Filmmaker Michael Flores: Grief And Healing In 'Dogs On The Sendero' GRIEF AND LIGHT podcast

Filmmaker Michael Flores: Grief and Healing in 'Dogs on the Sendero'

1M ago 1:01:16

Content provided by Nina Rodriguez. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Nina Rodriguez or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Whether you’re a griever, creative, or lover of independent film (and puppies!), this conversation is a moving exploration of how film can help us navigate trauma, honor legacy, and find our way back to light.

In this powerful episode of the Grief and Light podcast, acclaimed filmmaker and educator Michael Flores shares the deeply personal journey behind his award-winning feature film, Dogs on the Sendero. The film follows Sol, a grieving teacher who embarks on a transformative road trip with his dog, Rosie, after the devastating loss of his wife. Through their journey, the story explores grief, cultural identity, healing, and the quiet power of companionship.

***Click here to watch on YouTube***

Michael opens up about the emotional and creative process of making a film inspired by real-life experiences with gun violence in schools, the delicate balance of weaving humor and hope into stories of loss, and the role that pets, art, and cultural roots play in the healing process. He also discusses the challenges and serendipity of independent filmmaking during the pandemic, the importance of building a small but dedicated team, and how storytelling can foster empathy and human connection.

Free Grief Support Resources:

Key Takeaways:

Storytelling can help us navigate grief and find healing.
Gun violence in schools leaves long-lasting emotional ripples.
Independent filmmaking requires trust, resilience, and creativity.
Cultural identity can anchor and guide healing journeys.
Grief is universal and can be processed and expressed through art.
Pets can provide comfort, grounding, and purpose in the aftermath of loss.
Humor and grief can coexist, offering balance in emotional storytelling.
The creative process is often shaped by personal experiences and cultural identity.
Signs and serendipity often guide creative journeys and personal healing.
Empathy and emotional connection are at the heart of impactful storytelling.

Guest: Michael Flores

Hosted by: Nina Rodriguez

Creator of Grief and Light, Grief Guide
griefandlight.com
@griefandlight
Resting Grief Face on Substack

Subscribe for more conversations that explore grief, healing, and what it means to be human.

Support the show

Thank you for listening! Please share with someone who may need to hear this.
Disclaimer: griefandlight.com/safetyanddisclaimers

Chapters

1. Preview, Intro song & Content Warning (00:00:00)

2. Meet Michael Flores (00:01:08)

3. Inspiration Behind the Story (00:04:00)

4. Capturing America's zeitgeist on film (00:13:18)

5. The Role of Social Media and Character Development (00:16:42)

6. The Impact of Pets on Grief (00:20:26)

7. Building a Scrappy Team: Challenges and Creative Solutions (00:26:12)

8. The Reality of Filmmaking (00:34:10)

9. Finding Humor in Grief: Balancing Light and Dark (00:43:10)

10. Cultural Identity: Embracing Diversity in Storytelling (00:45:49)

11. The Evolution of Sendero: From Title to Theme (00:49:19)

12. Nature as Healing: The Path to Recovery (00:52:58)

13. Empathy and Connection Through Film (00:59:41)

84 episodes