EmBlem

Directed by Eduardo Letamendi
HORROR or SCI-FI

This film is available from November 27-30, 2020. To watch or vote for this film please click on the orange “TICKETS” button below and purchase a ticket for BLOCK 12 | La Zona Oscura.

Synopsis

When a genetically enhanced Latina soldier separated from her mother at birth and raised by a Scientist, is dispatched on a mission to retrieve a package she discovers that she’s been misled by her boss, feeling betrayed she must decide between completing the assignment or following a new path.

Director Biography – Eduardo Letamendi

Eduardo Letamendi (Writer/Director) – was born and raised in Chicago with his two older sisters by his Ecuadorian parents. After he received a BFA in Photo/Film/and Electronic media from UIC he went to graduate school and earned his masters in Film and Video from Columbia College Chicago. His thesis film RISING UP was nominated for a 2009 Imagen Award for Best Theatrical Short.

Since 2000 Eduardo has been working in television news production. Currently he’s a freelance DGA Director for Fox news Chicago’s and Technical Director for NBC/Telemundo news Chicago. While a staff Technical Director at CBS News Chicago he was awarded two Emmys one in 2014 for Outstanding Achievement in broadcasting and in 2007 for technical achievement for the broadcasting of the 2006 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.

Eduardo’s feature script that he co-wrote with Armando Hernandez, 4 Days Until Christmas, was selected into NALIP’s Latino Producer’s Academy in 2009 and 2010. As a Directing Fellow, he was able to direct a few scenes from his script as a proof of concept. Eduardo had the honor of being mentored by Directors Gregory Nava and Luis Mandoki as well as cinematographers Ricardo Gale and Ward Russell. 4 Days Until Christmas has yet to be produced.

In 2013, Eduardo was a finalist for the CBS Emerging Creative Leaders Experience. Eduardo is a member of the DGA and The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) which is a national membership organization that addresses the professional needs of Latino/Latina independent producers.

Director Statement

Initially, directing provided me a platform to tell the American Latino stories that weren’t being told, but over the years I’ve realized that the most intriguing ones are about people from all diverse backgrounds. How people interact despite their differences, socially and economically. Exploring these relationships further through the medium of film has become essential while developing a voice in this craft. This interest in different cultures stems from my upbringing in Chicago; I was raised by my parents who are Ecuadorian with my older sisters in a gang-infested neighborhood on the North-side, which was diverse, racially and economically. Growing up in this environment has given me an open mind about people of all walks of life.
Working in live news production the past 20 years has sharpened my abilities to focus and make quick, tough decisions in a highly intense work environment where production plans are constantly changing. Working with journalists has taught me that every side of a story must be explored to get closer to the truth. I draw on this disciple when exploring the depth of characters while breaking down scripts when prepping to direct. I’m very eager to expand on the knowledge I have acquired professionally as I embark on the path within the creative realm of Directing developing the tools I need to thrive in this industry.

Photo Gallery

Category: Uncategorized