By: Maria Williams

Interviewer: Bernardo, what inspired you to start a new film production company like Moonfall Productions, in addition to leading a technology company like SquareWorks?

Bernardo Enciso: I’m incredibly passionate and proud of what we’ve built at SquareWorks over the last eight years. It’s been a journey full of amazing challenges, and alongside our investors, we will continue to lead a great team focused on growing and scaling the company in the coming years. Moonfall Productions, however, is very different and very personal for me. Growing up in Mexico, I was always exposed to great films, both local and Hollywood movies. I remember watching classics like “The Sound of Music” with my family or catching a “Back to the Future” marathon with my siblings. As a teenager, I was inspired by Mexican directors like Guillermo Del Toro and Alejandro González Iñárritu. Over the years, I developed a strong passion for creative arts and always felt a desire to get involved in this industry. Filmmaking, like technology, has the power to shape our understanding of the world and transform how we think about life through stories that inspire and leave a mark on us.

Interviewer: Can you share the motivations behind starting Moonfall Productions and your vision for the company?

Bernardo Enciso: I’m inspired by both tech innovators and filmmakers—people like Steve Jobs, Satya Nadella, Darren Aronofsky, Quentin Tarantino, and Denis Villeneuve. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, is a great example of someone who has disrupted both the tech and film industries. My vision for Moonfall is to bring more and better stories to life by investing in visionary directors who want to tell unique stories. We aim to focus less on mainstream films and more on working with independent filmmakers to bring their stories to life exactly how they envision them.

Interviewer: How has your background in technology influenced your approach to film production and the types of projects you choose to support?

Bernardo Enciso: Coming from a tech background, I’ve learned the importance of innovation and pushing boundaries. I’ve also learned that it’s better to fail than not to try. At Moonfall, we’re looking for projects that have one simple requirement: they need to be great stories that leave a mark on the viewer and make you think. We want to create films that, when the credits roll, you want to discuss with your loved ones. Films that push the boundaries of “what” they want to tell and “how” they want to tell it.

Interviewer: What drew you to produce “Después”?

Bernardo Enciso: “Después” was the catalyst for starting Moonfall Productions. Sofía Gómez-Córdova, the writer and director of the film, is a good friend of mine. We’ve always shared a passion for films. The story of Carmen, a mother who loses her son and embarks on a journey of discovery, really resonated with me. The film explores themes like motherhood, mental health, and the complexities of family dynamics. It’s the kind of film that makes you think in many different directions, and it’s exactly the type of project we want to be involved in.

Interviewer: How do you select the filmmakers and projects that Moonfall Productions supports, and what qualities do you look for in potential collaborations?

Bernardo Enciso: Selecting projects is a thoughtful process driven by a commitment to impactful storytelling. We look for projects that resonate with our vision of pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and exploring new narratives. We support stories that address significant, thought-provoking themes and offer new perspectives on important issues. Our goal is to inspire and provoke meaningful discussions through the films we produce.

Interviewer: How is Moonfall Productions positioning itself as a valuable resource for independent filmmakers?

Bernardo Enciso: Moonfall is a new company, which means we’re starting fresh with an open mind regarding film distribution. We care about reaching as many people as possible, whether through traditional routes like movie theaters or newer platforms like YouTube. Today, content is consumed in many different ways, so for us, it’s about creating great stories and reaching a wide audience.

Interviewer: What are your future plans for Moonfall Productions, and what kind of impact do you hope to make in the film industry?

Bernardo Enciso: We plan to invest in several new projects and build solid relationships with filmmakers and producers who share our passion for creativity and storytelling. While we may explore more mainstream films in the future, our current focus is on independent films that align with the impact we want to have on viewers.

Interviewer: How do you balance the creative and business aspects of film production to ensure both artistic integrity and commercial success?

Bernardo Enciso: Our strategy is simple: we pair interesting filmmakers with recognizable actors and ensure solid production quality. This approach was exemplified in “Después,” where we cast Ludwika Paleta, a well-known actress in Latin America, in a very independent film directed by Sofía, who has a short list of feature films but tells stories beautifully. We aim to replicate this formula in the US and produce a dozen more films in the next three to five years.

Interviewer: How do you see the independent film industry evolving in the next few years, and what role do you envision for Moonfall Productions in that landscape?

Bernardo Enciso: The independent film industry will grow significantly, driven by advancements in distribution technology and a hunger for content. However, there will be a need for independent filmmakers to “up their game” in terms of production quality. It’s a difficult balance, but that’s precisely what we’re aiming to achieve at Moonfall.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to transition from a different industry into film production?

Bernardo Enciso: I’m still on this journey myself, but my advice is to take risks. Life is about taking risks and embracing the process, challenges, and need for creativity and problem-solving. That’s what makes life exciting and fulfilling.

Interviewer: How can readers learn more about Moonfall Productions?

Bernardo Enciso: Readers can find more information by visiting our website. Additionally, they can follow us on social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Published by: Martin De Juan