CONTACT:                                                                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JEANNE MEYERS
Co-founder/Director
The MY HERO Project
[email protected] 

Dima Puchkarev Wins Three Awards at the MY HERO Film Festival 

Dima Puchkarev

Grillo is a short film directed by Dima Puchkarev. It has been selected as the winner for the Ron Kovic Peace, the Relationships First Award, and 1st Place College Documentary in the 20th annual MY HERO International Film Festival, 2024. Said Wendy Milette, Film Festival Director, “Your powerful film captures a remarkable story of transformation. Father Greg Boyle is a hero worthy of recognition, and Grillo’s story is captivating and inspiring.”

The MY HERO Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share inspirational stories of everyday heroes. The 20th MY HERO International Film Festival will take place on November 16 at 6pm at the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica, California. 

Grillo (2024) follows the story of David “Grillo” Zamudio, a man shaped by gang violence, addiction, and incarceration in East L.A. Through candid reflections, David narrates his journey from a troubled youth to repeated run-ins with the law. With the support of Homeboy Industries and Father Greg Boyle, he seeks redemption and transformation. The film delves into the challenges of breaking the cycle of recidivism and highlights the power of community and second chances in rewriting one’s destiny.

MY HERO interviewed filmmaker Dima Puchkarev, a student at the University of California,  about the process of making Grillo.

How did the idea for the film arise, and why were you drawn to making this film? Was it a university assignment?

The idea for Grillo came from my passion for highlighting the transformative power of reentry programs like Homeboy Industries. As both a social worker and a filmmaker, I’ve seen how these programs help individuals break the cycle of recidivism. David “Grillo’s” story stood out to me because of his long journey through incarceration and his eventual redemption, thanks largely to Homeboy Industries and Father Boyle’s mentorship. The film was initially a university assignment as part of a media documentary class by professor Rafael Angulo where we were tasked with creating films from the perspective of social workers. One of the grand challenges in social work is to promote smart decarceration (as outlined here: Promote Smart Decarceration), and my research led me to experts in the field, incorporating quotes from them into the film. The assignment not only earned me an A but also ignited a new passion for filmmaking.

What, in your opinion, is the importance of the film, and what are its strengths?

Grillo humanizes individuals who have been through the prison system, challenging the stigma that society often places on them. The film’s strength lies in its authenticity—David’s willingness to be vulnerable, combined with the support of Homeboy Industries, illustrates the transformative impact of community and compassion. It is both emotional and humorous at times, capturing the complexity of his journey. This theme of resilience, second chances, and the crucial role of community support is something I’ve observed repeatedly at Homeboy Industries, and I believe it’s what makes the film so powerful.

What made you focus on David ‘Grillo’?

David’s story is incredibly unique, filled with surprising elements, such as his talent as an artist. He represents so many who have been trapped in cycles of violence and incarceration yet still manage to find hope and purpose. His journey is not just about overcoming adversity but about reintegrating into society and giving back to his community. As Aya Gruber states in the film, “Those impacted by the corrections system and the lack of reentry programs are the ones who are stuck fixing it.” David embodies this truth, making his story both relatable and inspiring.

Could you tell us about the process of making the film: Who was on the team? Who produced the film?

Making Grillo was a labor of love and required balancing a full schedule of work, classes, research, and organizing an incredible team. I’m proud to say that I directed and produced the film, supported by a dedicated group of individuals who generously donated their time and expertise.

My close friend and Emmy-winning editor, Collin Mastbrook, played a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative through editing and story structure. Walter Kang, in his first solo project, managed the sound mixing and music composition, bringing depth to the film’s audio landscape. Filmmakers Hassan Galedary, Andy Capper, and Jordan Smith offered valuable guidance on story structure and production, while Jason Fordham, a seasoned filmmaker, provided his cinematography skills for the interview with Father Greg Boyle.

There were also invaluable contributions from my mentor Elyn Saks at USC, who connected me with distinguished law professor Aya Gruber. My longtime childhood friend Shia LaBeouf supported the project and praised Father Boyle as “the most important Catholic of our generation.” Homeboy Industries was instrumental, opening doors and offering us access to their community, which added authenticity and depth to David’s story.

One of the most touching contributions came from XP The Marxman, an underground hip-hop artist from Los Angeles. I reached out to him on social media, and he graciously responded, offering to license his song “Delgado Meets The Big Mijo” for the film. His willingness to share his art with us felt like a miracle—a powerful reminder that anything is possible when people believe in a shared vision. The support from XP and everyone involved truly reinforced my belief in perseverance and the kindness of others.

Ultimately, Grillo was as much a community effort as it was a personal project. Every person involved brought their passion and dedication, allowing us to meet tight deadlines for my class screening while staying true to the integrity and depth of David’s story.

What was it like for you to make this film? What were some of the challenges, successes, and high points?

Making Grillo was an emotionally charged and deeply moving experience. One of the greatest challenges was balancing the rawness of David’s story with the sensitivity it required. I didn’t want the film to focus solely on the hardships but also celebrate the triumphs. We had hundreds of pages of transcriptions to sort through, and unfortunately, some parts had to be left out due to poor sound quality. A major success was witnessing the impact the film had on the community. The feedback from those who found hope and inspiration in David’s journey has been incredible. A particular high point for me was when the film was selected as a finalist in the MY HERO International Film Festival—it was a validating moment that highlighted the hard work and dedication that went into the project.

Do you have a personal hero?

As a social worker, Father Greg Boyle is certainly a hero of mine. His unwavering commitment to marginalized communities and his belief in the power of redemption have deeply influenced me. Father Boyle was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., joining the ranks of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa. His work at Homeboy Industries serves as a blueprint for what compassion, love, and understanding can achieve.

About Homeboy Industries and Father Greg Boyle

Homeboy Industries, founded by Jesuit priest Father Greg Boyle in 1988, is the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program worldwide. Located in Los Angeles, it supports former gang members in escaping cycles of violence, incarceration, and poverty through compassionate rehabilitation. Father Boyle's vision, rooted in kinship and unconditional love, emphasizes seeing the humanity in each person and addressing the root traumas behind gang involvement.

Originally started in the gang-heavy Boyle Heights neighborhood, Homeboy Industries began with job creation, aligning with Boyle’s “Jobs Not Jails” philosophy. It offers employment in various social enterprises—like Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Café—and also provides extensive support services including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and tattoo removal. These programs empower former gang members to gain skills, become self-sufficient, and reintegrate into society.

Boyle’s concept of “kinship” is central to the organization, fostering a family-like environment where individuals are valued and supported. This approach has led to Homeboy’s expansion, assisting over 10,000 people annually and inspiring similar initiatives globally. Father Boyle’s memoir, Tattoos on the Heart, shares his experiences, furthering the message of love, hope, and redemption for marginalized communities.

Find out more here: homeboyindustries.org and HERE.

About the MY HERO International Film Festival:

Thanks to generous sponsors, prizes are awarded to elementary, middle school, high school, college, and professionals in a variety of categories including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, experimental, and more.

The festival aims to inspire audiences to recognize the heroism in their own lives and encourage positive actions in their communities. Learn more.

Join us in celebrating 20 years of The MY HERO International Film Festival on November 16, 6pm @ the Ann and Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School in Santa Monica, California. Find out more HERE.