By Kristina Morgan
Paul Callens, 47, is an independent film producer living in
Ajijic. Paul had a near-death experience and saw his life flash before his eyes
but Paul’s experience is especially interesting because he also saw glimpses of
the future—reasons for living. Among those reasons he saw a movie he had
produced and directed.
Callens waited for years as the idea percolated and became
refined and now is the time to make it a reality. Callens is currently planning
the filming schedule in anticipation for submission to the Sundance Film
Festival. The movie will be entirely hecho
en Mexico, or made in Mexico with all scenes shot here in the Lake Chapala
and Guadalajara
areas.
Good news for all of us here in Lake Chapala: The movie will
be portraying Mexico and the Lake Chapala area we know and love without any of
the Hollywood hype or disappointing clichés often found in movies about Mexico.
It was important to Callens to dispel some of the myths and misconceptions
about Mexico
The premise for the movie is based on a true story that
announces that scientists in Spain
have hacked into NASA’s computers and discovered that cold fusion exists. At
the same time the clock is ticking for Mayan 2012 prophecy and this will tie
in.
I have an extremely talented family and a special source of
pride for me is that Psychostasia, my brothers’ band will be doing the
soundtrack will be featured in the movie with my brother, Daniel, playing one
of the main characters and my brother David will have a smaller role. They will
also be the musical directors for the film.
But wait—there’s more! My husband is also in a band called
The TallBoys and they are going to be in the opening and closing scenes and
have a song on the soundtrack.
I don’t know where I was when musical talent was being
passed out but clearly I missed it and am lucky to be in such great company.
And that’s not all! Remember my previous blog where I wrote
about the Grateful Dead? The film will include a modern-day hippie commune.
There are actually several of those that are thriving in Ajijic and for the
sake of the movie we’re going to have the commune set up as if it continued
from the 60s when the Grateful Dead were here. My husband and I along with our
three kids have been invited to participate in the commune scene, which means
we would be camping for a few days while filming. I’m not positive I will be
doing this but my husband, Joel, and three of my kids (Lily, Maya and Noah)
will be.
One of the main roles will be played by Ajijic’s own Cidney
Supan, who will play the sister who comes from the U.S.
to Mexico
to talk some sense into her brother, the conspiracy theorist.
Tyler, my dear friend from New York City, who came here to
relax, write a book on Independent Musician Promotion and garden has also
signed on as part of the production team as the line producer and production
coordinator and my mother, Adelle, will be assisting her by coordinating talent
and crew.
For those of you living here in the Lake Chapala/Ajijic
area: The movie is going to need some extras and volunteers willing to help in
an event that promises to be full of amazing memories and fun, as we work
together to get this done. If you’re interested in being a part of this, please
email Adelle Cordero adellecord@gmail.com