Filmmaker Profile: This Boy’s Vida by Adrienne Acevedo Lovette
Welcome to the Bushwick Film Festival Q&A series, where we introduce you to the incredible filmmakers behind this year's lineup. Each of these talented storytellers has crafted a unique vision, reflecting diverse perspectives and powerful narratives that resonate deeply with audiences today. In this series, you'll get an inside look at what inspired their work, the challenges they faced, and the creative processes that brought their films to life. Through candid interviews, they share their thoughts on the impact of their films, the themes they explore, and their hopes for how audiences will connect with their stories. Whether you're here for drama, comedy, documentary, or experimental films, these filmmakers are sure to inspire you with their dedication and passion for the craft. We hope you enjoy getting to know the voices behind this year's festival as much as we have enjoyed bringing their films to our screens. Let’s dive into their stories!
Based on true events, with the help of his imaginary future self, an American Latino boy who dreams of being an actor turns "Robinhood" to feed his starving sisters, until the system catches up with him and forces him to choose between his family or dreams.
Q&A WITH DIRECTOR ADRIENNE ACEVEDO LOVETTE
Can you tell us about the central themes of your film? What message or emotion did you hope to convey?
THIS BOY'S VIDA holds a personal significance for me as the director, having grown up in a low-income household myself. This story of a young Latino boy navigating poverty while caring for his sisters, based on Joseph Castillo-Midyett’s own personal life as a child, resonates deeply with my experiences. Through THIS BOY'S VIDA, we aim to shed light on the strength and resilience within the Latin American community. Drawing from our personal upbringing and the stories of others, we strive to challenge perceptions, break stereotypes, and foster understanding of the complex factors contributing to poverty. We infused the storytelling with authenticity and emotional truth, creating a visually captivating and emotionally resonant narrative. We want to inspire and empower viewers who have faced similar challenges, offering a renewed sense of hope and self-belief, letting them know that there’s circumstance does not have to dictate their future. THIS BOY'S VIDA is a project that amplifies the voices and stories of those who have navigated poverty in the Latin American community. Together, we will illuminate the indomitable spirit that emerges from difficult circumstances.
Were there any films or directors that influenced your approach to this project?
From the beginning, I was inspired by films like Berry Jenkins "MOONLIGHT" and Garth Davis' "LION", which I felt were similar perspectives and visuals of an untold story.
Films are lasting artistic legacies; what do you want yours to say?
Part of why I love filmmaking is that you leave a visual part of yourself on this earth. Throughout my filmmaking career, my purpose for creating visual stories has changed from pure entertainment to giving platforms for underrepresented voices, specifically putting a spotlight on the "sidekicks" story. I consider myself an underrepresented individual, and when you do not see yourself on screen, it makes you feel like you don't matter...a type of "symbolic annihilation." I want to be a part of the change shining the light on human stories from all walks of life and leaving a mark of work that brings people together.
How do you feel about your film being screened in front of a festival audience?
I hope the film affects an audience to the point where they talk about it and make them think about the topic and story. If you leave the theatre still talking about it, we've done our job.
One thing people don’t know about me is ______.
I can see ghosts.
BIOGRAPHY
Adrienne Acevedo Lovette is an award-winning director, actor, writer, and producer based in New York. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida, she founded The Garage Productions, focusing on stories that amplify underrepresented voices. Adrienne has garnered numerous accolades for her work across various genres.
Adrienne is a SXSW audience award winner and Sundance Collab film challenge winner. Her feature film I'M OKAY, WE'RE OKAY won Best Feature Film, Best Cinematography, Best Actress, and the NY Filmmaker Award at CHAIN NYC Film Festival, as well as Best Actor and Best Actress at Catalina Film Festival. Her film THIS BOY'S VIDA (MADE IN AMERICA) earned the Caz Matthews Award for diversity, Best Writing (Joseph Castillo-Midyett) at SeriesFest, and Best Futuro Series at the New York Latino Film Festival. Additionally, her horror short HIDDEN DAYLIGHT won Best Film at Phoenix Comicon, Best Short Film at Freak Show Horror Film Festival, and she was named a Women in Horror Honoree at FEARnyc.
As an actor, her favorite Film/TV credits include THE PENGUIN, BETTER CALL SAUL FOSSE?VERDON, THE DEUCE, and THE EQUALIZER. For more information please visit www.DirectedByAdrienneAcevedoLovette.com or check out her work on IMDB!
Thank you for joining us for this special Q&A with the filmmakers of the Bushwick Film Festival. We hope this conversation has given you insight into the artistry, dedication, and heart that went into bringing their films to life. Each of these creators represents the spirit of independent filmmaking—fearlessly telling stories that reflect the complexities of our world and the personal experiences that shape us. As you continue exploring this year’s lineup, we encourage you to dive deeper into these works and discover the powerful messages, emotions, and perspectives they offer. Whether you're a long-time supporter of indie films or a newcomer to the festival, your engagement and curiosity make all the difference in uplifting these voices. Stay tuned for more filmmaker spotlights, and we look forward to seeing you at this year’s screenings. Let’s continue celebrating the magic of storytelling together!
