Local Filmmaker to Showcase Award-Winning Short Film at El Paso Film Festival

El Paso’s thriving film scene is about to spotlight one of its most accomplished filmmakers—Carlos M. De La Torre, writer, director, and co-founder of Tower Productions. This September, De La Torre’s short film, fresh off a major win at the Mindfield Film Festival in Albuquerque, NM, will be screened at the El Paso Film Festival alongside his participation in a panel about producing low-budget films.

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Award-Winning Filmmaker Returns to the Spotlight

A 2018 graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, De La Torre has established himself as a filmmaker with a distinct voice and a passion for storytelling. With a double degree in Digital Media Production and History, he co-founded Tower Productions in 2016, where he has produced over 40 short films and directed 15 of his own, including the award-winning You Know What’s Funny.

His latest work, a narrative short titled So, Who Was It This Time?, has already garnered major recognition, winning the Diamond Award—the highest honor for short films—at the Mindfield Film Festival in Albuquerque, NM. This recognition places De La Torre among the most promising filmmakers in the short film format, and his work is generating excitement ahead of the El Paso Film Festival screening.

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A Complex Story of Love and Secrets

So, Who Was It This Time?, directed and written by Carlos M. De La Torre and produced by Austin T. Young and De La Torre himself, will be shown on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Philanthropy Theatre. The 20-minute short explores the unraveling of a relationship between Jack and Mandy after an unexpected discovery leads to a tense conversation about their pasts. As hidden truths surface, the film captures the emotional weight of decisions that can forever alter a relationship.

This narrative brings to light the complexity of human interaction, tackling themes of trust, intimacy, and the consequences of keeping secrets. The screening, scheduled from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, will offer audiences a powerful exploration of love and choices.

Panel on Low-Budget Filmmaking

Before the screening, De La Torre will join a panel of filmmakers to discuss the challenges of producing low-budget films in the region. Moderated by Charles Horak, the panel titled Producing and Directing a Low-Budget Short Film will take place at the Plaza Theater Backstage at 1:30 PM. De La Torre will be joined by fellow filmmakers Ellar Coltrane, Francis Yzaguirre, and Michael De La O, who will share insights on collaborating with local film commissions, coordinating street closures, and using public resources like buses and streetcars to film on a budget.

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This free event, hosted by the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission and supported by the El Paso Film Festival, is designed to offer practical advice and real-world experience to aspiring filmmakers.

Event Details

• Film: So, Who Was It This Time?
• Screening Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
• Time: 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
• Location: Philanthropy Theatre, El Paso, TX
• Panel: Producing and Directing a Low-Budget Short Film
• Panel Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
• Panel Location: Plaza Theater Backstage

A Rising Star in El Paso’s Film Scene

As co-host of the TowerCast Podcast, De La Torre has also helped build a vibrant community of filmmakers in El Paso, where stories and experiences are shared by industry veterans and rising stars alike. His presence on the local film scene, both through his own projects and his work as a frequent contributor to On Film (KTEP 88.5 FM, NPR), has made him a central figure in El Paso's growing creative community.

With a prestigious award already under his belt and a deep commitment to regional filmmaking, Carlos M. De La Torre continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on a small budget, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps.