Pick One is a Finalist in MY HERO Film Festival

Pick One is a finalist at the MY HERO International Film Festival. Based on a real-life experience, "Pick One" follows Matthew, a half-Latino, half-white third grader facing the biggest challenge of his young life: his very first standardized test. Everything is going fine - until he hits that question.

Race/Ethnicity:
Latino…
Caucasian…
PICK ONE.

Suddenly, the test becomes a crisis. His teacher warned the class that a single mistake could mean automatic failure, and now Matthew must decide which box holds the “right” answer to who he is.

Blending humor with heart, "Pick One" is both playful and profound—an authentic yet exaggerated look at identity, belonging, and the sometimes-absurd pressures of growing up mixed in a world that wants easy answers. It’s a reminder that who you are can’t be defined by a checkbox.

About the Filmmaker
Matthew is a Salvadoran-American filmmaker based in Los Angeles. In 2025, he was selected for the Mitú x Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program, receiving a $50K grant to produce his short film, "Pick One." He has collaborated with the Peabody-nominated YouTube channel Defunctland, directing his first feature documentary, "Live from the Space Stage." Beyond filmmaking, Matthew’s creative reach extends to social media, where his videos have earned millions of views on TikTok. He is currently represented by the Osbrink Agency for social media.

MY HERO interviewed Matthew about

Could you tell us a bit about the process of making Pick One?

The process was both exciting and deeply personal. We made Pick One through the Walmart x mitú Filmmaker Mentorship Program, and it was a whirlwind from script to final cut in just a few months. Because the story came from my own childhood experience, every step of the way felt meaningful. We wanted to capture the humor and heart of being a kid trying to figure out who you are in a world that keeps asking you to “pick one” and I was especially inspired by the PIXAR films I grew up with.

Who was on your team / Who produced the film?

The film was shot by my friend Max Magerkurth who is an extremely talented cinematographer and frequent collaborator. The film was produced by Talia Shea Levin (who is an incredible Director in her own right), who brought so much care and creativity to the project. Our cast was led by Preston, who is an amazing child actor who did an amazing job playing young me, along with a talented cast of child actors who brought the classroom to life.

How did the idea come about?

The idea came directly from a real moment in my life — when I was in 3rd grade, taking my first standardized test, and I got stuck on the question asking me to choose my race. As a half-Salvadoran, half-White kid, that moment stuck with me. Years later, I realized how many people (especially those from mixed backgrounds) go through the same thing, and I wanted to turn that confusion into something funny, heartfelt, and honest.

What was the filming experience like for you?

Filming with a classroom full of kids was as chaotic as it was fun! We had so many laughs on set, but it was also emotional seeing something so personal come to life. One of my favorite moments was watching our young lead actor, Preston, perfectly capture the mix of confusion and pride I felt at that age. The biggest challenge was balancing comedy with sincerity, but in the end, I think that blend is what makes the film work.

Was there anyone who played a special role in helping make this film possible?

Our mentors and the mitú team were incredible guiding forces throughout production. Talia, my producer, was the heart of the project, keeping everything grounded and organized while making sure the story stayed true to its emotional core. My partner Bree Kish was involved at every stage, including casting. And, of course, my parents — their real-life dynamic inspired much of the film, so in many ways, this project is a love letter to them too.

Do you have a personal hero who inspires your work or outlook?

I’m constantly inspired by filmmakers who tell deeply personal films that are entertaining and highly emotional. My biggest inspiration as a filmmaker is Steven Spielberg.

Matthew concluded: “This film means a lot to me, and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped make it possible."

Watch the film here:

About the MY HERO International Film Festival:

The My Hero Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to showcasing films that celebrate the power of the human spirit. 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.