HAM by Rudy Martinez is a short animated sci-fi and adventure film, featuring Ham, a chimpanzee on a mission to represent as the first ape in space. Based on a true story from 1961, HAM is an immersive and lighthearted watch, with puppets, comedy, and a deeper message questioning animals as test subjects into space. Congratulations to Director Rudy Martinez for your animated short; we are so excited to share your responses to our “5 Questions With” series!
To look out for more interviews like this, be sure to check out our BitPix.
What inspired you to start making films?
I’m an actor, and throughout my career I’ve always been captivated with behind-the-scenes work, especially directing. I’m also a puppeteer so when I had the opportunity to compete in a 48-Hour puppet film festival, I jumped at the chance. I grabbed a group of creative friends, and together we wrote and shot a five-minute puppet film in just a matter of hours. I had officially caught the filmmaking bug! I kept self producing short films until I was lucky to receive funding from the illustrious Heather Henson, daughter of the legendary Jim Henson. With her mentorship and the support and inspiration from my mentor and producer, Alex U. Griffin, I developed ‘HAM,’ my puppet film about the first chimp in space.
Were there any challenges in making this project?
One challenge making this film was that it coincided with the peak of the pandemic. Originally, I had envisioned collaborating closely with a team of experts. However, due to quarantine restrictions and budget limitations, I often found myself navigating the process solo, surrounded by a roomful of puppets, learning editing software and sound design, among other things. I finally completed the film about two years after I began. Fortunately, my producer, Alex U. Griffin, provided invaluable support and guidance along the way. I am so grateful to have learned a new set of skills that are valuable for any aspiring filmmaker. I’m also lucky to have my composer, Adrien Prévost, provide a beautiful score that inspired me throughout the whole process.
Is there any type of message or emotion that you hope the viewer takes away from watching this film?
On the surface, HAM is a lighthearted adventure film, depicting the incredible true story of the first chimp in space. Beyond the surface, the film delves into a deeper narrative, shedding light on the astrochimps who were essentially test subjects, and the reality that many of the animals sent to space never returned. Remarkably, Ham defied the odds, safely returning and fulfilling his suborbital mission, paving the way for human spaceflight. My film celebrates this triumph, but also evokes a sense of longing for chimps to simply live as chimps, and urges us reevaluate our place in the world and our responsibility to the creatures we share it with.
How does it feel to be able to screen the film at HollyShorts?
The opportunity to screen at HollyShorts is a true honor especially since Hollywood is like my second home. I grew up in Pasadena and I can remember as a kid we’d come to TCL Chinese Theaters to watch movies and I’d be filled with so much inspiration, so seeing my film on the big screen here will be like a dream come true. The fact that it’s Academy Award qualifying speaks volumes about the quality of films showcased at HollyShorts, and I’m deeply grateful to be part of this talented community of artists.
What’s on the horizon for you? HAM has a few more stops on the festival circuit including trips to Portland and Montreal. Please follow our instagram @hamspaceflick or visit our website hamspaceflick.com to track our journey. I’ve also outlined and created storyboards for my next film. I really want to work with puppets again, but I’m seriously considering other forms of animation too. I’m just happy to be back in the creative process and I can’t wait to share more of my work.
Thank you so much, Rudy, for sharing your responses! Moreover, be sure to check out HAM at the upcoming HollyShorts 2023 Film Festival on August 14th at 12pm for “Kids and Family Animation.” Click here to get tickets for the 19th Annual HollyShorts Film Festival, running from August 10th – August 19th at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres.
BITPIX TV News 