DIRECTOR NOTE:

The Ballad of Tita and the Machines is a deeply personal and urgent sci-fi film—a genre story rooted in the reality of labor struggles, automation, and human resilience. As a queer Mexican-American filmmaker, I am driven to tell big, cinematic stories that center characters and communities often overlooked in mainstream sci-fi. 

 

At its core, this is a story of survival, dignity, and rebellion. Tita, a 60-year-old Mexican farmworker, is a character we rarely see leading a genre-driven, action-packed sci-fi film, yet her struggle is universally resonant. As the world moves toward automation, this film asks: What is the cost of progress when it erases those who built everything we rely on?

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Visually, I want to create a striking contrast between two worlds—the raw, sun-drenched reality of the fields and the cold, sterile perfection of Allerton Laboratories, where AI humanoids are engineered. The film will blend grounded, tactile realism with sleek futurism, making the sci-fi feel visceral and emotionally driven rather than distant and artificial. My background in theater and acting heavily influences my approach—I prioritize authentic, performance-driven storytelling, ensuring that even in a near-future world, the emotional core remains deeply human.

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With Tita, I want to craft a high-energy, rebellious sci-fi film that is both politically urgent and wildly entertaining—one that balances tension, action, heartfelt moments, and laugh-out-loud humor.

(Miguel Angel Caballero / Director, Co-Writer)