Belize International Film Festival report

[Matthew Castagna]

“Thanks for keeping your promise and bringing us a copy of the film.” Several times during my trip to Belize I heard words to this effect coming from our Kekchi actors. Over the past couple of centuries the Maya/Kekchi people have been lied to, deceived and coerced by outsiders. Many expressed deep gratitude for receiving a copy of the film, knowing they could show off their hard work to their family and grandchildren for years to come.
Attending The Belize International Film Festival was also a real highlight for us. We got the ‘red carpet” treatment, albeit Belizean style (see photo). We had a good showing of the film on Saturday night and had a nice Q&A with the crowd afterwards. Five of our main actors and four of the crew were able to attend. Festival attendees got to ask questions one on one and some even got autographs from some of our actors.
I was interviewed on five nationally televised TV shows. On two of the live shows, the film and its production in Belize were the main topics of the whole show. On the one show, three of the actors were guests along with me. Their heart for the message of the film was clearly communicated.
I came away from our time in Belize feeling like we had honored our Kekchi actors and that our project, as far as Belize is concerned, has been accomplished.
Matt Castagna, Producer - 10X Productions

[Ken Fast]

Hello Matthew - Just found out that you know my cousin Eileen and her husband Don (whom I have not met). Small world! Btw, I am in touch regularly with John Gowan re/Mendin -- feeding him script as it is written. Lord willing, the training component will get started next year.... Question -- Don't know if 10X is looking for involvement in other projects -- such as Mendini -- could you write me at [e-mail] -- and we could say hello and talk? Blessings, Ken

[Matthew Castagna]

Hey Ken, Your project, MENDINI, looks interesting! Do you know John Gowan? He lives and works in Guat. should you need a "man on the ground." He worked with HCJB in Ecuador for many years and moved to Guat. a few years ago. He worked on "End of the Spear" and when we were looking at possibly shooting our film in Ecuador, he gave us a tour of the country.
How did you hear about our film?
Matt

[Ken Fast]

I commend you for building trust and putting relationships first in this project. As one who has filmed for many years in Latin America, I know first hand the importance of these priorities. Still looking forward to seeing the film. Ken Fast Northern Rain Studio www.northernrainstudio.com

[Matthew Castagna]

Thanks Christopher for your kind comments but even more for your talent and perseverance in seeing this film become a reality!

[Christopher Bessette]

What an awesome report. It is great to see the joy and pride on the actors faces in the photograph you've posted in this blog. When I see this it encourages me. I know there was disappointment that we were barred from filming in the real locations this story took place but what an amazing turn of events. When we moved the production to another country and involved another people, who would've imagined the outcome and benefit not only to the Yanomamö but also to the K'ekchi' and Maya people. This movie brought together 4 countries on two continents, to tell the story of one man and his people. Amazing. It is good to see you highly honored Matt. I know you and your family have personally given much to the country of Belize and her people. I applaud you.