Dreams Defy Gravity in ‘The Astronaut’

Set against the backdrop of Long Beach’s semi-futuristic landscape we meet Aura, an eight-year-old with a passion for space. in Damian Apunte’s film, “The Astronaut.” In an interview, Apunte shares the inspiration behind the film, the challenges faced during production, and his advice for aspiring filmmakers.

The story originated from Apunte’s lifelong fascination with space and his desire to create a film featuring a child as a larger-than-life character. The filmmaker drew inspiration from the futuristic aesthetics of Long Beach, particularly the lighthouse, transforming it into a symbol of hope for Aura. Apunte’s creative process was further influenced by a non-profit campaign that highlighted the high rates of asthma and respiratory issues in the region, particularly in low-income and underserved communities.

“I wanted to make sure I had some social commentary about how children are born into this, yet they can still dream to escape it all” said Apute. “There’s a hope of reaching your dreams, a place where there’s no struggle.”

Reflecting on his favorite part of production, Apunte expressed admiration for the all of the elements created by the cast and crew. The combination of fantastical 80s elements and space themes evoked a sense of nostalgia, making him want to immerse himself in the film’s enchanting atmosphere.

“I truly loved the world we created, it was the first movie I’ve made where I just wanted to live in the magic of everything we created.”

The most challenging aspect of production, according to Apunte, was the extensive search through NASA archives to find the right footage for the film. The requirement to incorporate archival footage, photos, and audio for the NASA film contest Cinespace, added a laborious but rewarding dimension to the project. Additionally, the Astronaut costume’s persistent issues posed a time constraint during city shoots.

When asked about things he would have done differently, Apunte expressed satisfaction with the final result. Despite considering green screening Nora for sky scenes, he found it unnecessary, emphasizing the perfection achieved in the film.

For aspiring filmmakers, Apunte advises taking risks and creating what one truly desires. He shares a valuable lesson from his cinematographer Jon Schweigart, who encouraged him to invest in the project to foster personal and professional growth. Apunte stresses the importance of practice, recommending working on low-risk projects to refine skills before tackling passion projects.

“Much like dating, you want to get good at it and not have your first date be the love of your life. You’ll make mistakes, you’ll learn, you’ll get better, and then you can honor your passion project by being your best.”

To stay updated on future projects, Apunte directs audiences to his website, www.damianapunte.com, and social media pages, including YouTube @damianjavierapunte and Instagram @DamiaJApunte.

“The Astronaut” is set to dazzle audiences as an official selection at the upcoming Utah International Film Festival, scheduled for February 12-17. “The Astronaut” will transport viewers into a world where dreams defy gravity, offering a poignant commentary on resilience and the pursuit of hope amid challenging circumstances.