Director/Screenwriter, Eva Aridjis gave audiences a special opportunity to participate in a Q&A following both screenings of her film, The Favor, at AFI.Dallas. Those that braved the torrential downpours heard candid feedback as Eva spoke about this film and the script, which she authored. She discussed her approach on how she directed her first narrative feature, the shoot schedule, achieving the overall look, and how the musical compositions were chosen. Supporting actor Ryan Dono who participated in the Friday night screening and Q&A, also shared how he prepared for the role.

The Favor, starring Ryan Dono, a 16 year old Johnny, Frank Wood as Lawrence, Paige Turco as Caroline, and Isidra Vegas as Mariana, webs an intricate yet comedic tale of love, sacrifice, and heroism. In this loving story of a non-traditional family brought together by tragedy, Eva meshes the unlikely hearts of Johnny, whose mother has just passed away, and Lawrence, the high school sweetheart of Johnny’s mother, who then becomes Johnny’s guardian. While Johnny’s teenage antics causes havoc in Lawrence’s otherwise solace home, the undeniable bond that develops refuses to break.

Eva also directed and produced the documentary Children of the Street, which won Best Long Documentary at the Morelia International Film Festival, and was nominated at the Ariel Awards in Mexico for Best Feature Length Documentary and Best First Work. Additionally, Eva’s short Taxidermy: The Art of Imitating Life received a nod for Jury Award at the Newport Film Festival.

The Favor has been selected as part of the Narrative Competition for the AFI.Dallas Film Festival.

WIF.Dallas thanks all those that attended this special screenings and if you get the chance, see this moving film.