Zedrick “Cariño” Alfredo Aurelio was not known as a filmmaker, but his impact on the filmmaking community was far greater than that title. He was a supportive friend who went above and beyond to help his friends pursue their filmmaking dreams. His legacy lives on through the Cariño Festival de Cine, an annual event showcasing emerging filmmakers between the ages of 13 to 26. The festival, co-founded by Aurelio’s brother, Andres, and his childhood friend Salvador Salazar, aims to provide a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals.
The third annual Cariño Festival de Cine took place at the OPEN Center for the Arts, featuring a diverse range of short films created by talented young filmmakers. The films explored various themes, from queer relationships to personal identity, all set against the backdrop of Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. Through the festival, the filmmakers not only had the opportunity to exhibit their work but also to celebrate the sense of community that Aurelio valued so deeply.
One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the premiere of “One Lawndale,” a short film created by students as part of the One Summer Chicago program. The film, a collaboration between students from North Lawndale and Little Village, exemplified the power of youth coming together through their shared love of film. The festival also featured a diverse jury panel of industry professionals who provided live critiques and awarded cash prizes and internship opportunities to the standout filmmakers.
In addition to the film screenings, the festival offered hands-on community programming inspired by the film “Artista,” including workshops, panel discussions, and a listening party featuring stories from Chicago teaching artists and educators. Through these activities, the festival aimed to engage the local community and highlight the role of the arts in education and parenting.
The Cariño Festival de Cine is not just a film festival; it is a celebration of community and a testament to the lasting impact of Zedrick “Cariño” Alfredo Aurelio’s legacy. By providing a platform for young filmmakers to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals, the festival continues to uphold Aurelio’s spirit of support and encouragement. As Salvador Salazar aptly puts it, “We need more good people like Zedrick, and through this festival, we hope to carry on his legacy of unconditional love and support.”
