Respirando Vida Nueva

"Respirando Vida Nueva" which translates to " Breathing New Life", is an inspiring and powerful short documentary that takes viewers on a journey through the beautiful and vibrant country of Guatemala, following the inspiring story of Marco, the founder of 'Ecocomal'. This innovative company is dedicated to reducing the carbon emission rate in Guatemala by providing an eco-friendly alternative to open firewood stoves, which has a significant impact on the quality of air and life of millions of people in the country. Through Marco's experiences and struggles, this film highlights the importance of taking action to protect our planet and shows the power of individuals to make a positive difference in their community.

  • Manuel Rubio
    Director
  • Aria Harrell
    Writer
    AMBER
  • Manuel Rubio
    Writer
  • Aria Harrell
    Producer
    AMBER
  • Marco Tulio Guerra
    Key Cast
  • Soila Esperanza Chiquito
    Key Cast
  • Dr. Marcos Noe Diaz Mijangos
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 48 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 12, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    2,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Guatemala
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Cinema Gamma 3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Miami
Director Biography - Manuel Rubio

Manuel Rubio is a talented and driven filmmaker, known for his impressive skills in directing, cinematography and editing. As a first-generation U.S. citizen from Mexico, he brings a unique perspective to his work, infusing his films with a deep understanding of cultural identity and social justice issues.
Manuel is an up-and-coming filmmaker who is currently in his sophomore year studying film production at the University of Miami. Despite his relatively young career, Manuel is already rising to new levels as a filmmaker after writing and acting as DP for his award nominated film at the University of Miami Canes fest “Sororophobia”. In the past, he has also been a video producer for Asociacion Gilberto A.C., an organization based in Mexico, where he helped create mesmerizing videos for the company. Manuel's latest project, which he co-wrote and directed, Respirando Vida Nueva, is a powerful and poignant documentary. For the past six months, Manuel has poured his heart and soul into this project, capturing every moment with an expert eye and a keen sense of storytelling. With Respirando Vida Nueva set to make its world premiere, the anticipation and excitement for Manuel's work is palpable. His innovative approach to filmmaking and his dedication to bringing important stories to light have garnered him a growing fanbase and the respect of his peers.

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Director Statement

"Respirando Vida Nueva is a personal project for me. It tells the story of Marco, a remarkable individual who has overcome immense challenges to create a better life for himself and his community. Through this documentary, I hope to shed light on important social issues and to inspire audiences to take action. Working on this film has been an incredible experience, and I'm excited to share it!"