Whether it’s about sharing a point of view or an autobiographical reflection, when a project is fueled by artistic necessity – and not simply financial gain – there is always a personal dimension. But on the scale of sensitive themes for a creator to expose in her work, some are much more intimate than others.
In the case of emerging filmmaker Andy Villanueva, she bravely chose to craft a two-minute, stop-motion movie about her own abortion and the unconditional support she received from her father. Not only did she make every element of the piece by hand to imbue it with emotional resonance, but she did it knowing that this deeply private short would be submitted for consideration for the Horizon Award, which seek to champion new female talent in the film industry by offering mentorship and an all-expenses paid trip to the Sundance Film Festival. In giving her the honor, organizers recognize her efforts exploring difficult moment in her life through storytelling and doing so in an unorthodox manner that elevated the notions behind it.
An immigrant herself and an outspoken woman of color, Villanueva was born in Mexico City and later migrated to Canada with her family where they initially faced financial struggles familiar to most people trying to make a new country their home. Proud of her Mexican identity, she is active in Toronto’s Hispanic community and remains inspired by the art and traditions of her homeland, which she cherishes and includes in her stories.
Winning the Horizon Award, which is now in its third edition, was a breakthrough for the young visionary, who was introduced to the American independent film industry at Sundance and for whom many more opportunities await. However, despite her current success, no one should expect her to tame her blunt attitude and fearless choices, because beyond being a woman of color, an immigrant, or a Mexican national, she is an artist. Get to know Andy Villanueva in depth below, surely this won’t be the last time we’ll hear from her.
