CIU alumnus wins at international film festival

Congratulations to CIU alumnus Dr. Victor Carrera. The movie he co-produced is the winner for Best Leading Actor at “168 Film,” an international film festival held near Atlanta in November. 

Carrera, who lives in Quito, Ecuador, earned a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from CIU in 2021, focusing on arts, culture and mission in his dissertation.

His award-winning film is titled “The Son Of My Life.” It’s about a strained relationship between father and son who reconnect through love, acceptance, and the rhythm of a harmonica. The film had a total of 12 nominations and fit well with the theme of the festival which was “Restoration.” 

Get to know Victor Carrera in this email Q&A:

How long have you been involved in filmmaking?

I have been involved in film production for over 15 years. In 2009 I moved to study screenwriting at the Act One Program, Hollywood Writing track and developed two feature film scripts. Currently, I direct documentary and narrative films and also serve as executive producer. 

Why is filmmaking important to you?

The God-given talent of storytelling has been cultivated in character-driven narrative and faith-based genre. With different film works officially selected in top film festivals in the United States and Europe, I shaped the core of the message with a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care which gave me the skills to understand the human soul, and a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies at Columbia International University through which I developed the capacity to understand cultures and the arts through a Christian worldview.   

Where did the inspiration for “The Son Of My Life” come from?

Psalm 71:20.

You who have shown me many troubles and distresses
Will revive me again,
And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

What is the background of  Joaquin Gonzalez? / Is he known elsewhere for his acting?

It was a delight to work with and direct Joaquín Gonzalez. He is from Venezuela and lives in Quito, Ecuador, mostly working in short films and advertising. 

Where was the film shot and how long did it take to shoot it?

“The Son Of My Life” was shot entirely in Tumbaco, Ecuador, a small town outside Metropolitan Quito, the capital of Ecuador. We produced this film in about two months. It was entered in the Speed category of the “168 Film Festival,” meaning a whole short film delivered in seven days. We used the old ferri tunnels, a popular market, and created three different sets in my cinema studio. 

Where can people view the movie?

We are entering film festival circuits, starting in Europe and the United States.

How was your Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies related to this film?

“The Son Of My Life” is my latest production after receiving my Ph.D. at CIU. It was incredible to see different skills related to my study in action, especially the search for common ground with unbelievers that work in the film and arts scene of Quito. It is a blessing to share biblical principles and applications on a more humanistic level in which CHRIST JESUS restores all.

Are you working on other films?

Yes, I usually navigate between narrative and documentary film. Currently, I am in talks to produce a TV series to be filmed in Atlanta in 2023. 

Watch the official trailer for “The Son Of My Life” on Vimeo. 

How will a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies assist your future endeavors? Check it out.

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