Short Summary

I’m Luar, a documentary filmmaker passionate about telling transformative human stories. In 2019 I founded PARALLEL and started making short documentaries about artists globally. In 2020, I met Ariel Torres, an artist from Tepito, Mexico City’s most notorious neighborhood, mostly known for crime and violence. Through his collective, ArTepito, Ariel is changing the narrative, teaching kids and adults how to paint and express themselves creatively—offering a way of reclaiming their neighborhood through art.

I already filmed his story entirely on my own but now I need support to complete the documentary. Your contribution will help finish the project, so we can bring this inspiring story to the world.

What We Need & What You Get

To finalize this documentary, I’m raising 105,500 MXN to cover:

• (Mainly) Post-production: Completing editing, color grading, sound mixing and the composition, creation and production of an original soundtrack.
• (If stretch goal is met) Additional Filming: Capturing some additional footage that will help elevate the storytelling and make the film even more impactful.
• (End goal) Festival Submissions & Community screenings: Ensuring the film reaches the audience it deserves so it can make impact.

Even if we don’t reach the full goal, all funds will go toward ensuring this film reaches completion. Every contribution—big or small—helps bring this vision to life.

Perks for contributors:

• 100 MXN Gracias! – Name in the Thank You credits 
• 500 MXN Early digital screening – Exclusive early access to watch the finished film online before it’s released publicly.
• 1000 MXN Short history of cinema PDF – An exclusive PDF with a short history of cinema based on my favorite directors.
• 2000 MXN Screening Ticket – Free Entrance Ticket to any independently organized screening of the documentary in your city (if there is one;))
• 5000 MXN Luar’s Film Recommendations – Access to Luar’s full personal film recommendation library (incl. fiction, documentary, series), regularly updated. 
• 10,000 MXN 1 hour content consultation- bespoke for your business.
• 20,000 MXN Board of advisers – Join my board of advisers for distribution strategy and test audience for feedback prior to closing the final cut.  

The Impact

PARALLEL was born to bring artist’s stories closer to us. To remind us through authentic portraiture that art transforms the way we see the world and ourselves. 

By supporting this documentary, you’re helping to share a powerful story of resilience, community, and the belief that creative expression can shape a better future. Your contribution ensures that this film is completed so that it can reach audiences worldwide and inspires similar movements in other communities.

Risks & Challenges

Independent filmmaking always comes with challenges—budget constraints, scheduling, and unforeseen technical hurdles. However, with my 18+ years of experience as a filmmaker, I am fully equipped to complete this project. The main footage is already shot, the challenge is the funding needed to finalize it, and your support means we can get there. 

Other Ways You Can Help

Not everyone can contribute financially, but you can still make a big impact!

• Spread the word! Share the campaign on social media, WhatsApp, or email, tell your friends about Ariel’s story and why it matters. Even a single share can help us reach the people who will bring this film to life!
• Offer your support with putting up community screenings/ as a producer/ host/ curator/ any other ideas (please get in touch)!
• Offer your support as a producer on future PARALLEL documentary projects (please get in touch).  

Together, we can bring this documentary to life and show that art is not just expression— it’s a vehicle for change.