Douglas filmmaker, cinematographer presents new online short film on health care system

A Douglas resident and UCLA graduate film student has a new short film in competition that deals with the shortcomings of the healthcare system.

Roberto Gudiño is the cinematographer of a six and a half minute short film titled, “Downward Slide,” which deals with one family’s ordeal and nightmare of inadequate insurance coverage.

The film was directed by Cory Miller, a directing/ production graduate student at UCLA.

The viewing public will have the opportunity to vote for the film, which is in direct competition with eight other short films that have different takes on the subject of health care or financial security. Viewers can watch “Downward Slide at: www.stolendreams.com/entry/downward-slide.

  Miller said the issues of health care are important to him because he had heard a lot of stories when he was growing up about the benefits as well as the deficiencies of the health care system.

  Gudiño, currently living in Los Angeles, was also moved by the current state of healthcare and as a result participated in the making of the short film, he said.

  The film was funded by AARP and UCLA. Each team of filmmakers was given $10,000 and the challenge to make engaging short films on health care or financial security.

  If “Downward Slide” wins the most votes, it will move on to the final round. There, it will be judged by a panel of industry profession, Miller said.

  In August 2007, Gudiño premiered his short film, “Below the Fold: The Pulitzer    That Defined Latino Journalism” at the Loft Theatre in Tucson. The film recently won Honorable Mention in the Directors Guild of America Student Film Awards.

  "We're honored to call attention to these exciting young filmmakers and to encourage diversity in the entertainment industry at the same time," said DGA president Michael Apted. "We look forward to seeing more of their work in the future."

  Roberto hopes to expand “Below The Fold” into a one-hour documentary for national broadcast.