Pictures president Charles Acosta and Strategic Film Partners principals Alex Barder and Lawrence Silverstein went through the night and closed early Monday morning.

The picture premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and has received a great deal of attention due to its compelling narrative storytelling which tackles the controversial and topical subject matter of immigration.

Set against the backdrop of what many consider to be the worst immigrant tragedy in American history, the film explores the complexities of the immigrant's struggles, triumphs, loves and spirit with moving results.

The story is very personal to Veliz, who himself emigrated across the Mexican-U.S. border, and incorporates Veliz's own true life struggles in the film.

"The filmmakers are very excited to have their film released through Arrival Pictures," noted Strategic partner Barder, "Arrival Pictures has made a place for themselves as a preeminent distributor of specialty films with a broad appeal and will do a tremendous job with this remarkable picture."

"La Tragedia de Macario is a compelling and politically controversial film with a powerful message which needs to be heard," said Arrival Pictures president Acosta. Along with Arrival Pictures marketing director Lori Madrid, Acosta is currently targeting a late spring theatrical release.

For more information on the film go to http://www.LaTragedia.com

For more information on Arrival Pictures go to http://www.ArrivalPictures.com

For more information on Strategic Film Partners go to http://www.StrategicFilmPartners.com

Sundance World Premiere

2006-01-22T21:27:00.000-06:00

Everyone was excited at our first sold-out screening at Sundance.

LA TRAGEDIA DE MACARIO TRAILER

2005-12-01T17:45:00.000-06:00

This is the trailer to "La Tragedia de Macario," a film directed by Pablo Veliz, which was recently accepted into the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. Sundance will host the Wolrd Premeire of La Tragedia de Macario during January 19-29, 2006. For more information visit the Sundace website. The film won the Best Feature Film award at the 2005 Houston Pan-American Film Festival.

The film was inspired by the true events of immigrants from Mexico exhausting every effort to find a better life in the United States and paying the ultimate price as they attempt to cross the borders into a new world. Written, directed, and edited by Pablo Véliz. Starring in this film are Rogelio Ramos, Milicent Figueroa, Tina Rodriguez, Victor Agustin, Juanita Castro, and Allan Horwath. Cinematography by Brian Gonzalez. Original Music by Carlos Sanchez. Produced by Pablo Véliz and Jeff Horny.

WE'RE GOING TO SUNDANCE

2005-11-29T17:11:00.000-06:00

I got a call from Sundance on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I was told that my film, La Tragedia de Macario, would be part of this year's (2006) Sundance Film Festival. Click for more info about Sundance. Click here for more info on my film.

Contact

2005-11-01T19:30:00.000-06:00

CONTACT CINEVELIZ
Send a message to info@cineveliz.com for info about any upcoming projects.

If you would like to be consider for an acting role for our upcoming projects, please emails us your resume and a headshot to casting@cineveliz.com. You can also leave us a message or a fax at 1-831-302-5164. Please make sure to leave your name, agency, number, and an intention.

Photos

2005-11-01T19:29:00.001-06:00

Cast

2005-11-01T19:29:00.000-06:00

CLEMENTE CAST

LEAD ACTOR

Jorge Jimenez was raised in Zaragoza, Mexico. In 2003, he graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, where he studied directing and acting. Upon graduating, Jimenez moved to Miami and worked in a variety of commercials, television shows and novelas. He has appeared in Al Filo de la Ley, a series on Univision, El Amor No Tiene Precio, a novela from Televisa, and also participated in the film I Love Miami among other things. Jimenez portrayed the lead character in Clemente. He prepared himself for the role of Clemente by interviewing people and listening to the stories of the many people his character represents. He currently starred in a short film and is beginning to work on his next project.

LEAD ACTRESS

Mariana Wachter was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1997. In 2003 she moved with her family to San Miguel de Allende and lived there until 2005. While in Mexico, she began taking violin lessons and also improved her Spanish. She recently entered the third grade at Locke Hill Elementary in San Antonio. Wachter played the character of Dalia, the lead girl in the film Clemente. This is Wachter’s first foray into acting. She is interested in taking acting lessons and plans to continue working in other films.

FEMALE LEAD

Kristel Lara currently attends Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio where she studies business finance and acting. At William Taft High School in San Antonio, she was the lead female in several plays and musicals and received many local theatre awards. Clemente is her first feature length film. She plans to continue her acting career shortly after graduating from college.

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Pedro Garcia, Jr. began acting in 1987 when he joined the prestigious “La Compania de Teatro de Alburquerque.” His movie credits include Mad Love (1995) with Drew Barrymore and Chris O’Donnell, and Pain Flower (1996), among numerous others. He made his directorial debut with his film, “El Sueño De Dolores.” He is the founder of “Teatro Nuestra Cultura” based out of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. Garcia also teaches acting and directing workshops year-round and currently resides in McAllen, Texas.

Crew

2005-11-01T19:28:00.001-06:00

CINEVELIZ, INC. is a production company based in San Antonio. Comprised by a group of filmmakers CINEVELIZ’s goals are to create inspiring films. Executive Director, Pablo Véliz established the company in 2005 and since then has produced two feature films and plans on creating 5 more picture in 2007.

WRITER / DIRECTOR

Pablo Véliz was born in Mexico in 1982, and spent his formative years in San Antonio, Texas, where he currently resides. In 2006, he graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in communication. His participation at SAY Sí, an after school visual and media arts program, led him to a pursuit for the arts. Véliz is a painter, chef, mechanic, and musician. At age 22, Véliz wrote, directed, produced, edited and sound recorded his first feature film, La Tragedia de Macario, which was selected to participate in the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. The film is based on the worst immigrant tragedy in American history. Through interviews and personal research, Véliz transformed this tragedy into a film detailing the struggle of the Mexican immigrant. Recently, Véliz finished shooting Clemente, a film inspired by the continuous struggle immigrants face once they arrive in the United States and try to create a home in their new country.

CINEMATOGRAPHER

Brian Gonzalez was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1987. He began his film career as a sophomore in high school and as an active member of the San Antonio SAY Si Media Arts program. At age 16, he received a spot at the Austin Film Festival for Best Youth Film. At age 17 and under the mentorship of filmmaker Michael Verdi, Gonzalez was one of the first to take on videoblogging, gaining him the attention of director Pablo Véliz. Gonzalez’s first feature film as Director of Photography was Véliz’s La Tragedia de Macario. Clemente is the second feature film that Gonzalez has photographed. Recently, he won the FYI Film Your Issue Film Festival for a short he directed called It’s the Buzz, featured on mtvU, PBS online and IFC’s Media Labs. He also just finished directing his short film, Eyes of a Blue Dog, based on the short story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Currently, Gonzalez attends the School of Visual Arts in New York where he studies cinematography.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / CO-PRODUCER

Victor Agustin was born in 1984 in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He is an actor in many surrounding Texas film and commercial communities. Agustin has been a part of CineVeliz, the production company of La Tragedia de Macario and Clemente since its beginning. He portrayed Felipe in La Tragedia de Macario while also serving as the assistant director for the film. For Clemente, Agustin’s focus and involvement was more on the production aspect in which he served as assistant director and associate producer.

ACTING COACH / CO-PRODUCER

Jeff Horny was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He attended college at Texas A&M where he studied communication. Horny has been in the entertainment industry for more than 20 years. He moved to Los Angeles in 1994 where he learned all aspects of the industry including acting, directing and producing. He has been cast in various feature and lead roles in television, film and theatre including The Drew Carey Show, Party of Five and Pickett Fences. Horny was the producer of La Tragedia de Macario and was a co-producer, consultant and on-set acting coach for Clemente. Currently, he has his own production company in Texas where he directs and produces commercials and has other films in development.

Press

2005-11-01T19:28:00.000-06:00

La Tragedia de Macario PRESS MATERIAL

Interview with Norberto Hernandez. UNIVISION 41 KWEX. May 31, 2005. Click image to view clip.

Interview with Joe Vithayathil. FOX News at 9. KABB 29. December 2005. Click image to view clip.

Interview with Norberto Hernandez. UNIVISION 41 KWEX. December 2005. Click image to view clip.

Interview with Lesley in SA Living. WOAI 4. December 2005. Click image to view clip.

Awards & Screenings

2005-11-01T19:27:00.001-06:00

Additional screenings for "CLEMENTE".
For those of you that were unable to attend the premier of our second feature film "CLEMENTE" and have asked about additional screenings, we will be having 2 screenings in November as of now. However, there is a possiblity for more and I will post that information if and when it becomes available.

The first screening will be held on November 12, 2006 at Instituto de Mexico en San Antonio from 4:00PM-6:00PM.600 Hemis Fair PlazaSan Antonio, TX 78205Phone: 210-227-0123 There will be a reception w/food and drinks following the screening.

The second screening will he held on Thursday November 16, 2006 from 7:00 to 10:00pm at The Buena Vista Theatre (BV 1.326)at the UTSA Downtown Campus501 W. Durango BlvdSan Antonio, TX 78207 Phone: (210) 458-2700. Also be sure to view our website WWW.CINEVELIZ.COM for details.

Thank you for your support and interest in our projects and we look forward to seeing you there!

Clemente, the new film by Pablo Veliz that follows the saga of the immigrant struggle will screen again...

INSTITUTO DE MEXICO
November 12 at 4:00OPM
600 Hemis Fair Plaza
San Antonio, TX 78205
Reception will follow screening and admission is free.

and...

UTSA DOWNTOWN CAMPUS
The Buena Vista Theatre (BV 1.326) at the Downtown Campus on Thursday November 16, 2006 at 7:00 PM. Admission is free.
Pablo Veliz's latest film, CLEMENTE, screened October 7th at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium, to more than 1200 people. Here are links to the reviews.

La Tragedia de Macario

FILM SCREENINGS AND SCHEDULE

April 02, 2005. Grand Premiere. 7:00 PM 9:00PM. Featuring the opening movie theme song by “Flechazo del Norte”. 1400 San Pedro Ave.
San Antonio, Texas 78213

April 14, 2005. UTSA Communication Department screens movie as part of Communication week. HSS building 2.01.30, 1604 Campus. 6900 N. Loop 1604 West—San Antonio, TX 78249

May 3-4. 2005. Screening and winner of best feature film at the Cine Cuauhtemoc Pan American Film Festival. A project of Museo Guadalupe Aztlan)
3004 Bagby, Houston, TX 77006

November 9, 2005. University of Incarnate Word screens movie at the Mabee Auditorium. 4301 Broadway, San Antonio, Texas 78209

October. PBS Regional Premiere. PBS premieres La Tragedia de Macario on October 9th at 2:00 PM and October 15th at 10:00 PM.

November 18, 2005. Guadalupe 28th Annual Cinefestival Screening. 8:00 PM. Guadalupe Theater, 1300 Guadalupe Street.
San Antonio, TX 78207

November 30, 2005. UTSA Diversity week screening. Wednesday, November 30th, 7:00-9:00, MB 0.106. Discussion facilitated by Carol Adams-Means with writer/director Pablo Véliz. 6900 N. Loop 1604 West—San Antonio, TX 78249

December 15, 2005. Screening at the Laredo Center for the Arts, Thursday at 7:00pm. 500 San Agustin Ave Laredo, TX 78040.

January 13. Screening at the Mexican Consulate (for community leaders). 127 Navarro St, San Antonio, 78205 - (210) 227-9145

January 19-29, 2006. World premiere at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival. Park City, Utah

January 20, 2:30pm, Library Center Theatre
January 21, 7:30pm, Broadway Centre Cinemas VI, SLC
January 23, 9:00am, Egyptian Theatre, Park City
January 26, 8:30pm, Library Center Theatre

They are all in Park City except for the Broadway which is in Salt Lake City.

Screening at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. February 3, 2006 at 7:30 PM. Metro theater 4. February 5th at 10:15 PM. Metro Theater 4.

Screening at the AGAVE Mexican Restaurant. Saturday, Feb. 25th at 6:00 p.m
3302 Pleasanton Rd. San Antonio, Tx. 78221 Sponsored by the Rios Family
Phone# (210) 923-8454 and friends of CINEVELIZ.

Screening at the SXSW Film Festival. Locations and times TBA.

Screening at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin. Wednesday, April 19, 2006 at 7:00 PM. 409 Colorado St. Downtown, 78701. Phone#: (512) 476-1320 and friends of CINEVELIZ.

Future screenings TBA.

Projects

2005-11-01T19:27:00.000-06:00

CLEMENTE

LA TRAGEDIA DE MACARIO

La Tragedia de Macario

2005-11-01T18:45:00.000-06:00

SYNOPSIS OF THE FILM
Macario, a local peasant in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico, struggles for a dignified life for he and his wife Regina. He often contemplates crossing the border to the United States, where he could find work and a better life. Along with his best friend, Felipe, he takes the brave step into an unknown world. The two along with 17 other immigrants entrust a Coyote (human trafficker) with their lives and money to cross them over to the so-called “American Dream” inside a train wagon. The Coyote neglects the lives of the immigrants trapped inside the train wagon where Macario and the rest struggle to stay alive. Before his agonizing death by asphyxiation, dehydration and heat exposure, Macario receives heavenly comfort and a message of hope from La Virgen Maria (Virgin Mary).

THE CREATION OF LA TRAGEDIA
The original idea of the movie was inspired by the events of real immigrant stories as they attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.On the night of May 14, 2003, on a highway outside of Victoria, Texas, 19 people died of asphyxiation, dehydration and heat exposure inside of a locked, double-insulated trailer truck. Through interviews and personal research, Véliz transformed this tragedy into a film and tells the story of the struggle of the Mexican immigrant. The film was shot in Texas during the months of January and February of 2005. It was later premiered on April 2 in San Antonio to an audience of 800.

THE GOODBYE (scene 24)
Macario and Felipe say their final goodbyes as they set out on their journey. Knowing very well that they may never see them again, Regina and Lupita can only pray as they watch their husbands walk towards the "American Dream." In their journey Macario and Felipe encounter a Coyote. A Coyote is a human trafficker. Typically, a Coyote traffics illegal immigrants from Mexico, Central and South America into the United States for a hefty sum of money. Often, these Coyotes have little concern for human treatment as they transport their human cargo in the most dangerous and inhumane ways.

ROGELIO RAMOS (Macario)
Rogelio plays the starring role of Macario. Rogelio's previous work includes commercial work as well as film. He now lives in Hollywood, CA, where he continues his career as an actor. For the film, Rogelio experienced a brief real-life experience of what it is really like to be trapped inside a wagon. Filming the scene where the immigrants exasperate for their lives was the most difficult scene for the entire cast and crew. At this point, we got a quick and alleviated look at what it could have been like in real life. Most of the crew had to take a break and really reflect on what was happening and what really had happened that night, among many other nights when lives are lost in this manner.

MOVIE CREDITS
La Tragedia De Macario (2005)
New Title -
Title: La Tragedia De Macario
Type: film
Sub-Type: feature
Status: released
Year: 2005
Release Dates - September 1, 2006
Country: USA
Date: 2 April 2005
Attribute: (San Antonio, Texas)
Languages
Spanish
Color
Genres - Drama

Directors

Name: Veliz, Pablo
Budget/cassified
Official Sites
Url: http://www.cineveliz.com/
Desc: Official production company website.
Production Companies
Company: Cinematografica Veliz [us]

Cast

Name: Ramos, Rogelio
Character: Macario
Name: Figuero, Milicent
Character: Regina
Name: Rodriguez, Tina
Character: La Virgen de Guadalupe
Name: Agustin, Victor
Character: Felipe
Name: Castro, Juanita
Character: Lupita
Name: Tony Gandara
Character: Hurtado

Composers
Name: Sanchez, Carlos
Name: Veliz, Pablo

Cinematographers
Gonzalez, Brian

Editors
Pablo Veliz

Running Time: 84 minutes
Country: USA
Filming Locations
San Antonio, Texas, USA