Synopsis
Clemente is a successful man who comes from a family of artists and filmmakers. He has it all, a wonderful job, health, and an incredible family, but his life changes when he is faced with the challenge of caring for his father Felix, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He is racing against the clock as his father's illness worsens with each passing day and it is important for him to let Felix (his father) know that everything he is, he owes to him. Following the recommendation of his Family doctor, Clemente does everything he can to restore Felix's memory and ‘bring him back to the present’. The magic of cinema happens, almost by accident, when Clemente finds a way to connect with his father through an old 8mm film camera.
How it all started
At the age of 17 I got in my hands on an 8mm camera... the unmistakable and peculiar sound it produces when you are filming was like ‘poison’... that's when I knew I wanted to make films. In the 90s when I was studying journalism I met Enrique García, one of my best friends. His father was a renowned filmmaker, they called him the Super-Ochero, he made independent films in 8mm... Thanks to this relationship I had the opportunity to get close to some of the best directors of that time, Gabriel Retes himself and Maestro Gurrola among others; I had the opportunity to get close to the CINEMA AS IT USED TO BE. CINEMA AS IT USED TO BE is about love and the admiration we feel for our loved ones; parents, siblings, children...
Target audience
Appealing to the entire family, this short films celebrates the values of familial unity, love, understanding, and support for a loved one experiencing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. This short film highlights the diversity of cultural backgrounds, featuring an immigrant family navigating their journey in a vibrant and multicultural city.
Why should this wonderful story be told?
This story resonates with all of us, as we’ve all experienced childhood and many of us will eventually become parents. CINEMA AS IT USED TO BE also addresses the challenge of communication lost to illnesses like Alzheimer's. To highlight its impact, consider this: 90% of people will encounter this disease in some way, with a new diagnosis occurring every three seconds worldwide. This is why the story is so vital—it raises awareness and fosters understanding. While the short film doesn’t serve as a medical guide for dealing with dementia, it offers a message of hope, emphasizing that family support and love are crucial in navigating relationships with those affected by this condition.
This film serves as a tribute to those who dedicate themselves to the art of cinema. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude to the filmmakers of the '70s and '80s who kept the industry vibrant. CINEMA AS IT USED TO BE honors the directors and cinematographers of the past, a time when the craft demanded greater rigor and preparation. It’s a nod to my colleagues—both past and future—my mentors, and, most importantly, my family, whose unwavering support has been essential throughout this journey.
In every film, audio contributes to 50% of the final experience.
We have engaged Sala de Audio in Mexico for the sound design and final mix, which will be completed in 7.1 Dolby Atmos. The talented Salvador Terrcero is leading this effort. You can find more about Sala de Audio here: Sala de Audio. The musical score will be composed by Camila Uboldi, one of Mexico’s most acclaimed artists known for her work in film and documentary scoring. Learn more about her here: Camila Uboldi. Additionally, we plan to feature two songs: "Y vuelvo a casa" by Geo Equihua & Ale Paniagua and "Muchacha bonita" by Jose Alfredo Jimenez. You can listen to them here: "Y vuelvo a casa" "Muchacha bonita"
As long as my memory doesn't fail me, there will be... Cinema as it Used to Be.
Jose Hernandez