Adrian Ortega is a film writer, director and film maker, who grew up near the Westgate Bridge. His latest film, Westgate, premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival to sold out sessions.
The film is about a single mother, raising a teenage boy, in a very ethnic and multicultural family.
Growing up in the 1990’s and living in Footscray in this period, this writer can say with his hand on his heart that the film perfectly encapsulates the times. From the big hair and denim, to the nonna’s plates, from the pub to the church. You can smell the ciggies and hear the walkman.
“I’ve never left the west. Being from an ethnic upbringing myself, it was great to grow up in a multicultural part of Melbourne,” says the 33 year old director from his home in West Footscray.
“My work is anecdotical. I write what I know, and I turn that into my art. The mum is my mum, and the son is me. And the rest is the chaos that was going on in my life at the time.”
You really feel for the characters in this film. Life is tough, and Adrian doesn’t shy away from reality. And yet there were also moments where I laughed and was moved to tears by the intentions of the characters on screen.
“At times [growing up in the west] it was tough, but it was mostly ok for me. It was really tough for Mum. Mum read the script, and she was like, that’s how it was. But I’m still nervous. This will be the first time she sees the film,” Adrian said about the MIFF premiere.
“Still, I think that most people will relate to the characters on screen. There is something so strong and beautiful about the relationship between a mother and son. And already the reaction to the film has been great.”
“My advice to emerging film makers – which is the same advice I received as an 18 year old – is just don’t wait around, go and make something. It’s expensive and hard, but if your heart is in it, somehow you will find a way.”
Westgate will be screening at the Sun Theatre soon, check their website for details. Plus, the makers of Westgate have officially partnered with @madmanfilms for Aus/NZ distribution so keep an eye out for release and streaming dates.
