Panacea

This short film (22 minutes) made its Texas debut at our very own Cine El Rey on Saturday.  Directed by Carlos Moreno, Jr, Valley native (most recently credited in Coco), it stars Kyle Devero as Ayden, and Carlos Moreno as Dario, two friends dealing with Ayden's impeding death. 



A group of friends gather to say their goodbyes before Ayden's death with dignity.   An unfliching look at assisted suicide as some might call it.  Others may say it's a better way.  You make the call.  Is it a Panacea?

Shot over a 9 hour period using a borrowed $70,000 camera, the acting is solid and the cinematography has a washed-out look evocative of going toward the light as death is often described.  It walks the line of presenting this sad subject in a matter-of-fact manner.

Bankrolled as a way of promoting a video sharing/virtual reality platform called Legacy App, the end credits show some sample videos of Ayden giving messages after death.  An effective marketing tool and an original idea on how to get funding for your short film.

Glad to know that we have some good filmmaking rooted locally.

* * * * of 5