magdalena | duendita
Description :
"I was alone at the studio, really late at night. It felt like someone was watching over me, just one of those blessed nights with the spirit." -duendita
Magdalena, a song written in memory of duendita's aunt. It celebrates life and the beauty of death. It revolves around two young girls (young versions of duendita + her cousin Lily) who are accompanied throughout the day in their Queens neighborhood by a mysterious presence, that brings guidance and contentment.
The mysterious presence is a representation of grief and faith. It is important to love and cherish moments with loved ones..and when they are gone..the awareness with people you have came across throughout life will always be there in unspeakable ways.
“Her Aunt had raised her while her mom would work and take care of the two. Hearing the description of the real Magdalena we immediately thought of taking the image of this guardian angel and making it come to life. We were inspired by Studio Ghibli films Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro both containing characters who have mute guardians. We had originally wanted a more animal-like creature, but we connected with the films due to the innocent nature and the fantastical elements.”
- Sandy Ismail + Godfred Sedano
FEATURED
Clipped.TV
PAPER Magazine
Pitchfork
Hypebeast
Credits :
CAST
duendita, Lily Vera, Ali Zaman, Camryn Briana, Dasani Nunez,
Victoria Bermudez
CREW
directors: Sandy Ismail + Godfred Sedano
dp: Alexander Echevarria (pt.1) / Sandy Ismail + Natasha Wong (pt.2)
producer: Liam Christoffers
ad: Liam Christoffers
1st ac: Jackson Warner Lewis
2nd ac: Henry Winter
production designer: Ameer Kazmi
art pa: Idalis Rideout
hmu: Miwa Sakulrat (pt.2)
gaffer: Sawyer Purman
key grip: Xavi Portillo
set pa: Patrick Merveille
colorist: Natasha Wong
editors: Sandy Ismail + Godfred Sedano
jewelry: Godofredo Sedano
SPECIAL THANKS
Magdalena, Migdalia Ortiz, Amal Hawari, Renzo Sedano, Melissa Lopez, Daniel Ennab, Jelani Sanchez, Exra OST, Damaris Febus, Andrew Parra, Yessenia Melenciano, Jackson Warner Lewis.