Private Project

El Alma De La Sed

Luis, the son of a low-income family in Panama City during its impeding water crisis, wants to believe there is hope for a better future after hearing the legend of an ancient spirit who could bring food to the people of a community in difficulties as long as they believe.

  • Colleen Ryan
    Director
    Director
  • Alexander J Daniels
    Writer
    Writer
  • Carmen Halphen
    Producer
    Producer
  • Miroslava Morales
    Key Cast
    "Ana"
  • Jaime Newball
    Key Cast
    "Pintor"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    El Alma De La Sed
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 2 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 17, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Panama
  • Country of Filming:
    Panama
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Alexa Mini
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Savannah College or Art and Design
Director Biography - Colleen Ryan

Colleen is a senior studying Film and Television at SCAD with a concentration in film production. She has directed a variety of short-form content including commercials, multi-camera sitcoms, dance films, narrative shorts and, most often, music videos, working with companies such as Vevo and Atlantic Records. She was an associate producer for Netflix and Lexi Alexander's “Absolute Dominion” and has worked in a variety of professional settings in other positions as well, working with legendary directors such as Clint Eastwood and Todd Haynes, and companies such as Sony, Apple TV+, ESPN+, Killer Films and Blumhouse. Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Colleen grew up attending protests, marches, and other activism events for the issues she advocates for. As a Panamanian citizen, she was immediately interested in the impact of the water crisis and its effects on the lower-income population. She hopes this story sheds light on the struggles these communities face and raises awareness about the issue.

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Director Statement

Cynicism is the antithesis of progression, when hope is lost, so is the fight for what is right. Growing in the Washington D.C. area, political and social activism have always been very present aspects in my life. Throughout highschool I attended many protests, marches, extracurriculars, and other events that fought for the causes I believe in, the most common one being the environment. My passion for environmental activism started at a young age, and stems from my love of being outdoors. It is my greatest passion second to filmmaking, so much so that I was enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh for environmental science before making the last minute decision to come to SCAD to pursue a degree in film. Despite my switch in career paths, my passion for environmental activism remains a present part of my life. The country of Panamà is also incredibly important to me, because it is the country that my mother and her family were born and raised in. Throughout my childhood, I would hear stories of my mom and her siblings' childhoods, and practice the traditions that they would use to celebrate the culture. As a Panamanian citizen myself, the country and culture are both incredibly dear to my heart. I got the idea for this story on my latest visit there this past April, when my parents were late to our hotel because they were stuck behind one of the water crisis protests. As I conducted further research on the issue and learned about its causes, I knew it was a story I wanted to tell. Stylistically, I knew I wanted the visual aspects of this project to be a prominent aspect of the film. Film as it stands is an incredibly visually dependent medium. My previous work as a director has primarily been for non-narrative short form content like music videos and dance films, which rely almost exclusively on visuals, so I want to stay true to my style by implementing powerful visual tactics into this narrative story. I am Incredibly grateful for the opportunity to combine all of my passions Into a story that I hope makes a difference.