ABOUT MANUEL JOSE OLAYA
By Union of Excellence, Aug 19, 2020
NAME:
Manuel Jose Olaya Muñoz
ROLE:
Film Director, Producer
INDUSTRY:
Film Industry
INTERVIEW WITH UNOFEX AWARDS WINNER - MANUEL JOSE OLAYA MUÑOZ
The story of „Arizona 1878“ by Spanish director Manuel Jose Olaya Muñoz is about two inmates of the Yuma state prison, Ted Logan (Micky Molina) and Ricardo Montero (José Varela) who fount the way to freedom just by chance of fate and fortuitously. But in front of them… an inhospitable desert and an adventure to run, Indians and a relentless Marshall. John Donovan - played by Pedro López- a cellmate of Ted and Ricardo who had previously been released after eight long years behind bars embarks with his brother Frank (Alex Navarro) in search of those who betrayed him.
In this year's edition, Arizona 1878 won the UNOFEX International film Awards 2020 in the category "Best Western Short Film" and we asked the director how he did it.
In this UNOFEX interview, the film director Manuel Jose Olaya tells us how long it takes to realize the western, his greatest experiences and his thoughts about the outbreak of Covid-19 and how it has impacted his work.
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Tell us about your background.
I am a vocational filmmaker and historical re-creator.
How did you get involved in film?
Out of devotion at an early age, only then I was not lucky enough to have a camera to film, and when the first video cameras arrived, it all began.
Congratulations for winning the UNOFEX International Film Awards 2020! Are there any persons you want to say, ‘thank you’?
To the entire Arizona 1878 team, especially the members of my family who have supported me and participated in the film.
How long did it take to research and make Arizona 1878?
3 years of work.
What was your greatest experience as a filmmaker?
Perhaps it is Arizona 1878 due to the size of the project and having recognized actors
What, in your opinion, is the most important quality in a Film Director?
I guess knowing how to maintain the project and the team and knowing how to believe and take charge of the film from minute one.
What is the role of film festivals?
Value and publicize works and filmmakers, because the small director or filmmaker of today can be the filmmaker or director of tomorrow, it helps new talents, who may not have been lucky enough to have studied at an academy, as in my case, and festivals help make you known.
Who are your favorite directors?
John Ford and Quentin Tarantino to name two.
Let's discuss the current situation. How does the outbreak of Covid-19 affect your work as a filmmaker?
It affects almost everything, but for that reason we will not stop making films, perhaps it affects in a worse way, the political limitations to this sector, more than the covid-19 itself.
What is your next film?
"Silence" a short film with a paranormal touch and western genre with the background of the North American Civil War.
What advice do you have to young and new coming filmmakers?
If they have a dream, that they follow it, do not set limits and that they work until the end of the journey, the fruits come out.
