top of page

Chicana Stardust;

short film exploring

immigrant identities

...in space! 

logoIG.jpg

Chicana Stardust is a retro-futuristic short film created by Benjamin Huerta & Itamar Lilienthal and produced by Casa Tamarindo. It explores the role Mexican-Americans or Chicanxs play in the larger conversation regarding Mexican culture and the immigrant’s identity struggle.

watch.png
IMG_0027.JPG

Synopsis:

"Civil war has begun on Planet Jaba. General Oz has gained enough support to destroy all cultural artifacts that have kept the people of Jaba connected to their past.  In a final act of resistance, Fela has stolen the Amulet - the most important of all artifacts - and escaped to their ancient homeland of California. Now, Akyra, Generals Oz’s right hand woman, has taken her best warriors and gone after Fela to destroy the Amulet and bring her back to give her the justice she deserves."
 

We wanted to explore what role Mexican-Americans or Chicanxs play in the larger conversation regarding Mexican culture. How can we adapt in America and still preserve our culture? Do we have a say when it comes to addressing problems in Mexican society? What about in American culture? Being stuck in the middle of these two worlds inspired us to take ownership of our history and create a narrative that resonates within our local community. 
 

The fact that we live on both sides of the most crossed border in the world allowed us to address the issues of immigration, asylum-seeking, and identity. The story of two aliens (Akyra and Fela) caught on opposite sides of a civil war provided a backdrop for us to explore these ideas. We wanted to blend different styles and genres to create a film that feels both spontaneous and deliberate. Something we aspire to do in all our work. This is a short film intended to open the doors to a universe we hope to continue exploring through a mixture of film, comics, art, and other mediums of expression.

002372910020.jpg
IMG_0141.JPG

A Casa Tamarindo Picture

 

Akyra: Margaret Abud

Fela/Chicana Stardust: Linda Abud

Ruffles: Beto Ochoa

The Warriors: Victoria Martinez & Lidia Marin

 

Written and Directed by: Benjamin Huerta  & Itamar Lilienthal

Executive Producer: Casa Tamarindo c/o Itamar Lilienthal

Producers: Benjamin Huerta, Itamar Lilienthal, Daniel Chayet, Pepe Stepensky, Zeji Ozeri, Dancho, Vision Sin Fronteras

Music: tulengua, Lydon Quill, Andre Elias

IMG_0157.JPG
watch.png
bottom of page