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About this submission
A stranger kidnaps two brothers, pushing the older one to confront his humanity and the weight of his choices. As the story unfolds, a psychologist digs into their past, uncovering fragments of truth hidden in the chaos. Survival and loyalty collide, testing the strength of their bond. Through harrowing moments, the fragile line between protector and victim begins to blur, exposing the complexity of their relationship and the limits of morality under pressure. The narrative weaves a tense exploration of trust, betrayal, and the resilience of human connections when confronted with unimaginable circumstances.
Creator
Santiago José Vianney García Cruz is a Dominican filmmaker passionate about exploring storytelling through film. A graduate of PUCMM with a bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Communication and Cinematic Arts, and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) with an associate’s degree in Arts and Sciences, he has further honed his skills through advanced studies in screenwriting at the prestigious Chavón School of Art and Design.
His filmography includes Mérito (2024), where he served as writer, producer, director, cinematographer, and co-editor. The short film has received international recognition, including:
- Honorable Mention at MACS 2023, (DR)
- Best Cinematography and Best Editing at UFF Fest 2024, (DR)
- Official Selections at the Chicago Horror Film Festival (USA), Fright Nights Film Festival (AUS), Molins Film Festival (SPA), Anatomy Crime & Horror Film Festival (GRE), Libélula Dorada International SFF (DR), and Mirando Pa’ Otro Lao (DR).
His earlier works have also garnered awards and festival selections. Cartas (2022), co-written and co-directed alongside Ralva Álvarez, won:
- Best Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing at MACS 2022, DR,
- Best Cinematography at UFF Fest 2023, (DR)
- Official Selections at Libélula Dorada International SFF, Lift-Off Global Network (USA), FestCineRD, and Mirando Pa’ Otro Lao (DR).
Anfitrión (2020), a short he directed and co-wrote, received:
- Best Direction and Best Cinematography at MACS 2021, (DR)
- Official Selections at Semana Más Corta, Finearts Film Festival, and Mirando Pa’ Otro Lao (DR).
In addition to his creative projects, Santiago has worked as a director and cinematographer for Conuco Agencia Creativa and Mencia Films in commercials and music videos. He co-wrote a short film for a documentary with Selene Films. He was also recognized internationally for winning the Best Opening Title Sequence Award at FilmSupply’s EditFest (2024). Earlier in his career, he gained experience in the production, writing, and postproduction departments, including internships at Viewfinder, Casalatina, and Zero Chill. Currently, Santiago is focused on attending screenwriting labs and contests, developing his first feature-length project exploring folk horror and religious syncretism. He’s directing in an ongoing production for a short documentary about Dominican folklorist Fradique Lizardo. This documentary is a collaboration with a local production company for Centro León, a prominent museum and art gallery. more...