Memento Mori and Humaya Films Reviews

   I rarely get a chance to critique an independent film and it’s a real shame for a reason. They are the most treasured finds in the entertainment industry. Like NCAA football, it’s an ocean of talent at the peak of their potential struggling to create a wave and gain momentum towards a greater future. These studios and actors have the greatest advantage over big time studios because they have everything to gain and nothing to lose which is why these independent films are always a treat. In this case, it was the first short film by the beginning film studio Humaya Films.

   I was invited to review the film by Vivian Orozco who is the director and a producer of the film. After studying at Florida Atlantic University, she intends to release the film at the Sundance Film Festival and begin a lifelong career with Humaya Films. The presentation was well organized at The Classic Gateway Theater on Sunrise Blvd, Florida; it gave me much time to get to know the crew that was responsible for bringing the film together while at the same time keeping a distance to let them attend the guests. After the screening they arranged a wonderful after party at the Chill Wine Lounge which is right next to the theater with entertaining music performed by Karina Sky. Karina is a triple threat who owns her own website should anyone wants to arrange a performance.

   The film is titled Memento Mori, a 13 minute film about a woman remembering her life as she leaves it all behind on her way to her final home. While driving around with a professional driver, she takes him on a journey that reveals her past and it impacts his future. The elderly woman, Mrs. Sinclair is played by Alexa Baray, a young actress who brings all the emotion necessary to attach the audience to the film. You could see the sadness in her eyes as she was telling the story and her performance at the climax of the film brought out the tears to most of the people that attended the screening. The makeup to age her youth was done professionally by Ness Gomez Bloise with the help of Debra Hurd, the other producer and make-up supervisor who brings years of experience in the film industry to the studio.

   The young driver, played by Chris Montagne does a great job at trying to stay hidden from the camera and distant from his client whom he picks up in the film. His main moment in the climax of the film was very well delivered by showing the expected response one would receive in his situation. Overall, this is the first film Humaya has done and I strongly hope that this won’t be the last we see of this studio. Vivian Orozco should be very proud of the work she has done with the help of her crew. One member whom in particular did a great job was Vladimir Vasquez, he was in charge of editing, designing and picture quality.

   I had the pleasure of speaking with him and was nothing short of humble. He spoke of the hours he had spent with Humaya editing the film, doing graphic designs, and making sure every scene was done professionally and giving his director what was expected. Humaya Films offers much potential through great leadership and ambition, so with everyone wanting to continue working for Humaya, I can see a great future for the studio should they all persist. Memento Mori was a short but sweet first start and I would like to wish Humaya Films luck on the upcoming festival. Should anyone be interested, Humaya Films can be found on Facebook, be sure to like their page for upcoming events and information.