University of Arizona media arts associate professor Yuri Makino has made a stunning film debut with "Alma," a short about a teenage girl who learns she's an illegal immigrant. The film has played in eight festivals around the country. Makino, 40, plans to expand "Alma" into a feature film one day.
Who or what are your biggest influences as a filmmaker?
"My mother and sisters are my biggest influences creatively. I grew up in a family where the artistic process was a part of daily living. Filmmakers who have influenced me: Satyajit Ray, Jane Campion, Todd Haynes, Victor Nuñez and Ang Lee."
What's your evaluation of the Tucson movie scene?
"I'm feeling more optimistic about it. Since I got here nine years ago, the independent film scene has developed considerably. There's a growing number of talented filmmakers in Tucson."
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How can people view "Alma"?
Unless they happen to be in Texas or New York in the fall where it will be screening, they should contact me at the university (ymakino@email. arizona.edu) for a DVD. It's been showing on the festival circuit and has had three screenings in Tucson. I hope there will be more screenings in Tucson."
What are you working on these days?
"I'm starting on a feature script about my experiences coming of age in a commune in Switzerland in the 1970s. Much of my work is about girls transitioning from girlhood into adulthood and their experiences of feeling on the 'outside.' "
What have been the biggest roadblocks in your career?
"Lack of funding is always the biggest roadblock for a filmmaker. In the years (since) I've developed the feature script 'Alma,' people have questioned whether I, as a non-Latino, should be making a film about a Mexican family."
Describe your dream project.
"I finished co-writing the feature-length version of 'Alma' seven years ago, and directing it with at least a half-a-million-dollar budget is still my dream."
Where do you see your career taking you five years from now?
"I'd like to be in a position where I could more regularly be directing longer-format feature and documentary films."
