Inside The Short Film ‘Two Tears’
There is a distinct moment on every independent film set where the logistical chaos of production either crushes the art, or elevates it. As a director and producer myself, I am always searching for the stories that refuse to be crushed—the ones that protect their emotional heartbeat at all costs.
That is exactly why I am incredibly excited to talk about the release of the new short film, Two Tears
The Mark of cuban filmmakers
My personal bridge to this beautiful, raw project comes through my fellow Cuban friend, brother, and powerhouse filmmaker, Israel Consuegra. Israel is one of the lead producers on the film, and when he told me about the sheer grit, sensitivity, and elite execution it took to bring this intimate story to life, I knew we had to break down the blueprint of how it was made on our website.
I sat down with Israel to ask him about the reality of producing Two Tears, collaborating with director Josefina Pieres, and how their team managed to shoot a deeply sensitive, high-end film under intense independent constraints.
“Whatever challenges we face in production, we make it happen.”
The film, (directed by Josefina Pieres), starring Sydney Goldstein and Sofia Bela, two young actresses with stellar performances.
The Strategy: Behind the Lens of Two Tears
When you look at a project like Two Tears, you aren't looking at a studio film run by an indifferent corporate committee. You are looking at a deeply intimate, emotionally raw story designed specifically for sensitive people. The narrative functions as an internal mirror, challenging the audience to question their own childhoods, past relationships, and the invisible threads that connect them to their own children.
I asked Israel how a producer even begins to construct a visual environment for a story that relies so heavily on vulnerability.
"Axel, Two Tears started from a pure desire for deep creative collaboration," Israel shared with me. The project was born when Argentinian director Josefina Pieres partnered with producer Mel Quintans to write a story deeply rooted in authentic, lived experiences. Israel stepped in as the operational anchor to build the physical framework around that vision, bringing on a tight, hyper-coordinated crew.
Israel continues “This short film was born from a desire to tell local stories. Miami is a city with a vibrant audiovisual industry, but historically it has been driven primarily by production services. As a producer, I feel a strong responsibility to help change that reality. We have world-class directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, and talented professionals across every department involved in filmmaking, yet the creation of original local content has long taken a back seat.”
This film represents one of those efforts to help foster and elevate homegrown storytelling. Together with writer and director Josefina Pieres, and my partner-in-crime Mel Quintans, we brought this project to life with the support of the City of Miami Beach through a local initiative called “Made in Miami Beach.”
We wanted to tell a human and emotionally resonant story—one that challenged the stereotypes often associated with Miami Beach as merely a tourist destination. We wanted to speak about its people, its diversity, and its artistic spirit. I believe we succeeded in capturing that essence in this film.”
Two Tears key film art
International Co-Productions
As Latin American filmmakers working in the modern landscape—whether it's independent scripted content or high-end studio work at places like NBC Universal —we constantly talk about how difficult it is to move projects forward from development into active production. Ideas are cheap; execution is expensive.
I asked Israel about the current climate for emerging voices and the systemic value of international co-productions.
"Honestly, international co-productions are what is sustaining the independent market right now," Israel told me. For emerging Latin American filmmakers, these collaborative models are the ultimate holy grail. They don't just provide a diversified pool for financing; they create an immediate pipeline for global visibility, cross-border creative networking, and ensure that stories originating from our region have the legs to travel to international audiences.”
Israel expanded on the project: “My role as Producer also included serving as the Line Producer, which proved to be a significant challenge. We completed three full shooting days and an additional half day dedicated to capturing B-roll, all within a very limited budget. The challenge was amplified by the exceptional caliber of the crew we assembled, made up of some of the best professionals in their respective departments.
At the same time, we were fortunate to have an incredible network of collaborators and supporters. In total, nearly 40 people—including both crew and cast—came together to make this project possible. Having a top-tier crew is every filmmaker’s dream, but it also creates tremendous pressure on the production. Every department head strives to achieve the highest standard of excellence and deliver work that reflects their level of experience and talent. Bringing all of those ambitions, expectations, and creative needs together was no easy task, but we made it happen.
My Production Manager, Liz Lopez, with whom I have worked side by side for the past ten years, played a fundamental role throughout the process. Thanks to a strong pre-production phase and the support of several local companies that believed in the project, we were able to secure the resources necessary to achieve what the film has become today.
Despite the stress, pressure, and countless challenges that come with a production of this nature, it was also an incredibly rewarding experience. Ultimately, the true challenge of every producer is to provide their director with everything possible to bring their vision to life—even when that vision extends beyond the limitations of the available budget.”
Still frames from “Two Tears”
There is no perfect formula for a great film. Every project arrives with its own heartbreaks, challenges, and transformations. But Two Tears is living proof that when you surround yourself with the right people, protect the frame, and remain adaptable, the magic of connection happens.
Two Tears is officially on its festival circuit. Keep your eyes on the independent festival tracks—this is a project that reminds us exactly why raw, emotionally honest cinema still matters in a fast-moving world.
Still frame from “Two Tears”
