What Washes Ashore

When a lonely young immigrant discovers a dead body on
the shores of her employer’s vacation home, she calls on unexpected friends and untapped bravery to face her deepest fear.

Cuando una joven inmigrante solitaria descubre un cadáver cerca de la costa de la casa de vacaciones de su empleador, recurre a amigos inesperados y al coraje sin explotar para enfrentar su miedo más profundo.

What Washes Ashore is a dramatic story powerfully and artistically representing the struggles of hidden immigrants in the United States. This film is a celebration of Texas talent and represents the artistic collaboration of Texas and New Mexico-based playwright Raul Garza, known for Sinners in the Garden and , and LA-based actor and director Harold Nieves Fisch, known for his work in The Cleaning Lady, Snowfall, and The Leftovers. The film was shot throughout 2022 in Austin, Tx. and in the landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley. What Washes Ashore was completed in June 2023.

  • Harold Nieves Fisch
    Director
    Snowfall (2023), The Cleaning Lady (2022), Tejano Night (2021), The Leftovers (2015)
  • Raul Garza
    Writer
    Raul Garza is a Latinx playwright who has drawn acclaim for telling stories that resound with authenticity and sense of place. He boldly explores the intersection of popular culture and cultural identity, and incorporates music, spirituality, and the power of nostalgia into works that span time and location. His full-length play Fantasmaville received the National Latino Playwriting Award. His short play MyHEB garnered FronteraFest Best of Fest accolades. His short stories have been published by the Austin Chronicle and the Texas Observer.
  • Cristin Stephens
    Producer
    Black Magic (2023), Men Who Talk (2022), Black Austin (2019), Dear Black Girl (2018)
  • Katy Atkinson
    Key Cast
    "Carmen"
    In Tow (2023), Tejano Night (2021), Mosca (2016)
  • Giselle De la Rosa
    Key Cast
    "Clemencia"
  • Anastacio Gutierrez
    Key Cast
    "Felipe"
  • JD Macias
    Director of Photography
    The Art of Dying (2022), Not Alone (2021) The Relay (2016)
  • Diego Rojas
    Composer
    Soleil de Nuit (2023), Men Who Talk (2022), The Unveiled (2021)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Harold Nieves Fisch

Harold Abraham Nieves Fisch is an actor, writer, director, and photographer. He is recognized for his performances in notable works like 'The Cleaning Lady (FOX),' 'Snowfall (FX),' and 'The Leftovers(HBO), and the celebrated short film 'Tejano Night.’ In 2019, he made his directorial debut with 'Muerte,' premiering at the Austin Film Festival.

Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas, just ten miles from the Mexican border. The son of a nurse mid-wife and pediatrician, Harold earned his degree in writing from The University of Texas at Austin.

Harold began his professional acting career in the Austin theater scene. He starred in plays like 'The Pillow Man' with the University Theater Guild and delivered powerful performances at The Austin Playhouse. In 2019 Harold starred in the original production of Will Arbery’s ‘Plano’ with the Paper Chairs Theater Company.

Currently based in Los Angeles, Harold continues to contribute as an actor and filmmaker in Texas and New Mexico.

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