Synopsis
Emilio Heras, mid 20s, is a homeless man that tries to find ways to survive in the streets. Since he was a teenager, he escaped from an orphanage to find his own way of life. He is accompanied by his fellow homeless friend, Mateo, where he is a Mexican Immigrant trying to raise money to bring his family to the states. Mateo tries to help Emilio find his inner faith to find a job and earn money himself, but after living with rejection his whole life, hope is out of question.
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One night, Emilio is approached by an old childhood friend from the orphanage, Victor Trejo. Victor notices Emilio's struggle and offers him to join him in a drug dealing business. While Mateo tries to convince Emilio to reject the offer, Emilio ends up accepting for he is desperate for the money. Emilio walks off with Victor, leaving Mateo behind.
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Emilio begins selling drugs, but also develops an addiction. He is haunted by his past, but uses drugs to distract himself from the nightmares. Emilio then starts questioning about his choices and must decide what to do next for the sake of his life.
Inspiration
It's time for a Spare of Change...
This is a story of all stories. A Spare of Change is an inspiration from not only my family, but to all those who have experienced these harsh dilemmas. I wanted to create a story that gives people a different outlook of those who suffer with drug addictions, homelessness, and immigration; breaking those stereotypes that were brought upon these people with dreams. These are not people who roam around the streets, but they are someone's mother, father, daughter, or son searching for happiness in their lives. Emilio represents various people with drug addictions and/or selling which can sometimes be a way to cope with what they have experienced through a traumatic situation. I hope these stories can inspire those to help make a change and give these people a voice.
- Erika Reyes
Por la Cultura
Latinos within the film industry has one of the lowest representation. According to LatinaMediaCo, about 6.1% of Latinos are represented in streaming film leads. As well in NBC News, inly 7.7% latinos are cast members. A Spare of Change is one step closer to bring more recognition of Latinos with an all Latino cast and Spanglish language within the film. As a Mexican-American myself, I want to inspire these cultures to finally have their spotlight within the industry. Vamos hacer un cambio.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without the support of my family"
The story involves immigration which I was inspired from my parents. My Father came from a small ranch from Guanajuato, Mexico and left to the states to make a better living. He started off working various jobs to make a living, such as a busboy in a restaurant. His story was the inspiration of Mateo. When my father had his three children, he worked his blood and sweat to provide food for our family. While we faced various struggles, we were truly grateful for everything he has done for us. As for my mother, she sacrificed her dreams so her children can reach for theirs. My mother was also an immigrant at the age of 7 and had worked as a field worker as such a young age. She gave us all her love and support no matter the situation. She is an inspiration for the morals and themes of my characters for she always told us, "Have faith". I hope you see your own parents in this film, and I want to give back to what they have given me.
Visuals
The look of the film will be set in present time and include set design of some Latin cultures. Emilio's world will consist of dark aesthetics to match his inner emotions of struggle and to represent his past memories. Below are some pictures and films that inspired the look of A Spare of Change.
Moonlight (2016)
