Gabriel Gaurano reveals the inspiring story of a teenage girl determined to make it into the US Olympic Boxing team in the short documentary TEAM MERYLAND.

Film And TV Now spoke with the film-maker about the short.

FILM AND TV NOW: There are a number of levels to this amazing story. When were you first aware of Meryland Gonzalez’s story?

GABRIEL GAURANO: Funny enough, this story transpired by pure serendipity.

In June of 2018, I was shooting a film in Watts, South LA when, in the middle of a take, I suddenly noticed a man patiently standing just outside of my peripheral vision. I didn’t think much of it, but after we called cut he walked up, flashed a smile, and in Spanish said “Hi, I’m Jorge.” I happened to be enrolled in Spanish 2 at the time and thought it was an exciting time to practice my speaking skills.

We chatted and he eventually showed me Meryland’s Instagram page saying, “I see you have a camera, I have a daughter who boxes, maybe you’d want to make a video about her?” I nodded and asked him to message me so we could chat more later. In my experience doing this, 99% of strangers never follow up; however, that week I received a long message from his eldest daughter, Araceli Jr., telling me her sister had a powerful story that I wouldn’t regret shooting. I was humbled by her words and immediately set up a phone call with Meryland.

She was bright, optimistic, and so mature for a 12-year-old that I wanted to know more about her. Little did I know, for the next year-and-a-half I’d end up following Meryland and her family overcome some of their biggest fights. I’d learn about the miracle of second chances and that Watts is truly beautiful. And all of this transpired because Jorge just-so-happened to be driving that route that day, spotted some kids shooting a film, and made the decision to say hello.

FTVN: A theme throughout your work, what we understand from your background, is resilience, certainly something that the world is relying on in the current situation. What fascinates you about stories of resilience?

GG: “In weakness there is strength” is a saying that comes to mind here. Resilient people fascinate me because they demonstrate the truth that beauty and happiness persist even through the hardest times.

In the case of “Team Meryland,” this is a family that faces the difficulties of overcoming past medical trauma and working as immigrants, yet they appreciate and even celebrate their experiences because they see it as an accomplishment of their strength. It is a reminder that challenges are only dealt to those who are resilient enough to handle them.

I am inspired to document these stories because this is the content my family and I wanted to watch when we were going through our tough times. In this moment of time particularly, I feel like these stories have a powerful place in bettering society.

FTVN: The film taps into that courageous spirit in fight-themed films like THE KARATE KID and ROCKY. Did you base the visual style on films like that?

GG: While the film does have a fun Rocky-inspired montage that plays to the theme Meryland’s favorite Mexican music, this film’s visual inspiration stemmed from the Gonzalez family more than anything.

Films like Fruitvale Station, Short Term 12, The Florida Project, and Moonlight inspired me to tap into a realism based visual grammar that prioritizes giving viewers access to the family’s humanity. And because Meryland’s story is so rich in the seemingly mundane moments – walking to school with her mom, going to the gym with her dad, eating breakfast with her sister – I felt that this fly-on-the-wall, cinema vérité style gave the story justice. More than anything, I wanted audiences to feel part of the family.

FTVN: One of the other elements that emerge from the film is the impact Meryland’s achievements have on not only her family, but also the community of Watts. What are your overall impressions of Watts as both a suburb and as a community in present-day terms, given its’ past history?

GG: Not being from Watts, my first impressions were solely based on the media’s coverage of South Central tropes such as community violence and police activity. While this is the reality for many individuals, Meryland and her family taught me that there is another impression that is often overlooked: Watts is a place filled with dreams.

I learned that the city is unbelievably beautiful, tight-knit, and home to many young people aspiring to change the world. Sharing Meryland’s achievements is like allowing her to give rise to the voices of Watts’ next generation, granting permission for the city to dream unapologetically.

My perspective is that with active involvement of local programs, prolific amount of community engagements, and a cultural surge of inspiring figures like Meryland, Watts is on an exciting path to unlocking its fullest potential.

FTVN: Given the boxing background, is Sylvester Stallone aware of Meryland’s story and has he seen the film?

GG: He has not seen it, but that would be awesome for him to watch it and learn about Meryland’s story!

FTVN: What do the Gonzalez family think of the film and did they veto anything in the editing stage?

GG: Thankfully they love the film! From the 3 minute sizzle to right before picture lock, I showed them every version of the cutting process. They didn’t veto anything either. I am very grateful that they trusted me and that I was able to capture this portion of their life.

FTVN: Will you be doing a follow-up documentary about Meryland’s experiences up to and including the Paris Olympics if she is selected?

GG: This is a question I get a lot, and at the moment I don’t have an answer. Many of the human-centered themes I hope to spread about family and second chances already live in this version. But, I see the appeal of following Meryland up until the potential Olympics.

FTVN: What other sports are you passionate about?

GG: I grew up playing soccer and have a lot of love for that sport.

FTVN: How long did it take to shoot and how much raw footage did you record?

GG: I filmed Meryland for a year and a half, from August 2018 to January 2020, as I attended college at the University of Southern California. During my first year at USC, I actually skipped every football game and often ran late to class because I’d always be filming with the family as much as possible.

FTVN: How did you raise finance for the film?

GG: This film was initially self-financed, but eventually my team and I did a fundraiser on Indiegogo and received a ton of support from family and friends.

FTVN: What issues and themes would you like to explore in future work?

GG: I’d love to explore more about the resilience of love. I have a friend whose identity is often unfairly judged and discriminated against, yet she has a very positive temperament and is a strong example of self-love. I’m curious to know more about how she is able to keep that mindset and investigate how love plays a role in getting through adversity.

FTVN: How has the current global situation affected your development and evolution as an artist and film-maker?

GG: After losing a significant person in my family due to the pandemic, I readjusted my sights towards a new chapter of my life that focuses more on the process than the product.

My mom calls it mastery over perfection – approaching life as the marathon that it is and understanding that there is always something to learn no matter what stage you’re in. This mindset not only allows me to be more self-compassionate on my artistic journey, but opens my heart to becoming more supportive and celebratory of others as well.

FTVN: Finally, what are you most proud of about this short film?

GG: Firstly, I am proud of everyone who helped me finish this documentary. My mom, my siblings, family, friends, teachers old & new, co-workers, classmates, and mentors all rallied together in support of this film throughout its entire process.

It’s been extremely humbling to feel that love and support for something that felt impossible to do. Secondly, I am proud that the Gonzalez family and I have become family. We’ve spent a lot of quality time together, celebrated holidays, and just incorporated ourselves into our lives in a very fulfilling way. I’m very proud about how this film has strengthened some of the important relationships in my current life.

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