Two years after a group of independent filmmakers hit the streets of Watsonville with a car rigged with cameras and an assemblage of audio and lighting equipment, the movie that came from it is ready to be aired.
Oscar Ramos, who wrote and directed the film, describes “They Know Not What They Do” as a horror-thriller film that was inspired by his strict religious upbringing, and his exploration of a variety of Christian religions, including 15 years as a Jehovah’s Witness.
“To this day I still battle a lot of those demons personally, and I’m still trying to undo a lot of the lines of thinking I had in terms of how that affected my own personal psyche,” he said. “It’s a piece about exploring humanity and some of the traumas that sort of carry on through life and that we take with us.”
He says he hopes the film sparks similar reflections among his viewers.
“At the end of the day, I hope it inspires conversation and inspires people to either talk to others or to reflect internally in terms of the values and expectations they hold for themselves and some of the expectations they hold against other people,” he said.
The film was produced by Watsonville High School alumnus Gabe Medina, who met Ramos at USC when he was earning his masters degree in film. Medina runs his company Calavera Media.
Medina, who also serves as a trustee on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, said that he was proud to make his first feature film in his hometown.
It featured local actors and crew members who gained real-world set experience.
“I appreciate Oscar for trusting me to support his first feature film as producer, and I can’t wait to share the film with our community,” Medina said.
It is not yet clear where or when the film will be screened. Watsonville Film Festival recently declined to air the film.
It’s unfortunate they declined after being involved with the film and supporting us,” Medina said. “They originally told us it was going to screen with the festival but have rescinded that offer. I’m sure the community will continue to support the film and we will schedule a private screening for the Watsonville community.”Check Ramos’ website oramosfilm.com for updates.
