Experiencing Interruptions?

Vivir

In her darkest moment, a despairing Latina artist at the end of her rope considers ending it all. However, she crosses paths with a mysterious and immortal vampire that offers her a new perspective.

  • Gerardo Maravilla
    Director
    Cross
  • Gerardo Maravilla
    Writer
    Calabaza, Cross
  • Evelyn Angelica Martinez
    Producer
    Calabaza, 7lbs 8oz, Joyride
  • Ann Valdéz
    Producer
    Arroró
  • Joey Marue Urbina
    Key Cast
    "Vera"
    Snowfall, CSI
  • Alex Felix
    Key Cast
    "Renata"
    Goosebumps, Never Have I Ever
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Horror, Drama, Thriller, Surreal
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 52 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 20, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Gerardo Maravilla

Gerardo "Gerry" Maravilla is a Mexican-American writer/director based in Los Angeles. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, he escaped his suburban Catholic upbringing through punk rock and horror movies.

A bicultural lovechild of Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro, he crafts supernatural horror stories with heart.

He's been a Film Independent Project Involve Writing Fellow, a New York Film Festival Artist Academy Fellow, and a Latino Film Institute Inclusion Fellow. He also developed his work through Cine Qua Non’s Storylines Lab, Hola Mexico’s Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today, and Stowe Story Labs.

His films have screened at Palm Springs ShortFest, the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), and Bogo Shorts, among others.

His feature script, Niño de Vidrio (Child of Glass), was developed at Cine Qua Non’s Storylines Lab, and the short version won the 2023 Roadmap Writers Short Script Competition.

As a Latino Inclusion Fellow, he completed his latest short, the surreal drama Enseñame Como Morir (Show Me How to Die).

He recently released the first issue of his limited series comic book, The Halloween Club.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a Mexican-American filmmaker, I use storytelling to illuminate the shadows in our lives through powerful storytelling and vivid imagery, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace the complexity of the human experience.

Growing up, I fell in love with classic horror movies and saw myself in the characters. They were more than just monsters, they were creatures who yearned to be understood. Movie monsters expanded my emotional perspective and crystalized one of my core missions in life: to understand others in the hopes that they would want to understand me.

“Vivir” is a story that continues my life’s mission. It’s inspired by my own mental health struggles and the desire to be seen. While this script comes from a personal place, its universal themes resonate with a wider audience.