Carlos Through the Tall Grass - Official Trailer #1
SYNOPSIS
Young Carlos Avila is so brilliant he's mathematically proven he'll never be happy. And if all a big brain does is prove you can never be happy, what good is it? Still, when the chance to head east to an Ivy League School comes, he should at least find satisfaction all his scholastic hard work has paid off, right? Nope. Carlos feels guilty. He can see the eventuality, the outcome, of everyone else's life and where their decisions are leading them. They're doomed.
Starting with his best friend Rhonda; a girl with enough energy to power a small city. She’s not going to college, so every time we see her she’s dressed as something different (firefighter, roller derby queen, lounge singer) hoping for inspiration as to where her career lies. Her problem is she’s terrible at everything. He also has a rich, underachieving girlfriend who’s way out of his league and will probably forget him the second he's out of her driveway. Rounding out Carlos' life is Perry; an innocent man he’s trying to free from prison; an overly emotional cousin who might have a pregnant girlfriend; his grandmother, who refuses to push her medical alert bracelet no matter how many times she falls down and Carlos' mother; the ultimate helicopter-parent, who suddenly will be all alone.
Throughout, Carlos is plagued by uncertainty: “What if he’s not brilliant? What if he’s just neighborhood smart? Is he really afraid of abandoning everyone, or is he just scared of leaving his comfort zone?”
The film is a coming of age story about realizing you can’t get anywhere new if you stick to the same familiar roads, and sometimes your dreams are just out of sight, waiting for you, beyond the tall grass.
It's been an extraordinary journey! The film is absolutely amazing and we're not going to settle for anything less in our editing, score and sound design.
We are extremely grateful to Film Independent for granting us 501 (C) (3) tax exempt status, which means all donations to us are now fully tax deductible! Please help bring Carlos home by using the link to Film Independent's website where you can contribute.
Thanks to all those who helped get us this far!
Team Carlos
FESTIVALS
SPECIAL SCREENING AT
Carlos holds special appeal to the Whittier College campus since many students were involved in the making behind, and in front, of the camera and it was produced by Whittier College faculty. The film was shot entirely in Whittier, CA and serves as a love letter to the local community.
Carlos Through The Tall Grass was the
OPENING NIGHT FILM at the 13th Annual
DTLA FILM FESTIVAL , which is Los Angeles' premiere independent film festival.
We sold out their premiere Cinema #1, a 500 seat theatre, and we were featured on GOOD DAY LA.
Indy Reviews proclaimed our film as "ENTERTAINING, SWEET & HUMOROUS".
Read their full review by visiting:
https://indyreviews.com/carlos-through-the-tall-grass-feature-film-review/#more-1237
Carlos Through The Tall Grass recently won
a prestigious REMI AWARD at the WORLDFEST - HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, the oldest international film festival in the world.
The mission of the festival is to “recognize and honor outstanding creative excellence in film and to validate brilliant abilities.”
Carlos Through The Tall Grass had its WORLD PREMIERE at the 25th annual DANCES WITH FILMS FESTIVAL on JUNE 13th, 2022 at the TCL CHINESE THEATRE in HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA. https://danceswithfilms.com/carlos-through-the-tall-grass/
LA WEEKLY hailed the film a "MUST SEE" and reviewer, FILM THREAT, said that we were "AN EXPERIENCE THAT TOUCHES THE HEART."
CAST & CREW
Rick Dominguez
Director / Writer / Producer
Rick’s first feature “Violent Times” premiered at The Newport Beach International Film Festival and was named one of Orange County’s 10 Best. It also screened at The New York Independent Film Festival and The Telluride Indiefest. He’s proud of his great success in The Latino Community, including having a screenplay optioned by the producers of “Selena”, having his work showcased by the National Hispanic Media Coalition, winning the Director’s Award at The Short & Sweet Latino Play Festival, having the screenplay for “Carlos” make Black List’s prestigious Top List and now seeing it come to life as a feature film.
Patti McCarthy
Producer
Patti McCarthy received her MFA and PhD from USC Cinematic Arts and worked in the film industry at RASTAR Productions with Producer Ray Stark on Harriet the Spy (Rosie O’Donnell), To Gillian On Her 37th Birthday (David Kelly, Michelle Pfeiffer), Random Hearts (Harrison Ford), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt, Kate Blanchett), and American History X (Ed Norton, Eddie Furlong), at the Turman-Morrissey Co.. She’s also enjoyed success co-producing the documentary, Dave Brubeck: In His Own Sweet Way, with executive producer, Clint Eastwood and producing a series of short biographical films about George Lucas with Lucasfilm. She currently teaches screenwriting, film studies, and film production at Whittier College in the Los Angeles area. After reading “Carlos,” she fell in love with the story and was determined to produce it. Right away, she knew “Carlos” was a story everyone could relate to on a deep, personal level; it’s about growing up and letting go, finding your own way, but never ever losing sight of those you love and those that love you. It’s ultimately a story about remembering the people who make us what we are and help us find out who we want to be.
Jennifer S. Holmes
Co-Producer / Casting Director
Jennifer S. Holmes has cast and produced many a production in the past twenty years. Carlos through the Tall Grass is her first independent film project. Jennifer has been directing and teaching for the past twenty-five years. Some of her most memorable productions include Lorca in a Green Dress by Nilo Cruz, at the International Theatre Festival in Barranquilla, Colombia, Seeing the Deep—a performance script inspired by Gilgamesh—at the Leon Katz Rodolphi International Theatre Laboratory in Smolyan, Bulgaria, Tattoo You by Lisa Kenner, at the Road Theatre in Los Angeles, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis, at Whittier College’s Studio Theatre, The Distance Project at the Lynden Sculpture Garden & Gallery in Milwaukee, WI, and Good Person of Sichuan, by Bertolt Brecht at Whittier College’s Robinson Theatre. Jennifer teaches classes in directing, voice & movement, world theatre at Whittier College in the Los Angeles area. Jennifer studied Studio Art as an undergraduate at SUNY Purchase, and studied Acting, Directing, and Performance Studies as a graduate at Northwestern University.
David Hebrero
Director of Photography / Associate Producer
Directors of Photography and other professionals taught him the discipline, technique and artistry of lighting and framing. He has shot over 25 Short films, 2 TV shows, countless Music Videos and currently works shooting branded content for Vanity Fair, Teen Vogue, Wired, W, Architectural Digest and many more publications having had such talent as Winona Rider, Cara Delevingne, Orlando Bloom, Aubrey Plaza, Dave Batista, Milly Bobby Brown and more in front of his lens.
Miguel Angel Garcia
Carlos Avila
In addition to starring in the feature film “Carlos Through the Tall Grass,” Miguel has booked a recurring role on the Fox drama series Deputy, starring Stephen Dorff, from Entertainment One and Fox Entertainment. He also stars opposite Dennis Quaid as a co-lead in the upcoming Endeavor Content feature On The Line.
Ammy Ontiveros
Rhonda Oveda
Ammy Ontiveros is an actor, comedian, and content creator of ridiculous things. She has worked with Comedy Central, Google, GIPHY, LOreal, and was featured on WhoHaHa. Ammy performs at Second City and UCB as part of her sketch team Latinx Pachanga and makes comedy videos with her other team One Outta Three.
Ruby Gonzalez
Ana Avila
Ruby Gonzalez is an American-born actress who has appeared in numerous independent films including Rules for the Heart, Donna Ray and Rise of Revelation. She began acting in college where she received theatre and dance training from the University of California San Diego. In her spare time, she tutors children in math.
Director Rick Dominguez
CREDITS
Additional Cast
Esteban Martinez
Ruben Sanchez
Gary Sandoval
Mr. Alvarado
Lucy Diaz
Natalie Galdamez
Chuck Redman
Perry
Ryon Thomas
Mike Buckner
Yvonne C. Romeros
Garrett J. Spejcher
Mr. Garrety
Mario Hernandez
Ceci
Yolanda
Yale Party Aunt
Hangers Uncle
Mr. Kinzler
Carlos’ Dad
Tessa
Garage Customer
Woman Helping Grandma
Prison Guard
Prison Guard 2
Prisoner
Jewelry Store Customer
Grandma Beltran
Craig
Greg Benevent
Matt Gomez Hidaka
Lena Marie
Yolanda Garcia
Cecilia Rodriguez
Ernie G.
Ethan Boyle
Ricardo Mendoza
Stephee Bonifacio
Moises Zepada
Michelle Viramontes
Gregg Wallin
Jess Hess
Luke Bolle
Metzli M. Garcia
Garage Customer 2
Garage Customer 3
Kissing Party Aunt
Party Guest
Jessie McCollum
Brandon Ordonez
Diane Dominguez
Roddy Rodriguez
Isaac J. Simpson
Sigfredo A. Martinez
Jessica Landa
Ian Carson
Sandra Leyva
Emerson Little
Riley Ramirez
Samantha Solorzano
Hunter Konecny-Pena
Benjamin Pedroza
Cecilia Maya
Lauren Ryks
Jacob Viramontes
Jakob Rippe
Crew
Directed by
Written by
Produced by
Executive Producers
Rick Dominguez
Rick Dominguez
Patti McCarthy
Rick Dominguez
Tony Dominguez
Daniel Dominguez
Yan Sum Alvarado
Diane Dominguez
Co-Producer
Associate Producer
Line Producer/UPM
Director of Photography
Editor
Jennifer S. Holmes
David Hebrero
Patti McCarthy
David Hebrero
Rick Dominguez
Casting Director
Production Designer
Set Decorator
Prop Master
Asst. Props
Costume
Make-Up
Make-Up Asst.
Production Coordinator
Production Sound
Camera Operator
Additional Cinematography
Gaffer
Jennifer S. Holmes
Anukriti Singh
Natalia Venegas
Natalia Venegas
Tris Macklin
Columbine Loza
Sydney Summers
Stephee Bonifacio
Jessie McCollum
Kelly Santos
Brady Newcomer
Corey Hour
Paul Araujo
Ricardo Pomares
Paul Araujo
Key Grip
Grip
1st AD
2nd AD
Location Manager
Script Supervisor
Ricardo Pomares
EJ Manalo
Jess Hess
Keanu Reus
Riley M. Ramirez
Riley M. Ramirez
Hannah Diedrich
Still Photographer
Caterer
Craft Service
DIT
Production Assistant
Graphic Design
Digital Marketing
Manager
Emerson Little
Lena Marie
Luke Bolle
Luke Bolle
Jeremy Brookover
Jake Bradbury
Sarai Morales
Andy Chen
Sebastian DeLongstaab
Grace King
Josh King
Emerson Little
Chazz Medrano
Brandon Ordonez
Jakob Rippe
Angela Salazar
Isaiah Walk
Emerson Little
Dorian Peña
Lauren Swintek
Brandon Watt
CREDITS
Additional Cast
Rick Dominguez
Memo
Esteban Martinez
Ruben Sanchez
Gary Sandoval
Mr. Alvarado
Lucy Diaz
Natalie Galdamez
Chuck Redman
Perry
Ryon Thomas
Mike Buckner
Yvonne C. Romeros
Garrett J. Spejcher
Mr. Garrety
Mario Hernandez
Ceci
Yolanda
Yale Party Aunt
Hangers Uncle
Mr. Kinzler
Carlos’ Dad
Tessa
Garage Customer
Woman Helping Grandma
Prison Guard
Prison Guard 2
Prisoner
Jewelry Store Customer
Grandma Beltran
Craig
Greg Benevent
Matt Gomez Hidaka
Lena Marie
Yolanda Garcia
Cecilia Rodriguez
Ernie G.
Ethan Boyle
Ricardo Mendoza
Stephee Bonifacio
Moises Zepada
Michelle Viramontes
Gregg Wallin
Jess Hess
Luke Bolle
Metztli M. Garcia
Garage Customer 2
Garage Customer 3
Kissing Party Aunt
Party Guest
Jessie McCollum
Brandon Ordonez
Diane Dominguez
Roddy Rodriguez
Isaac J. Simpson
Sigfredo A. Martinez
Jessica Landa
Ian Carson
Sandra Leyva
Emerson Little
Riley Ramirez
Samantha Solorzano
Hunter Konecny-Pena
Benjamin Pedroza
Cecilia Maya
Lauren Ryks
Jacob Viramontes
Jakob Rippe
Sydney Summers
Crew
Directed by
Written by
Produced by
Executive Producers
Rick Dominguez
Rick Dominguez
Patti McCarthy
Rick Dominguez
Tony Dominguez
Daniel Dominguez
Yan Sum Alvarado
Diane Dominguez
Co-Producer
Associate Producer
Line Producer/UPM
Director of Photography
Editor
Jennifer S. Holmes
David Hebrero
Patti McCarthy
David Hebrero
Rick Dominguez
Casting Director
Production Designer
Set Decorator
Prop Master
Asst. Props
Costume
Make-Up
Make-Up Asst.
Production Coordinator
Production Sound
Camera Operator
Additional Cinematography
Gaffer
Jennifer S. Holmes
Anukriti Singh
Natalia Venegas
Natalia Venegas
Tris Macklin
Columbine Loza
Sydney Summers
Stephee Bonifacio
Jessie McCollum
Kelly Santos
Brady Newcomer
Corey Hour
Paul Araujo
Ricardo Pomares
Paul Araujo
Key Grip
Grip
1st AD
2nd AD
Location Manager
Script Supervisor
Ricardo Pomares
EJ Manalo
Jess Hess
Keanu Reus
Riley M. Ramirez
Riley M. Ramirez
Hannah Diedrich
Still Photographer
Caterer
Craft Service
DIT
Production Assistant
Graphic Design
Digital Marketing
Manager
Emerson Little
Lena Marie
Luke Bolle
Luke Bolle
Jeremy Brookover
Jake Bradbury
Sarai Morales
Andy Chen
Sebastian DeLongstaab
Grace King
Josh King
Emerson Little
Chazz Medrano
Brandon Ordonez
Jakob Rippe
Angela Salazar
Isaiah Walk
Emerson Little
Dorian Peña
Lauren Swintek
Brandon Watt