5 Questions for Filmmaker: Jesús Canchola Sánchez

By Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

Tinsel & Tine’s 5 Question Interviews are catching on! The series got the attention of a Chicago-based Mexican American, first-time filmmaker/musician, Jesús Canchola Sánchez. He has written, directed, produced and stars in his feature film debut, BITTERSWEET WATERS (Agua Agridulce) which recently screened at REELING: Chicago LGBTQ Film Fest.

Synopsis: A young man living in rural Mexico loves in secret. In order to live truthfully, he must overcome his mother, his lover’s fiancée, and the traditional community that surrounds him.

LET’S GET TO KNOW JESÚS CANCHOLA SÁNCHEZ

THROUGH 5 QUESTIONS

T&T: In a nutshell what was the main inspiration for BITTERSWEET WATERS and/or the theme that is the heart of your film?

Jesús: Bittersweet Waters is my directorial debut. It was produced and shot entirely in my father’s hometown of Guanajuato, Mexico. It’s the story of a young man, Atl (which means water in Nahuatl), living in a rural town who loves another man in secret. In order to live truthfully, he must overcome his mother, his lover’s fiancé, and the traditional community that surrounds him. Atl represents many men and women in Latin America who continue to feel trapped because of their identities, especially in rural areas. More and more stories are being told about the LGBT community, but not as many from a rural perspective.

I feel the journey Atl takes in choosing between tradition and freedom resonates. Growing up in a traditional Catholic Mexican family in Chicago made it difficult for me to come out until I left home for college. I grew up watching and enjoying telenovelas and classic movies from the Golden Age of Mexican cinema with my mother. Bittersweet Waters melodramatic tone is inspired by those classic Mexican soap operas and movies that taught me about the truth that lies within the heightened emotional state of characters. I embraced this melodramatic form as accessible to many in my culture. And in many ways, making this film is very much my coming out to my family, in a language they could understand – one we have always shared.

T&T:  Was there a point where you almost didn’t finish this film? And if so, what pushed you forward?

JCS: As an independent artist you have to hustle and be ready to improvise at any moment to get things done. Having enough funds to get to the next stage was challenging throughout the whole process of making Bittersweet Waters. I made the movie without any financial backing. I used my own savings, loans, credit cards and the kindness of my family to make it happen.

There’s one moment that remains vivid in my mind, and it was on about day 12 of shooting where the equipment company was coming to the location to collect the remainder of their payment. I didn’t have it and they had threatened to take away all of the equipment if they didn’t receive payment. I literally broke down. I’m so grateful my grandmother was there. I just sat in her kitchen and cried while she comforted me. I pulled myself together for the meeting, gathered the money I had, and made my case with the company representative. It worked. The relief I felt after that meeting was immense. I could focus on the work again. The company got paid everything they were owed as soon as we finished shooting. We had a 24 day shoot.

T&T: Give a quick shout out to your creative team and anyone who helped get your film from an idea, to having it screen at the Reeling: Chicago LGBT Film Festival

JCS: Trusting your team is key and I had an incredible group of dedicated professionals that were willing to go above and beyond to help make the movie happen. I especially want to thank Guillermo Licona Rivera, the lighting designer, whose creative mind was essential. He became my eyes when I was in front of the camera and a wise advisor throughout production. Benajmin Pérez, assistant director and editor, was the hardest working man on that set. He kept the whole team on schedule. I’m especially grateful to Beatriz Soto, who plays Citlalli in the movie. She’s my grandmother and is making her acting debut in this project. She turns 91 this year and is a blessing. She was a trooper and a team player throughout the shoot. She inspires me and sharing my feature film debut with her is a wonderful gift.

T&T: Tell us a bit about the music of BITTERSWEET WATERS / Does food play a big part in your film? Or answer both.

JCS: The original music was composed by Marcos García Fregoso, a musician based in Guadalajara, Mexico. Each song is inspired by the emotional underpinnings of the characters with all of their colors and textures. The sounds hint at Mexican musical traditions. LISTEN HERE

In addition, I wrote and perform a song for the movie:

T&T: What’s been the most memorable response you’ve received thus far from anyone, after seeing your film?

JCS: We had a packed house at the renowned Cineteca Nacional in Mexico City where we premiered in May. It was the first time I saw my movie on the big screen and with an audience. Watching it with a group of people was incredible. I was too nervous to sit down. I stood in the back. The reactions from the audience were such a gift. It was an affirmation that they were with the story, that my work was creating a reaction within them. The moments of surprise, the laughter, all of it, I soaked in completely. It’s such a unique exchange between audience and artist. It’s an unforgettable moment.

Jesús Canchola Sánchez had his first short story published at the age of 7 in his Chicago elementary school newspaper. His short film Cuban Colors was an official selection of the 6th Annual Puerto Rico Queer Filmfest and Mix Mexico 21st Sexual Diversity Film Festival. Jesús’ short story “Pregnant Boy” appears in the book anthology “From Macho to Mariposa” published by Tincture. His piece Kicked Out produced for In the Life was nominated for outstanding TV journalism by the GLAAD Media Awards. As an actor, he appeared on NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien “Conando” sketches and danced on Bhangra Dance Workout of Massala Productions. He was on stage at the Public Theater in 365 days/365 plays, Pregones Theater, Fringe NYC and played Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Stuart Vaughan at the Lucille Lortel Theater. Jesús is a graduate of Antioch College and the Actors Studio Drama School.