LOGLINE

In rural Texas, a sensitive teen and his troubled friend confront cycles of violence, testing their bond and choices between revenge and forgiveness.

SYNOPSIS

In rural Texas, sensitive teenager Noah forms a complex bond with Beau, a friend hiding deep emotional scars. As their mutual struggles with masculinity and vulnerability lead to a critical confrontation, they must decide whether to embrace forgiveness or succumb to the cycle of violence that defines their world.

ARTISTIC STATEMENT

As the creator of Wide Awake, my artistic vision is deeply rooted in the personal experiences and cultural heritage that have shaped my identity as a filmmaker. Growing up on the border in Texas, and later moving between the U.S. and Mexico, I've lived a life rich with diverse influences yet riddled with the complexities of dual identities. My background has granted me a unique lens through which I view the world—a lens that focuses on the themes of displacement, belonging, and resilience. Wide Awake is a reflection of this lens. Set in rural Texas, the film explores the volatile dynamics between two teenage boys, Noah and Beau, as they navigate the precarious journey of self-discovery against a backdrop of harsh societal expectations. Both characters, though fictional, are amalgamations of people I've known, emotions I've felt, and struggles I've witnessed. They embody the conflict between vulnerability and masculinity—a theme that resonates deeply within many cultures, but perhaps none so acutely as within the traditional frameworks of Latino and American communities. This film is not just a narrative; it's a dialogue about the unseen battles that shape us. Noah, with his camera, tries to capture the essence of moments, reflecting my own experience as a filmmaker striving to document the invisible stories that need to be told. Beau, with his scars, both visible and hidden, personifies the internal and external conflicts that many young men wrestle with, torn between showing strength and hiding pain. Their relationship, marked by turbulence and tenderness, challenges the stereotypical portrayals of masculinity, revealing the strength that lies in vulnerability and the courage it takes to confront one's fears. The visual style of Wide Awake is deliberately raw and intimate, mirroring the emotional landscape of its characters. The use of natural light and close-up shots creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, drawing viewers into the personal space of the characters, making their experiences palpable, their conflicts our own. The settings—vast yet confining landscapes of rural Texas—act as another character, reflecting the isolation and expansiveness of the internal struggles faced by Noah and Beau. My choice to end the film with a moment of reconciliation rather than tragedy is intentional and personal. It stems from my belief, shaped by my upbringing and bi-cultural experiences, that every ending, no matter how difficult, holds the promise of renewal and understanding. This belief is embedded in the narrative arc of Wide Awake, where the darkest moments lead not to despair, but to an awakening—an understanding that we are not defined by our pain, but by our capacity to overcome it. Wide Awake is an invitation to look beyond the surface, to question, to understand, and ultimately, to see that our vulnerabilities do not weaken us; they connect us. Through this film, I hope to inspire conversations about emotional truth, cultural expectations, and the transformative power of empathy. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a reflection of my own journey as an artist committed to telling stories that bridge worlds and heal wounds.

KEY CREW

Pablo Mejia - Director

Pablo Mejia is a filmmaker and an MFA candidate at NYU Tisch's Graduate Film Program. Born in Texas and raised in Mante, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Pablo's formative years were shaped by the dichotomy of their Mexican heritage and their American experiences. Their mother's documentation of their life through photos and videos inspired their career in visual storytelling. Pablo's academic journey began at Texas State University, where they studied mass communication and journalism, focusing on photo-ethnographic projects that captured the lives of migrant families and workers. Their early career was marked by their work on Sean Baker’s Red Rocket, which premiered at Cannes in 2021. They later ventured into directing with their acclaimed short film Over the Causeway, winning the best short film at the Houston Cinema Arts Film Festival. Their subsequent works, including Lejanía and Equipo no. 3, explore themes of migration, identity, and belonging, reflecting their deep connection to their roots and their keen insight into the immigrant experience. Their films are featured in prestigious archives such as the Kennedy Center and the Underground Railroad Museum. A recipient of the 2024 Soros Fellowship and the Black Family Prize, Pablo is currently developing their feature film Torres, a poignant narrative inspired by their grandmother's resilience and strength in rural Mexico. Their work not only highlights personal narratives but also broader socio-cultural issues, making them a distinguished voice in contemporary cinema.

Madeline Finkel - Cinematographer

Madeline Rose Finkel is a director and cinematographer attending NYU Tisch’s Graduate Film Program. She was raised between the US and UK and spent the last several years working as a producer and an artist in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her international background instilled a curiosity about the diversities and singularities of the human experience. A lifelong dancer, she was able to fuse her creative passion with her observational instincts through film. Madeline was named a Fulbright Scholar to Argentina in 2019 for her first documentary production. She was then named her one of "14 filmmakers to watch" by the British Council for the Arts and One World Media. While still at the beginning of her career, she has been lucky to work with ARTEtv, NOWNESS, the Barbican Centre London, and others.