Barriga: be meaningful, controversial to have an impact

Jose Barriga, a Peruvian / American and founder of the Boston Latino International Film Festival (BLIFF), was a guest lecturer at Reel Vision on Friday, November 4. A social psychologist by training, he has worked in Los Angeles with Telemundo, Fox Latin America, and La Opinión newspaper in different executive positions.

He immediately engaged the students, paralleling the lessons learned in class to skills used to get a job. Jose gave an inside view of the film and television industry, discussing different career tracks, politics and even salary. Responding to a question about how to became principal of Viceversa Communications, a small marketing / advertising company, he explained that in addition to formal schooling, hands-on experience through internships, hard-work and networking are just as important.

Students were encouraged to pitch their documentary project ideas. Jose stressed the importance of choosing meaningful and controversial stories in order to generate interest and potentially make an impact in their community. By examining stereotypes of minorities in the media, he helped them hone in on topics like their individual identity in the community, gang life and its varied perceptions, and specific stories defining Roca, a multicultural organization based in Chelsea.

Later in the class, Jose lead the students in an interview technique exercise. Setting up two cameras, tripods and microphones, he showed them how to ask questions to get the subject to open-up clearly and concisely.

Learn more about the Boston Latino International Film Festival at bliff.org.