An aspiring country singer on her way to a life-changing audition collides with an undocumented worker who refuses medical care. The two engage in a struggle, each in pursuit of their own American dreams.

Interview with Writer/Producer/Director Gregory Kasunich

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I wanted to make a film that asked a big question: in what world would a severely injured, and possibly dying, person refuse medical help or police interference? Well, when I witnessed a man almost get clipped in a hit-and-run, I had my answer. It would be an undocumented worker in the United States. The injustice and fear that exists in our country started the whole process of making this film.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

The Heart of Texas is a dramatic thriller, one part A Star is Born, and one part 21 Grams, that invites the audience on a ride with a talented and ambitious artist on the precipice of her biggest break yet, who must address her perspective and privilege as she fights to both pursue her dream and save a dying man who refuses help.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The personal themes show up in how each of the characters has an ambition to better their lives. I can relate to Janie as an artist and I have worked alongside many people like Jesús. Ultimately, the film is about who we are as Americans, the heart of our country, those who were born here and those who choose to come here, and how injustices and privileges can be part of a larger system and not only on a personal level.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script was originally about an actress who is on her way to an audition in Los Angeles. The central conflict and issue were the same, but the characters, setting, and construction of the film were very different. When actress, writer, and filmmaker Lauren Noll came on board as a collaborator the film began to take shape. We re-wrote the film together moving the setting to a small Texas city, changing the actor to a singer/songwriter, and making Jesús and Janie co-workers in the same restaurant. Lauren developed the lived-in back story for Janie and helped to flesh out her journey through the film.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We've been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. People are responding to the characters, the conflict, the ambition and the desires that drive our characters forward. The best compliment is that people feel like they watched a full movie in 15 minutes.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Absolutely. It's always great to hear different points of view. Some people really love our main character, some dislike her. Some feel the short needs to go deeper into the issue, while others feel it does enough to spark conversation. Some are angry, some are sad, its been a wide range of responses. I love hearing from people in healthcare, law enforcement, or people from the Latino communities and digging into their reactions to the film.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We want to continue to shed light on these social issues, share our film, and build a growing community of artists and audiences.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We need festival directors to help program the film. We are looking for producers and financiers to bring the feature-length version of the film to the screen. And we need journalists to pick up the story and share it, especially in an election year.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I hope that audiences will consider the impact of both documented and undocumented workers in our country and realize we need them and that those with power and privilege need to support them, especially in times of struggle.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Who is the true villain of the film? How, if US policy were different, could this have turned out differently for our characters?

Would you like to add anything else?

We are developing a feature-length version of The Heart of Texas and would love to connect with anyone who would like to contribute by sharing a story, bringing connections, etc.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Right now I am set to direct a feature adaptation of the novel Free Nancy Esting by Fred Beshid. Lauren Noll and I are developing the feature version of The Heart of Texas. Between those projects, I have several short-form projects including some commercials, music videos, and short narratives.

Interview: May 2024

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

The Heart of Texas

Length: 14:45

Director: Gregory JM Kasunich

Producer: Gregory JM Kasunich, Lauren Noll, Mario Davila, Andy Racoti, Trey Chamness, Becca English, Sol Bautista, Jordan Ochel

Writer: Gregory JM Kasunich, Lauren Noll

About the writer, director and producer:

GREGORY JM KASUNICH is an award-winning film, commercial and music video writer, director, and producer from Pittsburgh, PA. His body of work includes projects for Taylor Swift, The Pentatonix, The Summer Set, DreamWorks, Disney, Lucasfilm, General Mills, DirectTV, Mattel, iHeatRadio, and many others. His editorial and portrait photography have been published in several periodicals. His films have been nominated and awarded in festivals the world over.

Key cast: Lauren Noll (Janie Mae Collins), Carlos Moreno Cravioto (Jesús Perez)

Looking for: journalists, film festival directors

Instagram: @gregoryjmkasunich

Hashtags used: #HeartofTexas #HeartofTexasMovie

Website: The Heart of Texas

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: Waco Independent Screenwriting Grant

Funders: Become a contributor

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

Hill Country, Fredericksberg, TX - May 30th- June 2nd, 2024
Lighthouse International Film Festival, Long Beach Island, NJ - JUNE 5-9, 2024
In The Palace Film Festival, Sofia, Bulgaria - June 28 to July 5, 2024
Fire Island Film Festival, Fire Island New York - July 13, 2024
Dumbo Film Festival, Brooklyn, NY - Oct. 23-27th, 2024
Woods Hole Film Festival, Woods Hole, MA - Saturday, July 27 through
Saturday, August 3, 2024
Roosevelt Island Film Festival, Roosevelt Island, NY - June 21-23 & 27-30 2024