Welcome, listeners, to 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, guided by the insightful Rob Lee. Today our special guest is Mauricio Pita, a multi-talented Venezuelan American actor, director, and producer, who embodies a fervent dedication to storytelling and artistic connection. With roots in Caracas, Venezuela, and a move to the US in 2002, Mauricio's passion for storytelling resonates across borders. His recent project, "Safe Word," a captivating and unique queer psychological drama, delves into the intricate interplay of self-loathing and love. As the Executive Producer and lead actor, Mauricio brings this evocative narrative to life. Additionally, his extensive involvement includes managing the Voices of Now program (VON) at Arena Stage, overseeing remarkable productions during the pandemic, and curating impactful interdisciplinary projects, several of which have earned acclaim on prestigious lists.

About Tepui Media 

Founded by Mauricio Pita in 2021, Tepui Media is a film production company based in Washington, D.C. Tepui Media’s mission is to produce bold films about people navigating remarkable events. Tepuis are table-top mountains in the Guiana Highlands of South America that host a unique array of endemic plant and animal life.  Inspired by these powerful ecological islands of the sky, Tepui Media aims to provide a unique ecosystem of support and a platform for exciting new stories and emerging artists Visit here to learn more about Tepui Media. 

In this edition:

• Delve into Mauricio Pita's intriguing project, "Safe Word," a quirky, queer psychological drama, as the podcast episode explores the delicate interplay between self-loathing and love.
• Uncover the deeply personal layers of the film, as Mauricio shares his own journey as a Latino queer man, navigating mental health challenges and weaving them into the fabric of his cinematic creation.
• Explore how "Safe Word" breaks conventional molds, as the conversation dissects its unique approach in challenging traditional notions of acting, while seamlessly integrating elements of producing and directing.
• Engage in a discussion about the power of collaboration in filmmaking, as Mauricio reflects on his practice of assembling a team of talented individuals who elevate the project through their collective expertise.
• Venture into the film's mission to foster community and ignite conversations around mental health and self-acceptance, uncovering how art can serve as a catalyst for open dialogue and communal understanding.

Mauricio shares his personal journey as a Latino queer man and how it has influenced his art. Safe Word is a film that delves into the internal conflict of self-loathing and the desire for love. Mauricio explains how the film explores these themes and the challenges he faced in bringing the project to life. He also discusses the importance of collaboration and the role it plays in his creative process. Mauricio's ultimate goal is to create a film that resonates with audiences and sparks conversations about mental health and self-acceptance.

Mentioned in this episode:

Safe Word
Mauricio's website
Tepui Media

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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