SDAFF Daily Newsletter - Feature Story

By Kimiko Saito

High intensity, physical stunts, irreplaceable facial expressions, and three hilariously entertaining actors create a potent formula for comedic success. The combination of action and comedy flourishes under the triple threat of Chito Arellano, Roman Cortez, and Tracy Tubera. Directing and starring in two short films in the "Enter the Dragon, Exit the Monkey" program, the three friends combine their talents and bring their game to the big screen.

Their first film COP BLOCK, a skewed documentation of the team fighting crime. Cop Block takes a funky and retro take on the classic idea of cops and robbers. However, by smashing the usual roles that are instituted within these movies, they bring obtuse characteristics and funny physical traits. The originality of the film comes with the unscripted technique of the scenes, by utilizing their abilities of improvisation as opposed to blocking and predetermined jokes, they are able to create a unique essence that cannot be duplicated. The idea for Cop Block was born at a friend's disco-era theme party. It just goes to show you how far a little imagination and some dedicated friends can go.

The trio's past and shared history brings an interaction onscreen that is unique and special. The story behind the label of Seven Oh Five begins with former hobby of these three freelance graphic designers, who were once graffiti artists. With such similar interest, the three eventually met through mutual friends. Once the friendship was cemented, they would often send a numeric message to indicate the meeting of the group, "Spray-can Out Laws"... 705 (SOL upside-down). Their close relationship off-screen filters through onto their performances onscreen and creates a much more humorous environment, working to their benefit.

Looking for a new hobby, the three proposed the idea of making a short movie. In 1996, THE CHASE was born. Soon after, the demand for their movies skyrocketed within the communities of Los Angeles. "We started making movies specifically for our friend's birthday parties," commented Cortez. With their, peer-oriented premieres, they were able to receive the feedback that was necessary to not only fuel their motivation but their artistic egos as well.

The second film of theirs in this program is THREE CARD STUDS, inspired by a backyard barbecue the film was completed in one week. The trio insist this film is a drama about the bonds of friendship; but the kung-fu fights, lightsaber action and cameo by E.T. could have fooled me. By utilizing fond hometown memories, the feel of these films are that of warm recognition and familiar reminiscence. Never looking for a career in movie making, the films reflect the pure passion and desire to make films, not profit. "We were never looking to make money, we were just looking for a good time," the trio noted. Not to say Seven Oh Five isn't interested in making a feature length film, on the contrary, they are ready for any offers that come along.

The main reason behind their ability to complete their films to efficiently and quickly is that Seven Oh Five (Cortez, Arellano, Tubera) employ themselves for every task that comes with filmmaking. They write their own scripts, direct, edit the scenes, designing their own posters for promotions and star in their own films. By bringing new meaning to multitasking, their films come out with great success. With a total of eighteen films under their belt, the boys are already in the process of creating the overly awaited Cop Block and Space Time Destroyers sequels.

There is an interesting story about how the trio came to participate in last year's festival; they submitted STD (Space Time Destroyers) to be reviewed for entrance into the film festival and the story goes that STD originally did not make the final cut, but luckily a savior picked it up and included it in the program. "Mrs. Lee Ann Kim saved STD from being thrown in the rejection pile," the trio stated. They were very insistent that we thank Lee Ann Kim on their behalf. The rambunctious team takes great pride in their work, and is excited for the opportunity to participate in the festival, and the San Diego is just as excited to be hosting the notorious kung-fu Seven Oh Five crew.

"Enter the Dragon, Exit the Monkey" will be playing today at 7:25pm. Note: Chito, Roman and Tracy would like everyone to know that Beaverhead will be returning... so keep an eye out!