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Fist, Palm, Pulse: An Interview with Juz Escalante

Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘Fist, Palm, Pulse. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?

In 2010, I conceived the idea of documenting the life and work of Gerda Gruber. I began this project with a few friends, and in 2018, I had the opportunity to accompany her to a residency in Salzburg for two months. During this time, I created my first short film, which I presented at the school where she taught that year. In 2023, Gerda held a solo exhibition in Mérida, Yucatán, prompting me to collaborate with an editor to produce a short film that captures a day in her life. This film was developed over various moments throughout the year, culminating in the final product of my inaugural short film.



Tell us about ‘Fist, Palm, Pulse’. How do you describe it?

n this short film, I aimed to create something distinct—more experimental while still honoring traditional formats. I wanted to explore how Gerda perceives nature, presenting a more poetic vision that emphasizes the textures and details of her work and the environment in which she lives.


Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.

Roy Andersson, Agnès Varda, Wes Anderson, Werner Herzog, Tatiana Huezo, Evelardo Polvogsky and some any others.


If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?

I will like to make the large documentary of Gerda Gruber next year


Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?

Well, the first step is checking all the material that I have since 2010 and make a selection, also make research of the principal moments important or crucial that happen, like social movements, in the arts and in the society in different times in her life, the make a mental idea, then a script and a storyboard, also have meetings with the editor and the sound designer, for me is so important the audio and the storytelling.



What was the hardest part of making ‘Fist, Palm, Pulse’.

I think select the images that represent a day in her live and work in a short time

If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?

I will like to get economic support to make the large documentary of Gerda Gruber the next year and continue exploring in this area with different projects.

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