Unveiling Fear: Justin Estrada’s Venture into Horror Filmmaking

April 30, 2024

Justin Estrada, a senior at Morro Bay High School and filmmaker, has embarked on a journey to submit his latest creation to the film festival on May 13th. His decision to delve into the horror genre was influenced by eerie tales shared by a couple of close friends, who also eagerly agreed to make appearances in the film. Despite the film being in its early stages, Justin has a lot of confidence in his project, firmly believing that his film will captivate audiences and leave them terrified. Well some of them.

When I asked Justin why he wanted to do a horror film instead of a comedy skit he replied, “ horror films are just better. They are a lot more fun to make and they’re especially fun to make with my close friends.”As the project took shape, Justin’s confidence in its potential grew exponentially. He meticulously planned every aspect of the film, from casting to cinematography, showcasing each scene with a sense of dread and anticipation.

I asked Justin what his film is about and if he was willing to share some insight on it and he said, “my film is called the Hatman and its about a man who is evil and takes a lot of pills. But that’s all you’re getting.” This raises questions like what are the pills for? Do they provide any side effects? If you seem interested in watching horror films, you can check it out on May 13th at the Morro Bay Theater from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Despite the challenges Justin faced in his attempt to bring his film to life, he held his head high up and displayed a lot of determination to deliver a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience. Justin exclaimed, “I believe in the value of my film. This is something the people need and I am here to serve it to them on a platter. This has piqued my interest, driving myself to overcome obstacles like editing and sound issues along the way.”

As the film comes closer to completion, Justin is fueled by his passion for the genre and supported by the creative talents of his friends. Justin has crafted a film that he says will be “the best film that everyone has ever seen!” With its blend of suspense, mystery, and horror, Justin’s film is sure to leave a lasting impression. Even from just this small glimpse, it seems very fascinating and I can’t wait until Film Fest to check it out!