Filmmaker H.P. Mendoza, known for his vibrant storytelling and socially conscious themes, is taking a unique approach to his directorial debut, ‘Fruit Fly,’ as he marks its 17th anniversary.
Though Mendoza initially intended to celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary with a sing-along in a few years, discussions with film festival organizers prompted him to hold the event sooner due to the current cultural climate.
Mendoza explains that during a conversation with Lex Sloan from the Roxie Theater, he learned that the film industry currently lacks joy amidst a plethora of movies reflecting struggle, strife, and activism.
Sloan emphasized the importance of creating spaces for joy, spurring Mendoza to move forward with a sing-along edition of ‘Fruit Fly’ this year.
In collaboration with Asian CineVision in New York, attendees can look forward to an engaging experience as they join queer people of color on screen, singing, ‘We’re gonna live life undenied!’
The sing-along screening of ‘Fruit Fly’ will take place on Wednesday, July 23, at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco, where Mendoza and star L.A. Renigen, along with other cast members, will be present for a post-screening Q&A moderated by Joshua Grannell, famously known as Peaches Christ.
Mendoza first gained recognition in 2006 when he starred in and wrote songs for Richard Wong’s debut film, ‘Colma: The Musical,’ which portrayed the lives of three high school graduates grappling with friendship and life changes in the San Francisco suburb famous for its cemeteries.
Following the success of ‘Colma,’ the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM) awarded Mendoza and Wong $25,000 each to direct their own films, leading to Mendoza’s guerrilla-style filmmaking of ‘Fruit Fly.’
Mendoza recalls the rigorous shooting process for ‘Fruit Fly,’ laughing as he recounts how many musical numbers were filmed on location while they narrowly avoided security.
In ‘Fruit Fly,’ Renigen stars as Bethesda, a performance artist returning from the Philippines, searching for her biological mother while navigating life in an artists’ commune and the vibrant San Francisco gay nightlife.
The film showcases Mendoza’s ability to tackle issues such as racism and misogyny through bright pop songs.
He poignantly reveals that the motivation behind ‘Fruit Fly’ stemmed from his frustration towards critics who deemed ‘Colma’ ‘too gay’ and ‘too brown.’
In a bid to challenge those sentiments, Mendoza crafted ‘Fruit Fly’ as a bold and unapologetic response.
Moreover, the film emerged amidst the contentious atmosphere surrounding Proposition 8, an initiative aimed at banning gay marriage, which further fueled Mendoza’s desire to create art that reflects the realities faced by marginalized communities.
As Mendoza gears up for the screening of ‘Fruit Fly,’ he recognizes that the film resonates in a current socio-political climate fraught with challenges for immigrants, women, queer individuals, and people of color.
Throughout his work, including ‘Colma,’ ‘Fruit Fly,’ and the 2018 comedy-drama ‘Bitter Melon,’ Mendoza aims to make San Francisco a character in its own right, showcasing a city that reflects his experiences rather than the Hollywood portrayals often seen.
He emphasizes the importance of representing neighborhoods that are often overlooked, stating that his background allows him to portray his local community authentically.
His latest project, ‘The Secret Art of Human Flight,’ marks his first venture adapting another writer’s screenplay, yet he is excited to return to his roots with an upcoming film titled ‘Super Magic City.’
In this reimagined version of ‘Folx,’ a musical that premiered during a virtual presentation at CAAMFest, Mendoza is exploring new themes with a narrative that continues to revolve around friends navigating life post-cataclysm.
He notes, ‘I feel like we have been and still are experiencing multiple cataclysmic events,’ and aims to use this upcoming film as a metaphor for the diverse struggles people face.
Mendoza’s motivations stem from a deep desire to entertain and uplift audiences, likening himself to the determined showman Mickey Rooney from classic Hollywood musicals.
Regardless of the budget he is working with, Mendoza approaches each project with a scrappy spirit, rallying his team and insisting on creating vibrant, engaging performances.
As the ‘Fruit Fly: Sing-Along Tour’ approaches, Mendoza’s infectious enthusiasm and commitment to authentic storytelling resonate, reminding audiences of the joy and community found in embracing one’s identity and experiences.
The sing-along event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Roxie Theater, located at 3117 16th St. Tickets range from $5 to $15, catering to those eager to celebrate the film and its legacy together.
image source from：missionlocal
