At Oxford, Clara, a focused law student from a mid-class British family, and Marco, a free-spirited architecture graduate from Mexico with deep immigrant roots, form an unlikely bond. Their relationship explores the clash between Clara's tradition-bound world and Marco's unapologetic authenticity, shaped by cultural differences and personal expectations. As their connection deepens, they grapple with the challenges of balancing societal pressures, identity, and their own growth. Ultimately, they must navigate the complexities of love, family, and culture, choosing to embrace their differences and build a relationship founded on mutual understanding and acceptance.
The narrative challenges the notion of a singular definition of success, suggesting that personal fulfilment can be found by breaking free from societal expectations and embracing one's passions.The story highlights the importance of family and cultural heritage in shaping an individual's identity and sense of belonging. It explores the complexities of intercultural relationships, emphasizing the need for open communication, empathy, and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone.
The story also emphasises the characters' personal growth. Clara's willingness to step outside her comfort zone and explore Marco's world demonstrates her evolving perspective. Marco's decision to embrace his identity and share his world with Clara highlights his emotional maturity.These moments of growth and vulnerability in the story enhance the reader's empathy, as they witness the characters evolving and learning from their experiences.
By employing these techniques, the story creates a powerful sense of empathy for the characters, allowing the reader to connect with their struggles, celebrate their triumphs, and feel invested in their journey.
Overall the film vision will aim to show emotional and personal transformation, with a deep exploration of what it means to be true to oneself in the face of societal, cultural, and relational pressures. The story advocates for breaking free from prescribed paths to success, focusing instead on personal growth, understanding, and the cultivation of meaningful connections. Through Clara and Marco’s evolving relationship, the film will underscores the importance of empathy, open communication, and a willingness to embrace both one’s heritage and one’s personal desires. Ultimately, it suggests that fulfilment comes not from external validation, but from authentic living, open-mindedness, and the courage to be vulnerable in our relationships.
Clara: A law student at Brookes University, Clara is ambitious, focused, and driven by rules and structure. Her upbringing has been comfortable and privileged, making her world clash with Marco’s. She is initially hesitant about their connection due to their differences but gradually opens up to new experiences and embraces the possibility of a future with Marco.
Marco: An architecture student with a passion for creating spaces that inspire emotions, Marco is creative, free-spirited, and determined to make a difference. As an immigrant, he has faced challenges and struggles that Clara hasn’t experienced, shaping his outlook on life. He is confident in his identity and encourages Clara to break free from societal expectations.
Olivia: Clara’s best friend and law school classmate, Olivia is observant, supportive, and offers a pragmatic perspective on Clara's relationship with Marco. She expresses concerns about the potential distractions and difficulties, urging Clara to prioritize her studies and not lose sight of her own goals.
Luis: Marco's cousin, Luis is playful, insightful, and offers a voice of reason to Marco’s anxieties about his relationship with Clara. He expresses concerns about cultural differences and their potential impact on their future. He also encourages Marco to be proud of his roots and let Clara see the real him.
George: Clara’s father, George is a practical, successful professional who prioritizes security and stability. He expresses concern about Marco’s different background and potential impact on Clara’s future, emphasizing the importance of making choices that align with her career aspirations.
Anna: Clara's mother, Anna is more understanding and empathetic than George. While she shares his concerns about Marco’s background, she prioritizes Clara’s happiness and encourages open communication.
Isabel: Marco’s mother, Isabel is loving, wise, and strong. She instills in Marco a sense of pride in their heritage and encourages him to be true to himself, regardless of societal expectations. She supports his relationship with Clara but reminds him that he should never have to apologize for who he is.
Lucy: Clara’s friend, Lucy, is blunt and judgmental. She expresses skepticism about Marco and their relationship, making snide remarks about their differences and predicting their eventual downfall. Her negativity highlights the societal pressures and prejudices that Clara and Marco might face.
Because this film is my final project and will mark the beginning of a professional career where I want to show my perseverance and pride in being who I am. I was inspired to write this film based on my own experience. Although at first I did't want to admit it.
I am immigrant myself, I come from a Latin background (half Ecuadorian and half Spanish) and I have constantly moved everywhere. I have never felt like I have a place to call home and I am working on that. With the time and different experiences I have learn how to be proud of myself and my background. Coming to the Uk was such a contrast and meeting my partner has help me to open myself to new experiences too.
In a way I could say that this film is an explanation of my own journey in life. Clara and Marco reflect who I am and who I was as well as things I have gone through. They face different challenges, both social and internal but they learn from these and they progress to accept themselves. I want people to feel empathy for the characters and their journey. I want them to feel identified and reflect in case the story has shown them something that maybe them or someone they know, may go through.
It is not a fairytale or the usual love story neither and exact description of my life. But it is a story that is trying to show some of the day to day experiences and barriers that we can face whether we are in a relationship or not. I think it is important to be openminded and accept yourself no matter what people think about you.
The money funded will go to things such as:
Casting of actors: Some roles required specific skills like speaking Spanish and others have an specific age. Which makes it difficult to find actors who want to do it for free.
Location: Although the majority of the scenes were planned to happen outside in open areas, there will still the need of specific locations like a gallery and a house.
Catering and transport: instead of a pay-rate per day or week to actors, catering and transport within Oxford will be offered. This way we can keep a set budget and not having to pay less or more to actors depending on their experience.
Art Department: This will cover every prompt that needs doing like posters, exhibition materials, costumes for actors, etc.
In terms of budget for equipment it won't be necessary as it will be provided by the university. Any costs on hiring crew members in the case of emergency will be taken from the transportation.
All I can say now is thank you for reading my ideas for this film that means so much to me. This is my solo project and I will be the Director for "Through the Cracks". I believe in myself and what I can do and I thank the people who so far have been supported me and that also have offer some time to help with this production. It is scary but it is a big project and will try my best to not give up. So please if you feel somehow identified or inspired or just like to invest because you like to help. Then I will really appreciate your support.