Chicana Stardust;
A short film exploring
immigrant identities
...in space!
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.
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.
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
