Gary ” Terracino”
Gary Terracino, better known as “Terracino” in the festival circuit. He is the writer and director of “Elliot Loves” a modern love story of a gay dominican male in nyc. The film and Terracino have won various awards at different festivals around the world. Finally making its way back to NYC, where it was the closing film at the 2nd annual Dominican Film Festival. So I reached out to the Terracino, to find out a bit more about him. He was kind to share his time and thoughts with with me. Who would’ve thought that we both are big fans of the same director? Read below to get into the mind of this pioneer and creative mind.
Name: Terracino
Education: Life.
In what art medium do you participate in? Film.
Which do you identify with most? Writing, directing and producing.
What is your profession trade? Writer/Director.
Your favorite film / director? My favorite directors are Francois Truffaut and Pedro Almodovar. My favorite films are “The 400 Blows,” “Law of Desire” and “City Lights.”
What ignited your interest in the arts? I’ve always written, for virtually my entire life. But seeing a double feature of Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows” and Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It” at 18 made me want to be a filmmaker.
Why did you decide to be an artist and how old were you? I’ve always ben a writer. I never gave it a second thought. It’s always been who I am and what I do.
What was the reaction of your family? What do they think now?They want me to be famous. Lol.
What was your first artistic participation? Aside from acting in high school, at 19 years old I directed “Richard III” at NYU.
What was your professional debut? My short film, “My Polish Waiter,” at Sundance in 1995.
Do you have a mentor, who? Nope.
How does working in this medium make you feel? Joyous. For along while, career setbacks and the racism I experienced in the entertainment industry made me lose my joy, but making “Elliot Loves” helped me to regain it.
What is your most successful work? My film “Elliot Loves,” which I wrote, produced and directed, has played over 60 film festivals worldwide, won 5 awards and is currently airing on HBO Latino channel. HBO Go and HBO On Demand.
Which has the most sentimental value? Hmm. I am not really sentimental.
Who or what is your inspiration? The work of Pedro Almodovar and Francois Truffaut.
What influences your work? My life, my heart, my culture.
Tell us about your latest projects? I am currently shopping around a TV series, plus I am still promoting “Elliot Loves” on the festival circuit.
What are your future plans? I want to work in television, which is in such an exciting place right now!
Does your work contain a theme or message? Personal growth.
What do you think of the Hispanic artistic movement in New York? It’s vibrant and exciting!
What person living or dead you would like to work with and why? Pedro Almodovar – because he is our greatest living film artist!
Do you have any cause to which you dedicate your time to? Latino artists.
Who do you admire as a person or for his artwork? Pedro Almodovar.
What would you like your legacy to be? Great work in film, television and theater, which helped to move other Latino artists forward.
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