(May 2009) - The Puerto Rico Film Commission,  Studio 51, Inc. and the Ricky Martin Foundation announced today the completion of BOARDING PASS (“Pasaje”), the first of 10 shorts films about children’ s rights to be produced in Puerto Rico. Directed by Ana Clavell and produced by Carola González, Boarding Pass deals with a seven-year old child suffering from AIDS. The short, part of the Voces de la infancia (Voices of Childhood) initiative, uses animation as its medium to portray the plight of an AIDS orphan. 

“This is the first time anything like this has been done in Puerto Rico”, Exec. Producer Rafael Mediavilla says. “Animation is usually relegated to commercials. I think this will change attitudes as to how powerful animation can be when used to convey stories like Pasaje".  Co-Executive Producers, Zoilo Rodriguez and Nadia Barbarossa, agree. “It has been a challenge alright. We have enlisted the help of everybody here to do justice to this story, from getting Ana Clavell (Day of the Dead: Contagium, Creepshow 3) to the Puerto Rico’s Conservatory orchestra for our score recording.”   

Ricky Martin, President and Founder of the Ricky Martin Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for children's rights around the globe says, “our children are our present. To protect them is our duty. I commend all the filmmakers that have collaborated with this great initiative which is essential to achieve awareness through educational efforts."  

Dr. Mariella Pérez, the Puerto Rico Film Commissioner, adds: “We are extremely proud of this effort, and we feel it will not only open doors for our filmmakers but also fulfill its main mission: to educate about children with AIDS.” 

The 10 minute short, which is based on a true story, will have its world premiere at the Palms Springs International Short Film Festival this June.  

The project is represented worldwide by Taurus Entertainment Company.