‘NOCIVA is a short film about a school principal confronting a psychopathic teacher who has been on the path of tormenting his students, specifically a young girl in his classroom. We caught up with director Jesse Gasca Garcia with an interview on this film.
UniversalCinema Magazine (UM): How did you come up with this story idea?
Jesse Gasca Garcia (JG): The idea for ‘Nociva came from the unsettling behavior that has been arousing our country for many years. The idea that white people constitute a superior race, the idea that women in this country cannot hold an equal or higher paying position, and the idea that children are not vulnerable therefore they shouldn’t be able feel safe in schools. The focus of this country has really back turn to an unprecedent behavior that has erupted in confusion and distress. It’s very unsettling what is going on here. It was an idea that was deranging my mind for quite a while.
The idea also took form when I was working as a Behavior Specialist in a school setting. I would analyze students’ behavior and collect data on it. Kids behavior is unpredictable especially in a school setting in which kids from various backgrounds come together to learn and teach one another. In a school site students place their trust and hearts on teachers and school administrators, who are there as role models for many years. They believe in teachers, not only to teach them but to care and guide them. Working in the school system, I saw the distress in students, the lack of attention on certain students by school administrators. Teachers, in some way or form discriminating on certain students.
All these unsettle feelings arouse, compacted in me to develop and create ‘Nociva.’
(UM): Do you have kids yourself?
(JG): No, I don’t have any kids of my own. I do have two nieces and one nephew who are very joyful and lovable. However, working as a behavior specialist I learned the fundamental aspects of children’s behavior.
(UM): Have you received any feedback from parents watching this film?
(JG): Yes, many were intrigued by the story of the film. Some, have come up to me with personal stories of their own. Others, have told me, after watching ‘Nociva,’ that they were going to be more cautious and attentive on their children’s teachers.
(UM): What do you hope to achieve with this film in the film festivals?
(JG): With ‘Nociva,’ I hope to make awareness that Mexican Americans/Latinos are seeking opportunities in the film industry. I want to show the world that we as Mexican Americans/Latinos have talent and have the capability to create great films.
(UM): Do you have other film projects on the go?
(JG): I am currently working on another short film titled ‘Chantoto’o.’ The short film is about Manuel, a homeless immigrant from Oaxaca Mexico, struggles to comprehend the harsh existence of poverty in the United States. In the midst of wiliness to change for a better life, Manuel is face with the unstable and negative behavior from Luis. ‘Chantoto’o’ is currently in pre-production and its schedule to start filming April 2022.
(UM): Do you ever plan to make feature films in the near future?
(JG): Yes, for a while now I have been working on a script for a feature film. The story is still developing but what I can say is that is going to be a three-story film.
(UM): What did you think of Yaretzi Castro’s performance as Arlene?
(JG): Yaretzi, she’s incredible young actress with lots of potential. She did an incredible job with her performance. She was very intrigue with the project since the very beginning. She took her role very serious. She really understood Arlene’s desperateness and anxiety. She knew from the very beginning the importance of this film and what I was trying to achieve. Her energy on set was very powerful. She brought this light of joy that endure in all of us which ended up guiding us till the end. She’s a very wonderful human. She’s very unique, creative and with a very understandable soul.
(UM): How long did this project take?
(JG): The project took three years in the making. It was a process to get the fundings for the film but with the help of a few investors and after squeezing out major credit cards we manage to get the money.
(UM): What type of genres do you associate with in filmmaking?
(JG): I love drama, but I associate with mystery and suspense.
(UM): Where do you see yourself five years from now in the film industry?
(JG): In five years, I see myself more mature, focus, with better knowledge of the film industry. I see myself filming multiple feature films, thus creating major roles for more Latino actors. I see myself collaborating with other filmmakers to create a platform to inspire young Latino generations into the art of filmmaking.