The Beaufort International Film Fest is up and running at the University of South Carolina Beaufort downtown campus. Fandango Productions South has transformed the Center for the Arts into a old style movie house complete with lounge and concessions.

Among the highlights today the Italian film "The Duck Hunter" a terrific slate of short and student films and L.A. based filmmaker Felix Martiz' debut feature, "Santiago."

Felix Martiz is flying in from L.A. to screen his feature “Santiago” at the Beaufort Int’l Film Fest today (2/16) at 4:00 pm. “What Santiago represents is truly independent film – real guerilla filmmaking,” says BIFF’s Ron Tucker. “They didn’t have clearances, passes or permits. They rehearsed the scenes, knew the lines and just showed up, set up the scene, shot it and got out.”

The story has to do with an actor who hires a film student to document a day in the life of a drug-dealing pimp – Santiago. The performances coupled with the run and gun style of filmmaking, charge the movie with an adrenaline-fueled rush of unpredictability.

 Mark Shaffer: Give us the pitch for "Santiago."

Felix Martiz: The film has many layers in which it explores the lives of various immigrants. The main two are Santiago and Miguel, with Santiago we have a character study of a foreigner, who out of despair becomes a vicious criminal. With Miguel we have the story of the lost immigrant who is trying to do good and at the same time find the sister that he lost in this country.
MS: Going into the screening what should the audience be prepared for?

FM: A true independent film experience. What I mean by that is that this film was conceived with the knowledge that I would have limited to no resources at my disposal. Forcing me not only to write in low budget style, but to really try and push the medium into a territory in which not many films go. For instance I play with the notion that the reality we are presented in this 'documentary style' film is all a facade, and its only as the film becomes more cinematic and 'false' that the truth of the characters are revealed. My Director of Photography Jan Michael Losada was a huge part in helping me visualize how that deconstruction would play out. All that being said, I am conscious of my audience and want to entertain so the film is packed with lots of laughs action and suspense. 

MS: This is your first full-length feature. How did it come together?

FM: By truly believing that the only thing that could stop this movie from being made was myself. 
MS: Where did the story come from?

FM: It started as a noir/crime film that I wanted to shoot as soon as I got into film school. Luckily I didn’t. Because I had some great mentors in college that helped me find my voice, which led to me approaching this script 4 years later and rewriting it with the immigrant struggle in mind. 
MS: You had no budget. You shot this film on the fly - run & gun style. You got chased out of locations a few times.  Tell us about it.

FM: I would, but we might get in trouble if I did. I can tell you that we were chased out of 4 locations and the scariest ones were the times when it wasn't the authorities who were after us. I can tell you that one time, we pushed it too far and were almost caught. But it was one of those situations where we had to get that take, and couldn't cut! But the moment we did, we ran!
MS: Running and gunning means some crazy challenges and pressure for cast and crew. How did they cope and how did you prepare for that?

FM: We rehearsed the film for three months, treating it like a play. The idea was that as soon as we landed on the location we were going to get the shot on the first take. But shooting long takes and not knowing the exact elements that would be waiting for us at the locations, we rarely ended up getting anything on the first take. The cast and Crew were ready for anything that came their way, they all rose to the challenge of guerilla filmmaking.

MS: What does this style of filmmaking mean to the finished piece? Is it actually beneficial?

FM: In the case of this story it is because the doc style of the film.

MS: Tell us about the cast and the crew. You've known some of them a while, others are new.

FM: I worked and met most of them in Film School. The crew and I made many short films together, before this film. We are a very tight bunch, plus this experience has made family out of all of us.

MS: You've been making the rounds on the festival circuit. Map it out for us.

FM: From Coast to Coast, From Manhattan, New York to Oaxaca Mexico.

MS: How's that been going and how have audiences reacted to the movie?

FM: All good reactions, nothing but great feedback and encouragement from everyone who sees the film. There are also a lot of filmmakers who the film inspires due to the DYI nature of it.

MS: The film got an outstanding reception in Oaxaca. Now you're headed to South Carolina - as different as it can get. Who's coming with you and how are your nerves?

FM: I'm alone on this one and my nerves are good so far.

MS: BIFF is a bit unique in that everything takes place under one roof. Everyone mingles - audience, VIP's, media, filmmakers, actors, caterers, students. There's no escaping all sorts of interaction/feedback. Is that exciting or a little daunting?

FM: Exciting! The chance to meet other artist and talk with and share our films with each other is a great experience that I am looking very much forward to. 

MS: Apart from showing the film and participating in BIFF, what are you anticipating most on this trip?

FM: I've never been to SC, but I've met some great people who reside here and am excited about it.

MS: What's next post-Santiago?

FM: Trying to find a producer who will help me realize my latest script, “The Invincible People.”

MS: If you were pitching the "Autobiography of Felix Martiz" how would it go?

FM: Its the story of a filmmaker who cannot get a break so as a last resort he grabs a camera, some friends and shoots a small film, that will go on to play in international festivals all over the country.

This evening don't miss the Screenwriters Table Read with a wine and cheese reception.