By Maria Esteves – August 16, 2010

The 11th New York International Latino Film Festival 2010 (NYILFF10) New York Premiere of GO FOR IT!, directed by Carmen Marron, was held at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) Theater, New York, Thursday, July 29, 7:00 pm. A special Q&A immediately followed with director Marron and cast members. Aviva Press had the honor of interviewing director Marron on Thursday, July 29, 2010.

ME: What inspired the making of the film “GO FOR IT?”

CM: Actually, growing up in the inner city of Chicago and being a school guidance counselor in South Phoenix, Arizona, I saw kids in need of role models. They looked up to people in film and television. They did not communicate with their parents. I thought the best way to fill the need is to get material on film that these kids can connect with, to be inspired, to see themselves differently, to have higher goals or dreams for themselves. My message to affect kids positively was so strong, I decided to learn how to write a script, and raise money to show this much needed story on film that may someday inspire other filmmakers to do the same.

ME: What has been the audience reaction at the 2010 New York International Latino Film Festival?

CM: The audience reaction at our New York premiere was phenomenal. The audience was comprised of family, friends, cast members, filmmakers, actors, and festival patrons. My friends from Chicago were overwhelmed with joy and tears from what they saw on screen by a first time filmmaker. The audience was surprised, they laughed and cried.

ME: Where has the film screened?

CM: Within the last two months, the film screened at the Boston International Film Festival, Dances with Films Festival, San Antonio Film Festival, and Cancun Film Festival.

ME: Did the film win awards?

CM: Yes, we won the Audience Awards at 2010 Dances with Films Festival and 2010 San Antonio Film Festival.

ME: Where will the film screen next?

CM: The film will premiere at the 2010 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival on Tuesday, August 24, 5:30 pm.

ME: Any interest from film distributors?

CM: Yes, there is interest from film distributors.

ME: At what point in your life you became interested in the film industry?

CM: I have my Bachelor’s degree in business and my Master’s in education. I worked for the government and in education. I wanted to affect society especially young women in social economic deprived communities and decided filmmaking is the best way.

ME: What films have you directed?

CM: GO FOR IT is my first directorial debut.

ME: Any new projects soon to follow?

CM: Yes, I am actually working on a new script.

Thank you, Carmen.
For more information, contact: carmen@sparkhope.com