Local filmmaker Maria Galindo will premier her first feature, “Life’s a Bitch!” at the San Antonio Horrific Film Fest on October 21, where the film is being nominated for Best Feature and Best Director.
Galindo describes the movie, which she shot in Barcelona, Spain, as a “fast paced drama with dark comical overtones.” The plot features three dysfunctional couples whose stories collide in a barrage of what Galindo calls “bad decisions.”
One of those stories is about Paula, a beautiful kleptomaniac, who takes to the streets of Barcelona with her girlfriend to pickpocket wallets and whatever else they can get their hands on. Another plot line involves Molly and Christina, a lesbian couple who must confront a bad situation involving a loser skinhead. Then there’s Paula’s alcoholic and abusive brother and his drunken girlfriend.
Galindo says the film was made with limited funds. “I had no experience or money, no family or crew in another country and made the film from scratch on a shoe string budget. It took me three years to put it all together. I did everything from the script, casting, locations, sound, camera, photography, lighting, editing, subtitles to even scoring it with great musicians from San Antonio, Austin, New York City and Barcelona.”
Despite the meager budget, Galindo says she did not compromise with casting. “In the end it was the perfect blend of raw talent and professionals. I found half of my cast on the streets, bars and subways of Barcelona and the other half were well-known professionals. This being my first film I was quite surprised at how many professionals wanted parts. Professional or not I was extremely picky to make sure each actor had that natural character I was looking for.”
“Life’s a Bitch” has been screened for audiences seven times prior to its premier at the Horrific Film Fest. So far, Galindo says, the film has gotten a positive reception. “I am very surprised how this film came out and am very grateful for all the great reviews I have received.”
“Life’s a Bitch!,” directed by Maria Galindo, will be screened at the San Antonio Horrific Film Fest on October 21 at 8:45 p.m. at the Courtyard San Antonio, 11605 TX-151, San Antonio, TX 78251. General admission $12. Use this link for more ticket information.
