Ruben Latre of Hostage Films directed this short film which is part of Samsung's ongoing social responsibility efforts. The piece (a special trailer for which is linked to this story) introduces us to the Oromia Region of Ethiopia where there is no running water and no electricity.
Due to remoteness and travel restrictions, Latre was brought onboard as director, DP, and crew of one; shooting two cameras on location. It was a stark contrast to New York City, where the director is based. The village houses are made of straw; the floors, of dirt. The technology for metalwork and fabric resembles colonial American museums. Similarities were abundant as well; people are people everywhere.
The film tells the story of a young girl Aster and her village, whose lives are transformed by the gift of light.
Samsung's contribution to the region, in partnership with a local NGO, comes in the form of solar panels that, in turn, are used to charge lanterns; providing the only light source to the dark terrain, other than the sun.
Agency is Agenda, NY.
Latre was in SHOOT's 2011 New Directors Showcase.
Tribeca Festival Unveils TV and NOW Lineups
The 2025 Tribeca Festival has unveiled its lineup of television and original independent episodic series. The festival, which takes place June 4 – 15 in New York City, showcases highly-anticipated world premieres of new and returning programs, along with exclusive panels featuring select cast members, from major networks and streamers including Apple TV+, HBO, Prime Video, Paramount+, and more.
“Television is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums of our time, and Tribeca is proud to be a home for the visionaries who are redefining it,” said Tribeca Festival director and SVP of programming Cara Cusumano. “Tribeca TV is a cornerstone of our festival—an essential platform where innovation, artistry, and audience converge. As the lines between film and television continue to blur, our commitment to championing exceptional stories in all forms remains steadfast.”
World premieres include Apple TV+’s Smoke, a suspenseful drama starring Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett, which follows a small-town fire chief as he uncovers dark secrets, blending mystery, family, and crime; Prime Video’s We Were Liars, a fiery psychological thriller series based on the #1 New York Times bestselling novel by E. Lockhart; SundanceTV’s new docuseries The Furry Detectives: Unmasking A Monster, executive produced by Theo Love, which uncovers a chilling conspiracy beneath the whimsical world of the Furry community; and BritBox’s high-society saga Outrageous, executive produced by Matthew Mosley and created by Sarah Williams, which follows the scandalous lives of the Mitford sisters as they... Read More