Experiencing Interruptions?

Hit Astray

In the summer of 2008, Santi lives a carefree lifestyle with his hometown friends. Over their long friendship, Santi has become more infatuated with his best friend, Dylan. However, an unexpected tragedy changes the trajectory of their lives. Leaving Santi struggling with his sense of reality and self-acceptance.

  • Jared Palomares
    Director
  • Andrew Carlos Perez Gonzalez
    Director
  • Jared Palomares
    Writer
  • Andrew Carlos Perez Gonzalez
    Writer
  • Jared Palomares
    Producer
  • Andrew Carlos Perez Gonzalez
    Producer
  • Andrew Carlos Perez Gonzalez
    Editors
  • Jared Palomares
    Editors
  • Andrew Carlos Perez Gonzalez
    Director of Photography
  • Adrian Rodriguez-DiBella
    Key Cast
    "Santi"
  • Aaron Guerrero
    Key Cast
    "Dylan"
  • Alondra Gonzalez
    Key Cast
    "Natalie"
  • Diego Garza
    Key Cast
    "Marco"
  • Brianna Garcia
    Key Cast
    "Santi's Mom"
  • Ramiro Castro Jr
    Key Cast
    "Mail man"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Romance, Supernatural, Sci-Fi
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 14 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 22, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Canadian Cinematography Awards
    Toronto
    Canada
    Winner
  • Los Angeles Cinematography Awards
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    Finlalist
  • New York Cinematography Awards
    New York, New York
    United States
    Finalist
  • Lulea international Film Festival
    Luleå, Norrbottens län
    Sweden
    Semi-Finalist
  • Panorama Film Festival: A Film Festival For Queer and Trans Youth
    Salem, Massachusetts
    United States
    Finalist
  • Film Night On Fulton
    Brooklyn, New York
    United States
    Honorable Mention
  • Student World Impact Film Festival

    Honorable Mention
  • ATX Short Film Showcase
    Austin, TX
    United States
    Honorable Mention
  • 44 CineFestival San Antonio
    San Antonio, Texas
    United States
    July 16, 2023
    San Antonio
    Official Selection
  • Cinematic European Film Festival
    Craiova, Județul Dolj
    Romania
    Honorable Mention
  • San Antonio QFest
    San Antonio, TX
    United States
    Official Selection
  • San Antonio QFest
    San Antonio, Texas
    United States
    WINNER
  • South Texas International Film Festival
    Edinburg, Texas
    United States
    September 16, 2023
    South Texas Premeire
    Official Selection
  • South Texas International Film Festival
    Edinburg, Texas
    United States
    September 16, 2023
    South Texas Premiere
    Nominee: Best RGV Short
  • South Texas International Film Festival

    United States
    September 16, 2023
    South Texas Premiere
    Nominee: Best Cinematography
Director Biography - Jared Palomares, Andrew Carlos Perez Gonzalez

Andrew (Right) -

Andrew Perez, a Houston native, first began shooting and creating short films at a young age, which would later grow into a passion and career. Recently graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, he has worked on numerous student projects as a cinematographer, director, and editor. Throughout the years, he has become an acclaimed cinematographer at Rio Grande Valley, and his ambition is to work in the professional film industry as a Director of Photography while also producing his own films.

Jared (Left)-

Jared Palomares is a filmmaker, writer, director, and content creator from McAllen, Texas studying film production and mass communication at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where he continues to grow as a young filmmaker with comedy sketches, skits, and short films and as a student media reporter and editor for KVAQ-TV.

Jared tackles stories about long-lost love, psychology, trauma, drama, and real-world topics, including gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and more. He continues to create stories during his college and professional career.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Gun violence is currently the leading cause of death among young Americans as of 2020, including school shootings, gang violence, stray bullets, and police brutality. This issue, along with recent legislation in Texas regarding drag shows and transgender healthcare, has created an uncomfortable political atmosphere for LGBTQ+ rights and the safety for young people. These two issues were important for us to address in our story.

During the early 2000’s, before same sex marriage was protected by the federal government, being within the LGBTQ+ community was not necessarily as accepted as it is today. Films from that era inspired the style Hit Astray, from the clothing to their demeanor and to the subtle references.
The concept of a coming-of-age film resonated with us when creating this story about these two young men and their unspoken love. Our inspiration for the realistic dialogue in our film was complemented by the influence of other coming-of-age films in capturing the essence of romance and unspoken love between our lead characters.

Hit Astray is a story about long-lost love, gun violence and for those who need to be true to themselves before it's too late. In a world of uncertainty and cruelty, it is our responsibility to uphold beauty, peace, and equality.