By: Chey Slowblade
“A story born in Juárez, told on the world stage – LEPES is a heartfelt journey of resilience, healing, and the search of belonging.”
Living in the borderlands allows one to fully appreciate the beauty, resilience, and pride that vibrate through the streets. A strong sense of familial connections can be felt between El Paso, TX and Ciudad Juárez, MX. Some people are raised in Ciudad Juárez then grow up to work in El Paso, while others get their education in El Paso then raise their kids in Ciudad Juárez. Whatever the combination may be, the mix of cultures, occupations, food, arts, and understanding is an ever-flowing feeling that’s existed for years and years.
Unfortunately, outside of this regional bubble, there are negative assumptions and stigmas whenever outsiders hear the words El Paso or Ciudad Juárez. Some may think of it as rough, unsafe, or even barren. Luckily, Empty Pockets Entertainment is here to rewrite the narrative of the lands and people they call home. Empty Pockets Entertainment is a production company based out of El Paso, led by the powerful duo of Director Rayell Abad Guangorena and Producer Peter Gonzalez. With the help of film grants and Executive Producer Sal Perches, these men were able to create their first featured film, “LEPES.”
This film is a coming-of-age narrative that loosely portrays Guangorena’s childhood growing up in Ciudad Juárez. The story follows a little boy, Pedro, having a difficult time in school and at home. His troubles lead him to having to complete community service in a funeral home where he meets Samo, the embalmer. This unlikely pair blossoms into a beautiful relationship filled with laughs, life lessons, and tears.
In my interview with Guangorena, Gonzalez, and Perches, we dive into the intricate relationship between life and death as portrayed in the film, the beauty that is Ciudad Juárez, the five-year journey it took to make this film, funny similarities between everyone’s childhood, what it was like working with 60 kids, and much more!
Credit:
Videographer: Margarita Ponce
Editor & Host: Chey Slowblade
LEPES has already won the hearts of many and the Press Prize award at the Guanajuato International Film Festival. This film marks the first feature from El Paso to receive support from Richard Linklater’s Austin Film Society. Get a chance to watch this beautiful film headline at the El Paso Film Festival this Saturday, September 27. The Historic Plaza Theater will roll out its red carpet at 6 PM and the film will premiere at 7 PM. Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.
Credit:
Director & Writer: Rayell Abad Guangorena
Producer: Peter Gonzalez
