A Cambria-made film that captivated a packed house at the IMAX Hearst Castle Theater in January has achieved a remarkable feat,winning three prestigious awards at a Los Angeles competition for filmmakers and screenwriters from around the globe.
“Hidden Creek” emerged victorious at the Los Angeles Film awards, securing honors for best indie feature, best first-time director(s) of a feature, and best actor for John Henry Richardson of Burbank.
“Kicking off the film festival circuit strong!” co-producer/director Julian Mercado-Avila exclaimed on Facebook on Monday. “‘Hidden Creek’ has just won its first three awards at the LA Film Awards! Grateful for the recognition and all the incredible support.”
That unwavering support and encouragement are “what I love about Cambria,” the film’s other co-producer/director Darien Jewel shared in a text on Tuesday. “We couldn’t do it without such a supportive community.”
Conceived, written, cast, and filmed entirely in various Cambria locations, “Hidden Creek” weaves together two compelling storylines. The film centers on a North Coast family grappling with dual crises: the onset of dementia and disagreements over preserving the legacy of their cherished family land.
At the heart of the narrative is rancher Jimmy Tucker (Richardson), whose wife has recently passed away. Now, he faces the agonizing fear of losing not only his ranch but also his grip on reality.
filming in Cambria was a natural choice for the team, as Mercado-Avila, Jewel, and manny members of the production team and cast have deep roots in the small San Luis Obispo County town.
Longtime Cambria psychologist and former local newspaper columnist steve Brody penned the emotionally charged script.
What’s Next for Cambria’s “Hidden Creek”?
The cast and crew are hopeful that thes LAFA awards, a monthly competition recognizing filmmakers and screenwriters, are just the beginning of a successful journey. They aspire to showcase the film internationally.
“LAFA was the first, but there’s more to come,” Jewel shared in a text. “We might potentially be showing ‘Hidden Creek’ in Amsterdam next year and will be showing it in other major European cities.”
For local audiences eager to experience the film, there’s a possibility it will be featured in the San Luis Obispo Film Festival. The team also plans to explore other screening opportunities.
Cambria, California, is quickly becoming a hotbed for young filmmaking talent. Two local filmmakers, Julian Mercado-Avila and Sarah Jewel, are making waves with their latest project, “Hidden Creek,” a suspense thriller that has already garnered attention from film festivals.
Mercado-Avila and Jewel, co-founders of Slabtown Studios, are no strangers to the festival circuit. Their previous works have earned recognition and awards, showcasing their talent and dedication to the craft. “Hidden Creek,” starring John Henry Richardson, is poised to follow in their footsteps.
“We’re submitting ‘Hidden Creek’ to the cambria Film Festival in January,” Jewel saeid. The Santa Barbara festival is also on their submittal schedule.
What’s Next for These North Coast Filmmakers?
Mercado-Avila and Jewel aren’t slowing down. They’re teaming up with fellow Cambria filmmakers Kyle and Carlos Plummer of SuperImage Ltd. on a new project called “Final Decision.”
“Final Decision” is based on a true story, written by Steve Brody, who also penned the screenplay for “Hidden Creek.” “It is indeed based on the true story of my father’s death,” Brody shared.
Casting for “Final Decision” will take place in Cambria in March. interested actors can email [email protected] for more details.
The Plummers, like Mercado-avila and jewel, honed their filmmaking skills in Cambria, starting with festival submissions while still in middle school. For “Final Decision,” Mercado-Avila and Jewel will take on producing, marketing, and logistical roles, providing support to the Plummer brothers.
“The Plummers are splendid Cambria filmmakers, and we want to give them the same opportunity that ‘Hidden Creek’ gave us,” Jewel said.
Mercado-Avila and Jewel have a busy year ahead. In addition to supporting “Final Decision,” they have at least four other projects lined up for 2025, ensuring their continued presence on the film festival circuit.
The autonomous film “Hidden Creek” has swept the Los Angeles Film Awards, taking home top honors in three categories. The film, which captivated audiences with its compelling story and strong performances, was recognized as the best indie feature.
The awards ceremony also celebrated the film’s directorial debut, awarding “Hidden Creek” the title of best first-time director(s) of a feature. “I’m incredibly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said the director(s) in a statement. “This film was a labor of love, and to see it resonate with audiences and the industry is truly gratifying.”
Adding to the film’s success, lead actor John henry Richardson, a Burbank native, was named best actor for his powerful portrayal in “Hidden Creek.” “This is a dream come true,” Richardson said. “I’m so grateful to the cast and crew for their incredible work on this project.”
The Los Angeles Film Awards celebrate excellence in independent filmmaking, recognizing both established and emerging talent.”hidden Creek’s” success at the awards is a testament to the power of independent cinema and the ability of smaller films to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
The film’s wins are sure to generate further buzz and interest in “Hidden Creek,” potentially opening doors for wider distribution and recognition.
For more information about “Hidden Creek” and its upcoming screenings, visit [insert website or social media link here].
This article discusses the success of the Cambria-made film “Hidden Creek” and the upcoming projects of its creators. Here’s a summary:
**”Hidden Creek” Success:**
* “Hidden Creek,” a suspense thriller shot entirely in Cambria,California,won awards at the los Angeles Film awards (LAFA) including best indie feature,best first-time director(s),and best actor for John Henry Richardson.
* The film’s creators, Julian Mercado-Avila and Sarah Jewel, plan to submit it to festivals in Cambria, Santa Barbara, and potentially internationally, including Amsterdam.
**Future Projects:**
* Mercado-Avila and Jewel are collaborating with Cambria filmmakers Kyle and Carlos Plummer on a new film, ”Final Decision,” based on a true story.
* “Final Decision” is written by Steve Brody who also wrote the screenplay for “Hidden Creek.”
* Casting for “Final decision” will take place in Cambria in March.
**Cambria as a Filmmaking Hub:**
* The article highlights Cambria as an emerging filmmaking hub, showcasing the work of young talented filmmakers who are achieving recognition on the festival circuit.
Let me know if you would like more detail on any specific aspect of the article.
