Filmmaker Christian Sesma (fourth from right) advises young filmmakers to “just do it!” PHOTO: www.christiansesma.com
JOHNNY FLORES JR/Coachella Uninc
COACHELLA — When Christian Sesma graduated from San Diego State University in 2003, he had no idea where his bachelor of arts degree in anthropology would take him.
But that all changed four years later.
“I realized filmmaking was my true calling in 2007 after I shot my first few short and feature films,” said Sesma.
Sesma has since received various film festival awards and film selections from across the United States. His films include “Shoot the Hero,” starring Jason Mewes and Danny Trejo, and “I’m Not Like That No More,” starring Paul Rodriguez.
He recently completed “The Night Crew.” The film centers on a group of bounty hunters who must survive a night in a desert motel against a horde of savage cartel killers. They soon realize that their fugitive, a mysterious Chinese woman, is much more than she seems. The film stars up-and-coming actors Luke Goss and Bokeem Woodbine, in addition to well-established actors Mewes and Trejo. Sesma, who lives in Palm Springs, shot four of this film’s scenes in the city of Coachella.
“We needed to double a small town in Mexico, and Coachella had the charm and culture to match, not to mention the tremendous outpouring of community support and the huge support form the city and its officials,” said Sesma. “Mayor Eduardo Garcia was vital.”
Sesma, 37, says his biggest accomplishment is being able to juggle a successful home life as a father, husband and friend, while pursuing a career as a filmmaker.
His favorite movie is James Cameron’s “Aliens.”
“Something about that movie from its visuals to the acting just makes it so perfect in my book,” said Sesma.
“The Night Crew” is the most fun Sesma has had on set.
“Working with colleagues who are some of my best friends, and actors I have been a huge fan of for years, all making a project we’ve been trying to make for three years was amazing,” continued Sesma. “We lived the dream every day on that movie. The (executives) were amazing, it all was just right.”
To all up and coming filmmakers Sesma says to get out there and, “Just do it!”
What is the next step for Sesma?
“The future holds the leap from independent filmmaking into the studio system of mainstream genre films. That’s always been the dream…and we’re steadily getting closer,” said Sesma.
You can catch “The Night Crew” at the end of 2014. Until then you can keep up with Sesma on his official website or follow him on twitter.
