We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Anthony Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin Anthony, how do you think about risk?
Everything about filmmaking is a risk. The feeling of being vulnerable. Showing your art. Putting yourself out there. It’s all a risk, but embrace it. Living on the other side of fear and comfort zone will help you succeed in filmmaking or any creative endeavor. It’s important to step through that door and embrace failure. If I personally didn’t do that then I would still be just a person with a head full of ideas. Put thoughts into your risk. Personally I find risk taking enthralling, makes me aware I’m alive.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My films are focused on the hyperrealisms of the World and sometimes the ugliness it has to offer. I feel that’s where my style was born. It’s not all depressing though, there’s some values to learn in those dire looks of humanity. How I got to where I am today is by just simply doing it. As Shia said “Just Do It” mentality. It really works. If you want to succeed in any craft you have to realize the fact that you have to overcome hurdles, speedbumps, and downs. Its a challenge. Embrace the challenge, if you really passionate you will find a way, somehow. I will continue my style and show the window of the imperfect and hypocritical World. I can be a beautiful thing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well my hometown is San Antonio. Always stick with Art, I love seeing people going out of their comfort zone and showcasing their art. There are a few local spots that do this well. Brick Art gallery usually has amazing markets, great music, and I even had my film premiere there. They allow local food vendors cook their dishes while you can grab a beer. Presa House Gallery is another where you can walk in, grab a beer, and see someone’s art installation or music. Jandro’s in San Antonio is the late night spot. Great music, food, and they think outside of the box for some events. Always playing indie films on their monitors which is a great touch. Owner Alejandro keeps the place fresh and exciting. Lastly grab some margaritas and vegan Mexican food at Sanchos. You can’t beat that rooftop view of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my first cinematographer who gave me a shot Mason O’Neil Hunsicker. A talented individual who knew I wrote something good and just did it for the craft. It’s important If you can find people like that in your community. Especially starting out. And Honest to God, my mother. My earliest memories were of her and I watching all different types of movies on HBO in the 90’s when I was a young child. I can still feel it. I mean someone had to take me to the video store.

Website: bravepicturefilms.com

Instagram: @Bravepicture

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.rodriguez.100

Other: https://www.fildifest.com I also created San Antonio’s first Arthouse Film Festival.

Image Credits
Saige Thomas Photography

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