Trailer


I Found You, You Found Me
Writer, Producer, Director & Song Writer
Short Film
I Found You, You Found Me is an award-winning independent short film that explores the transformative power of second chances through an emotional story of rescue, healing, and human connection. I wrote the screenplay, produced and directed the film, and composed and produced its original theme song, leading the project from concept to final release. As my directorial debut, the film challenged me to unite storytelling, visual direction, music, and production into a single creative vision—an experience that reinforced my passion for crafting stories that resonate long after the final frame. The film was recognized by the Top Indie Film Awards, marking an important milestone in my journey as a storyteller and creative director.

The Story Behind the Film
I wrote I Found You, You Found Me because I've always been a passionate animal advocate and wanted to tell a story that reflected a simple but powerful belief: when you save a life, that life can ultimately save yours. Beyond sharing that message, I challenged myself to bring every aspect of the project to life—from writing and directing to producing and composing the original theme song—while working within the realities of an independent production budget. The experience became a personal test of my creative and technical abilities, proving that thoughtful storytelling, strong creative direction, and resourcefulness can overcome financial limitations. The film's recognition at the Top Indie Film Awards, earning awards for Best Writing, Best Cinematography, and Best Message, while also being a contender for Best Film, affirmed that vision and execution matter more than the size of the budget.
My Role




Writer
Developed the original screenplay and narrative, crafting a story centered on hope, redemption, and the transformative bond between a man and a lost dog. Every scene was written to balance emotional storytelling with suspense and meaningful character development.
Director
Defined the creative vision for the film and led the artistic direction from pre-production through post-production. I worked closely with the cast and crew to shape performances, visual storytelling, pacing, and the overall cinematic experience.
Producer
Managed every stage of the production, from planning and scheduling to coordinating the crew, locations, and resources. Working within an independent budget, I ensured the project maintained a high production value while staying true to the creative vision.
Composer & Producer
Wrote and produced the film's original theme song to extend the emotional impact of the story beyond the visuals. The music was composed specifically to complement the narrative and reinforce the film's central themes of hope, healing, and second chances.













Story Development
& Storyboarding
Once the screenplay was complete, I translated the story into a visual roadmap by creating the entire storyboard myself. Using Midjourney AI as an illustration tool, I developed each frame to define the composition, pacing, camera angles, and emotional tone of every scene before production began. This process allowed me to communicate my vision clearly to the cast and crew, streamline the production, and ensure that every shot remained faithful to the story I set out to tell.






Story Development& Storyboarding
Once the screenplay was complete, I translated the story into a visual roadmap by creating the entire storyboard myself. Using Midjourney AI as an illustration tool, I developed each frame to define the composition, pacing, camera angles, and emotional tone of every scene before production began. This process allowed me to communicate my vision clearly to the cast and crew, streamline the production, and ensure that every shot remained faithful to the story I set out to tell.








Production & Creative Direction
Production was where the creative vision evolved into a fully realized film. I oversaw every stage of the process, from casting and location scouting to wardrobe development, color palette selection, production planning, and on-set logistics. Every decision was made with the story in mind, ensuring that performances, environments, costumes, and visual aesthetics worked together to create a cohesive cinematic experience. By balancing creative direction with the practical demands of an independent production, I was able to deliver a film that reflected the original vision while maximizing both quality and efficiency.



Original Theme Song Production
To complete the storytelling experience, I wrote and produced the film's original theme song, creating a piece that reflected the emotional journey of the characters and reinforced the film's central message of hope, healing, and second chances. Rather than treating the music as a final addition, I developed it as an integral part of the narrative, using melody and lyrics to deepen the emotional connection and leave audiences with a lasting impression long after the story had ended.
Workflow
Character Design
Reference Photography
Nano Banana 2.0
Product & Set Design
Reference Photography
Nano Banana 2.0
Image Generation
Picture References
Nano Banana Pro
Video Generation
Kling 3.0
Sedance 2.0

Mauricio Mendoza
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Contact
maurixious@gmail.com
Tel. 305.772.7973
Miami . New york










