“The only way for you to get a step closer to [your] plans is by you actually taking action:”
A quote from Lani Martinez’s, “Messy,” documentary that thoughtfully sums up the Bronx art scene at a time where musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, chefs, even brewmasters I might add, are elevating their creativity and talents to new heights in an ever changing borough that thrives to sustain its own individuality.
One Bronx-based indie production company has an appetite to keep art and film ripe in The Bronx and highlights the boroughs evolving creativity - Mad Gothic Productions. Founded by dashingly young-talented Romeo Ortiz, Mad Gothic Productions hosted an advanced screening/Q&A session of their “Wonderland” series this past weekend along with a mini-documentary of contemporary Bronx artist, Lani Martinez AKA Messylove, and the first official music video for the Bronx-based metal band – Grace The Enemy (GTE).
“Wonderland” series advanced screening at the Ghetto Film School. Photo courtesy of Mad Gothic Productions.
In front of an intimate and quaint crowd at the Ghetto Film School, known for its illustrious program in the education and development of next generation filmmakers and storytellers, the event kicked off with refreshments, food (graciously provided by Nandanie of GTE) and a showcasing of Messylove’s paintings and artistic works based fro, the “Wonderland” series.
The screening commenced with a viewing of “Messy,” which follows indie artist Lani Martinez’s journey through her second showcase at The Underground and the final days leading up to one of her biggest events to date with RAW Artists. Through her reflections, raw emotions and unapologetic honesty, Lani narrates her story on the challenges and opportunities she faced on each showcase. Her relentless pursuit to action on showing audiences not only who she is, but how she is as an artist, highlights her drive to be the best artists that she can be.
"messy" is a Mini-Documentary that follows Lani Martinez AKA Messylove on her final days prepping for her biggest showcase to date with RAW ARTIST!
The screening of GTE’s official music video, “Breathe You In,” also highlights Bronx artists taking action. The three-piece bands latest single is off their new EP, ‘From Broken Dreams,’ which released earlier this year and written by guitarist Manny Cruz. A band that combines sweet, yet powerful melodies and soul-wrenching riffs, GTE takes action from breathing in the music they love and their journey of hardships that exhibit their full potential as musicians.. The video is powerful, captivating and beautiful. A visual that’s about finding oneself and the power behind how metal allows artists in this genre to express themselves.
Nandanie displaying her beautiful melodies on “Breathe You In.” Director & Cinematographer: Romeo Ortiz. Make-up & Director’s Consultant: Lani Martinez.
Manny shredding the guitar on “Breathe You In.” Director & Cinematographer: Romeo Ortiz. Make-up & Director’s Consultant: Lani Martinez.
Carl on drums on “Breathe You In.” Director & Cinematographer: Romeo Ortiz. Make-up & Director’s Consultant: Lani Martinez.
The evening concluded with the screening of Mad Gothic Productions’ pilot episode for their upcoming “Wonderland” series and a teaser trailer of the indie short-film, “In The Dark,” releasing in 2020.
Advanced Screening of “Wonderland” pilot episode. Photo courtesy of Mad Gothic Productions.
“Wonderland” is a fantasy surrounding the story of Miranda who watches her paintings come to life as they hijack her summer to warn her of an unknown evil that approaches the human world form what they call the “Wonderland.” Directed, shot and edited by Romeo Ortiz, the pilot episode showcased Romeo’s superb storytelling and filmmaking talent, including the art of creating so much more with less. Both suspenseful and provocative, the “Wonderland” pilot pulled audiences in and drove them through an alternate reality of truth and wonder.
Miranda watches her paintings come to life as they hijack her summer to warn her of an unknown evil that approaches the human world from what they call the "Wonderland."
If there’s anything the Bronx has taught us is that action, grit and hustle are essential to getting to where you want to be. For artists such as Romeo Ortiz, Messylove and Grace The Enemy – it’s exemplified through their expressive vision, love and dedication to the art and music they create. With more planned pieces and music in the works, these individuals are just some of the artist to look out for in 2020 and beyond. We’re grateful to just be apart of this scene and the journey that continues to expand across our hood and our culture.
Connect with Messy Love and Mad Gothic Productions via their socials below. Follow/listen to Grace The Enemy today and add to your Alt-Rock/Metal playlist. The Bronx metal band will be live at Barney McNabb’s in Yonkers, NY on Saturday March 23, 2019.
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Nandanie Dudhnath (far left), Manny Cruz (left), Lani Martinez aka Messy Love (center), Carl Veith (right) Romeo Ortiz (far right). Photo courtesy of Mad Gothic Productions.
“In The Dark” teaser trailer at the “Wonderland” series Advanced Screening. Photo courtesy of Mad Gothic Productions.
“Without You” - Messy Arts
“The Commission” - Messy Arts
Nandanie on Grace The Enemy’s “Breathe You In” official music video. Director & Cinematographer: Romeo Ortiz. Make-up & Director’s Consultant: Lani Martinez.
Romeo Ortiz, Founder, Director & Cinematographer of Mad Gothic Productions
