Paz (Peace), winner of 10 awards
and numerous nominations including:
and numerous nominations including:
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Paz (Peace) Trailer
Andrew Gutierrez wins Best Director
at the Mexican-American Film and Television Awards
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Held at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood on May 14-15, 2022. The Mexican-American Film and Television Festival & Awards mission is designed to provide Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers, who represent 40 million Americans of Mexican decent, a venue to showcase, promote and celebrate their beautiful art. It is a place that gives movie goers the opportunity to view dozens of films, short films and television pilots, both in person and online, depicting their beautiful people, stories and culture the way they want to see it, away from the stereotypical Hollywood portrait. These films and television shows are made by the best U.S.-based Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers and actors, who understand our unique culture and journey in America and tell authentic stories.
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Photo: Heidi Martin (lead actress in Paz and director Andrew Gutierrez.
Artistic Statement
In the Summer of 2017, I went to lunch with one of my professors, while in my graduate film production program at Chapman University. He asked if I had decided on what film I would present for my thesis. I shared with him one of my ideas and he responded, “That’s too big, it needs to be shorter.” I shared another idea and he said, “That’s a feature film, not a short.” He then asked if there was a story shared in my family that is memorable. Then I began to reflect on some of the experiences my mother went through as a child.
That’s where this screenplay began. It started with a few stories that I wrote down but after talking with my mom several times, other stories began to surface. It is those anecdotes that have found their way into this screenplay. All of which, helped to shape her into a great and loving person, the kind of person I am honored to know and have as a mother.
As a director, I am always trying to find stories that uplift and tap into the enduring spirit people experience in their life. I can’t think of a better way to have ended my education for a masters degree then to tell the story of my mother’s courage and determination to find hope and peace. That is why I titled the film “PAZ” (Pās). PAZ in Spanish means peace.
That’s where this screenplay began. It started with a few stories that I wrote down but after talking with my mom several times, other stories began to surface. It is those anecdotes that have found their way into this screenplay. All of which, helped to shape her into a great and loving person, the kind of person I am honored to know and have as a mother.
As a director, I am always trying to find stories that uplift and tap into the enduring spirit people experience in their life. I can’t think of a better way to have ended my education for a masters degree then to tell the story of my mother’s courage and determination to find hope and peace. That is why I titled the film “PAZ” (Pās). PAZ in Spanish means peace.