What is the Guatemala you’re trying to show in Luz?

Guatemala, every person that comes here feels the magic and mystery. People that live here, we are so used to living somewhere that’s dangerous, but at the same time magical. We’re walking down this fragile string, of this mind-blowing place that has 23 volcanoes, three of which are active, 23 languages, a lot of culture, a very hard history, and at the same time, we’re living at the edge of danger and poverty. The Guatemala that I want to show is is a Guatemala that has had a very hard history, that has not been able to see justice happen.

In the story of LUZ, that part of Guatemala’s history plays a big part. The fim makes a statement that justice is real, and doesn’t come from the institutions. I want to show a Guatemala that’s real, that’s hard, but is still magical.

What’s the difference between science fiction and magical realism?

The difference between science fiction and magical realism is that in science fiction, through science, people get to do the impossible. But in magical realism, something impossible just happens. This film falls more in line with magical realism than science fiction. There are aspects of the film that suggest magical realism, the cinematography, for example. Things that are impossible, but are framed with an organic texture. The plot, I would say is more science fiction.

What’s it like funding independent film projects in Guatemala?

You just make it happen, some way or another! There is almost no support. The first governmental fund for film was launched last year. It was $150,000 a year — for everyone — so, we’re taking little steps. The wonderful thing about Guatemala is that, if you have a camera and you say you’re a filmmaker, you’re a filmmaker! That’s very exciting. It’s a moment.

How much are you hoping to raise with LUZTKN, and what will it be used for?

We’re raising 80 ETH and releasing 2 million LUZTKN Of those funds, 7% to pre-production, 69% to production. Post production is 18%, and 6% is local promotion. I really hope it happens. It’s like a hope, just to think that the movie could go far, and even create value for people. I’m going to have to gather the crew, meet the guys, open a couple bottles of wine, and give them a talk about cryptocurrency and why blockchain is a great, wonderful, and amazing thing. We’re going to revenue split a lot of the tokens reserved from the sale, but they’ll also get paid in ETH. It’s amazing.

Where do see blockchain technology going over the next couple of years?

It’s gonna be fast. I knew about SingularDTV a year ago. In the last month, I took a course online to learn about blockchain. I learned, I see the value, and here I am, one month later, already creating a token and doing it. The only thing people need is to understand it, and make it visible how possible it is to decentralize, then everything will change for good, really fast.

The film was inspired by the music of Alex Hentze. Can you explain more?

Alex Hentze is one of the most influential music producers in Guatemala and a dear, close friend of mine. We where housemates for some time living in Antigua, Guatemala and I was very close to the creative process during the production of his last album A Helpless Presence. His music inspired the story of LUZ in the first place. Some scenes in the movie are based on true life episodes he lived during his time in Buenos Aires! His music appears in the film and Alex has been an essential part of the creative process.

The campaign for LUZ is viewable on Tokit now!