Interview with Filmmaker
Alex Hernandez
MyIndie: Your previous release, feature film Blood For Flesh, has now been out for some time (via TetroVideo, AngerMan Distribution, etc.). The film has been reviewed widely. Now, at the very beginning of 2022, how do you feel about the film’s success, be it sales/revenue and the reviews received thus far?
Alex Hernandez: Extremely surprised, yet, you know… it’s always hard to find distribution for indie work, even moreso when it comes to experimental and violent stuff. Currently Blood For Flesh continues to receive distribution offers. This film refuses to die, Lol. No doubt it paved the way for me and I hope to do a better job with my next film.
Stream Blood For Flesh (Sangre Para La Carne) on AngerMan Distribution VOD, HERE OR order on DVD via TetroVideo, HERE.
MIP: You are now getting close to completing your follow-up feature film, Justine. Do you feel that the success of Blood For Flesh helped you get Justine made/produced more smoothly?
AH: Of course. I think it is always important to improve with each new film. I found maturity and a greater creative flow with Justine. It is still an independent film yet does not necessarily appear to be as such, because of more effective management of artistic resources.
MIP: Justine is based on the Marquis de Sade‘s ‘Justine or the Misfortunes of Virtue’. What motivated the choice to tackle this source material for your second feature? How close do you stick to the original text in your script/plot of Justine?
AH: Adapting the writing of Marquis de Sade to film is very difficult because of his philosophical narrative, although sadomasochism is a theme that can be exploited in a horror/gore film. I consider Justine to be drama with gore elements. It is centered on a chapter of the original novel. Justine falls at the hands of Dr. Rodin and ultimately discovers that he also wants to sexually abuse her. This chapter of the novel is a very brief journey through perversion. I was inspired by this chapter and my idea is to make it more dramatic.
The film is set in the late 90’s, nearing the arrival of the new millennium. Although it might seem crazy, Justine can also be categorized within the Fantasy genre. It has scenes far removed from reality that could make the viewer question whether what they are seeing is actually happening within the reality of the film. The story of the film takes place in the 90’s, which is not set in the same period as the novel, but the film does embody the essence and philosophy of the Marquis de Sade.
MIP: After Blood For Flesh was released there was talk as to the extreme nature of the film, relating to violence and gore, etc. You have expressed to us that Justine is set to be even more extreme and will likely shock a few people. Can you give some insight into that? Without revealing too much, what can we expect to see once Justine is released?
AH: Although Justine contains very bloody and unpleasant scenes, they are all perfectly justified. I have always opted for aesthetic and functional violence for the film’s narrative.
The film has a particular narrative in which the narrator (voiceover) guides you through the story with aphorisms, criticism of art, religion and life.
It is not a predictable film by any means. It will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, awaiting what happens next. Expect the unexpected! We put an incredible amount of work into the photography and acting, yet the content will likely be quite polarizing. Opinions may ultimately be divided.
MIP: With Justine now being in post-production and a Trailer soon to be released, what are your plans for the distribution of the film? When can we expect to be able to purchase a copy or stream the film online and where?
AH: Tetrovideo will be in charge of releasing it on Blu-ray but I still don’t have an exact release date for the film. A trailer will be released on Valentine’s Day this year.
The film was made to be screened in a movie theater, so it is most likely that it will first have a small festival run in a few, select festivals.
MIP: Now that Justine is getting close to completion/release, do you have any ideas as to what is next on the cards for you? Is there already a film project you are planning for the near (or not-so-near) future?
AH: Justine will, in many ways, determine my future as a filmmaker. So, as I am already extremely satisfied with how Justine is turning out, I’ll be very proud of how far the film can go.
I can reveal that I have a couple of ideas for follow-up projects in mind, one is about a paranormal experience. For the moment, I cannot say more than that. We’ll see soon enough 🙂
