“My Neighbor, Miguel” By Danny Navarro
Synopsis
An exuberant 72 year-old gay artist named Miguel recalls his time in San Francisco during the AIDS epidemic and reflects on art, community and life after such an isolating, traumatic time that affected the entire world.
Directors statement
Miguel was my former landlord in San Francisco. Each month, I would see him hang beautiful art pieces outside of my living room window which faced the street for all to see. I fell in love with these pieces and became fascinated with their elusive maker who donned a thick Colombian accent and handlebar mustache.
Over time, Miguel and I became friends which is how I learned about the story behind his art and how delicately intertwined it was to his past. We made this film as a love letter to Miguel and to the city of San Francisco. It’s a story about the strength of the human spirit and the importance of contributing to our communities. Miguel, and the people that he represents, inspires and reminds us that no matter how hard things get, the sparkle is always there.
“My Neighbor, Miguel” was shot on 16mm film and takes inspiration from the pacing of classic documentaries. For a little over 13 minutes, we intimately explore Miguel's life and attempt to travel to the tragic, beautiful, and whimsical world that he's created.
Credits
Director: Danny Navarro
Producers: J.M. Harper & Vanessa Upson-Harper
Director of Photography: J.M. Harper
1st AC: Garet Jatsek
Editor: Ian Park
Assistant Editor: Byron Leon
Art Director: Alexandra Kaucher
Sound Design & Mix: Cody Twitchell
Colorist: Mary Perrino
Composer: William Ryan Fritch
Artwork: Crystal Vielula
Special Thanks to GLBT Historical Society Museum San Francisco, Bay Area Reporter, Mono No Aware
“My Neighbor, Miguel” was submitted to us by Danny Navarro. Have a film of your own you’d like us to check out? Click here!