Daniel Eduvijes Carrera recently had an article featured by Djerassi, where he discussed his time in their residence program and his background as a first generation Mexican-American filmmaker. His article got in depth about how the program allowed him to step away from the rigid expectations and deadlines he set for himself and instead focus on the art of creating and collaborating with others. His experience in the program also helped shape his relationship with his identity as a member of an often under-represented community, and how that could be something that drove his work instead of inhibited it. Carrera previously won the 2017 Djerassi Residency Award for the development of his debut feature screenplay, Místicos, a supernatural drama that explores spiritual development and gay identity amid the rise of exorcism in rural Mexico.

Image Courtesy of Djerassi

The Djerassi Resident Artists Program is the largest fee-free artist residency west of the Mississippi and considered among the most prestigious in the world. It is a place for risk-taking and exploring new ideas. Residents thrive on the intellectual stimulation and interaction with other artists in a close-knit community. Located in the spectacular Santa Cruz Mountains, the program provides artists with uninterrupted time for work, reflection, and collegial interaction.

Daniel Eduvijes Carrera’s previous work includes Primera Comunion, which won numerous festival awards as well as the Imagen Award, the Directors Guild of America Student Film Award and a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.

You can read his article at Djerassi.