Enrique Martinez (Rick) Cerda: Paint Runs

Filmed in early 2019. I also wrote the script and based it on a story and experience shared by too many people. The experience of growing up around an emotionally abusive or alcoholic parent is the theme of “Paint Runs”. More importantly, the film depicts the impact an abusive person has on those around them and how our very own thoughts can unfortunately perpetuate some of that same negative energy we experienced. 
In the film an older gentleman speaks with a tattoo artist and recollects his youthful days and a life changing moment when he realized he too was perpetuating the same negativity he had endured from an abusive father. 
I’m new to the film industry and just recently started taking part in mostly small budget indie films and a few larger film projects in the Texas area. As an actor, I have played a tuff guy, a mayor, and cartel henchmen in several films, including a Robert Rodriguez film titled, “Red 11” 2019. I’m a Texas native, grew up in Del Rio Tx and served in the Air Force for 21 years. After retiring from the military I settled in Austin because of the large open and creative culture. 
I have always found myself to have a creative drive, playing the guitar and writing music as a hobby for years. I was able to incorporate some of that music I created as part of the original soundtrack in this film as well. With out a doubt this is a project of passion and a learning experience. 
I filmed most of this 20 minute short film in the Austin Texas area and the entire short film was captured using smartphone. 
Using a smartphone takes advantage of the new technical capabilities available on the market and at a much cheaper price compared to standard film equipment. With the help of Chris Escobar, a local Del Rio creative, I was able to incorporate some of the artwork he and the Del Rio Casa de la Cultura group created in murals throughout the city.
I produced “Paint Runs” on a very small budget with the help of a good actor friend, Robert P. Avila. This was my first film and a definite passion project. We recently started submitting the film to various indie film festivals and have been “officially selected“ for screening in several of the festivals already. We just won our first award, Best Smartphone Short Film in the Good Message International Film Festival 2019, held in India. 
Our next screening will take place either on the 8th or 9th of November in Austin Texas as part of the Austin Indie Film Festival 2019. It was a pleasure to use some of the landscape and art in Del Rio as a backdrop for some of our scenes. We somehow always gravitate to what we grew up around and are familiar with. The challenge as is what I hope is depicted in this film and that is to raise awareness of these norms and become mindful of all of our habits and where and how they originate.