FILMAKERS DEBUT PROJECT "THE GATEKEEPER" REAPS AWARDS at both Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival & San Diego Latino Film Festival

John Carlos Frey's filmaking debut with his hard hitting feature "The Gatekeeper," has received accolades and cash prizes from the two festivals he entered.

John Carlos Frey's filmmaking debut with his hard-hitting feature "The Gatekeeper," has received accolades and cash prizes from the two festivals he entered. "Two for two, it's more than I could have expected. It's very gratifying to have this kind of affirmation for my work," said Frey. His world-premiere, at the 17th Annual Santa Barbara Int'l Film Festival (SBIFF), landed him that festival's only cash prize, The Phoenix Award. Sponsored by Jane Olson, the Phoenix is given to a filmmaker who brings attention to a group or subject that heretofore has not had a voice. "The Gatekeeper" also took the one and only prize at the San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF), now in its 9th year, sponsored by Lincoln-Mercury. Frey received the award at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego from Mr. Chris Thornton, National Marketing Manager for Lincoln Mercury. The films subject matter is rooted in Frey's personal experience of growing up along the border between the US and Mexico. Telling the story of illegal immigrants smuggled over the border, Frey gives the audience an up close look at the hard lives of those seeking freedom.
Frey's first feature screened to sold-out houses at both the SBIFF and SDLFF. Frey is producer, writer, director and star of the film. Distributors have begun to express interest due to the buzz the film has created. Frey is planning a special screening for distributors who were unable to attend the festivals.