Profile Spotlight: Anlo Sepulveda

[Profile Spotlights]

Watch Anlo Sepulveda's day in the Lower Rio Grande Valley as he covers the US/Mexican border, showing how powerful politics and human hunting are side-stepping real solutions.

BORDER WALL LRGV from Anlo Sepulveda on Vimeo.

Who are you and what is your profession?

I am a cross genre filmmaker.  I love the creative process and challenging myself to make unique films that are a blend of documentary, narrative and experimental.  The unifying core of my films is finding spirituality through human connection and the natural world.  

Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?

I grew up in Corpus Christi on the Texas coast.  My first connection to nature was surfing the empty beaches of Padre Island.  When I was 8 we moved to Belize and that was tha single most awesome experience of my childhood.  Behind my house was jungle and in front the ocean.  Everyday was adventure into nature, and I got to carry a machete everywhere.  

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

The first time I saw Star Wars at the drive in theater in Corpus Christi.  I think I realized for the first time that people created that and I knew that that's what I wanted to do.

Who or what do you most admire?

My wife and my 5 year old daughter.  They have taught me more about myself and the human condition than I could have ever imagined.  They constantly challenge me to grow and be the best person I can possibly be.  When you are that intimately connected to someone there is a lifetime of knowledge and true understanding about human experience that becomes available to you. It is truly a blessing.

What do you love about The Lower Rio Grande Valley?

I love the feel of being in between two worlds. Most borders are between countries that are very similar but the US and Mexico are very different countries economically, culturally and in many other ways. Except in The Lower Rio Grande Valley where the two worlds merge and create a unique place.

What do you fear most for The Lower Rio Grande Valley?

I think the greatest challenge and what I fear of the LRGV is the loss of self determination.  It seems like people from outside of the region make decisions that have a significant impact on day to day life. For example, almost no one in the region wants the border wall except the people building it. It is very disruptive for normal folks and useless in doing what it was designed to do.

What do you hope for The Lower Rio Grande Valley in the next 20 years?

I hope LRGV is able to excerpt more influence on its own future.  There is so much unique cultural richness and history that needs to be celebrated more.  My hope is that folks from outside the region will listen to the people here and allow them to make choices that enhance the beauty of this unique place.