Leap and Soar
Short Film

Project Type: Short Film
Project Status: Development
Producer (s) : Sebastian Hernandez Reza, Cinthya Raygoza
Director: Denzel Vazquez

LOGLINE

Bound by shared struggles but separated by silence, Daniel and his mother navigate the absence left by his older brother’s death. As they search for connection in their fractured family, they explore the delicate interplay of grief, fear, and love.

SYNOPSIS

The story follows Daniel after the loss of his older brother. As grief takes hold, Daniel and his mother grow increasingly distant, each struggling with unanswered questions and unresolved emotions. In their attempt to bridge the gap, their shared sorrow becomes both a barrier and a path to rediscovering connection and understanding.

An experimental drama, Leap and Soar unfolds through a non-linear narrative, weaving together specific moments in the characters’ lives to explore the different layers of their relationship.

MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT


The story explores the emotional distance between Daniel and his mother, a multilayered relationship that shapes how they understand love, each other, and the world around them.

Set after the tragic loss of the older brother, Derek, the film reveals the growing disconnection that has strained their bond for years. Left alone with each other, they realize they are all they have ever known.

Leap and Soar romanticizes the memories left behind by those who have gone. Do we keep them? Do we move on? Do we forget them? The film attempts to answer these questions by exploring the rawness of pain, the complexities of communication, and the healing power of love. Through the eyes of these two wounded characters, the story unfolds as they struggle to reconnect.

The story delves into change and memory, highlighting how we resist motion and cling to the past. It takes us to a long-forgotten era, where time has moved on, yet the world we once knew remains frozen beyond the day we left it.This film is deeply personal to me, reflecting my experience as a son raised by a single mother and the refuge I found in my brother. It is also a tribute to my closest friends who have lost loved ones.

At its core, Leap and Soar explores themes that are deeply personal yet universally relevant, tapping into the raw and honest aspects of the human experience.

Meet The Filmmakers

  • Denzel Vazquez

    Director

    Denzel is a versatile artist, photographer, and filmmaker with a distinctive style and a commitment to authenticity. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and a diploma in Film Production from the Toronto Film School (TFS). With five years of experience in filmmaking, Denzel has honed a unique approach characterized by a natural, clinical, and clean aesthetic. His work aims for a true-to-life representation, capturing the essence of reality with precision and clarity.

     In contrast to his filmmaking style, his photography style stands out with its strong, stylized high-contrast approach, creating visually striking images that leave a lasting impression. His expertise spans multiple roles, including Director, Cinematographer, and Writer, and he has played a key creative role in over 10 projects.

     With a dedication to visual storytelling and an eye for detail, Denzel Vazquez continues to push the boundaries of his craft, bringing his unique vision to every project he undertakes. His work reflects a deep understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking and photography.

  • Sebastián Hernández Reza

    Producer

    Sebastian Hernandez Reza is a 22-year-old film director and producer from the town of Coatepec Harinas, Mexico. Driven by his passion for creating stories that blend art and commercial accessibility, he began his journey in the film industry in 2021 in the art department, where he discovered the magic of production design as a tool to reflect the personalities and emotions of characters, bringing stories to life.

    A graduate of Toronto Film School, Sebastián has directed and produced a short film, and also directed a commercial involving over 60 children working under his guidance. Additionally, he has produced music videos, commercials, a documentary, and another short film. His creative portfolio stands out for his meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to crafting captivating visual narratives.

    As the founder of SEBICHE films, Sebastián has dedicated his career to giving visibility to talented young Mexican filmmakers, championing art cinema with a commercial edge to make meaningful films more accessible to audiences. His vision aims not only to showcase emerging talent but also to deliver significant stories that authentically connect with viewers.

    With a fresh and bold perspective, Sebastián continues to push his creative boundaries and leave a mark on the film industry, bringing forward projects that inspire and transform.

  • Cinthya Raygoza

    Co-Producer

    Cinthya is a Mexican-Canadian filmmaker with a background in theatre and music. She spent her childhood in Mexico creating art through music and photography. As a teenager, she learned about cameras, acting, and playing the alto saxophone.

    She graduated from Seneca College in 2022 and Toronto Film School in 2024. She has directed two short films, The Cross We Bear and Venice, both currently in post-production. She worked as Production Coordinator for Siempre en tu Esquina (2024), produced The Break (2025), and contributed as a Sound Mixer to several Canadian Film Centre (CFC) projects.

    Cinthya enjoys making films to express herself, spending time with family, and celebrating her culture. She is an active member of WIFT and continues to collaborate with the CFC.

  • Daria Lavrova

    1st Assistant Director


    Based in Toronto, Daria Lavrova is a skilled 1st Assistant Director with a solid background in filmmaking, directing, and editing. Originally from Russia, she moved to Canada in 2021 to pursue her passion for storytelling and has since earned a Bachelor of Creative Arts from Yorkville University in June 2024, along with completing the Film Production Program at the Toronto Film School.


    Daria has worked as a 1st Assistant Director on a range of projects, including the short films “WIÑAY”, “Body #319”, “Lonely Love”, “18|40|60”, “Mom, I’m Buying Drugs”, the web series “Issues”, and others. She also directed and edited her short films “Derailed”, “Weight of Love”, “Black Boots and Leather Rebellion”, and the short documentary “Kedi”. Additionally, she co-directed the short film “Ethereal Confrontation”, among other projects. Her most recent work is the documentary “My Body Goes to Work”, where she served as producer and editor. Daria also works in other creative roles in film and takes a hands-on approach to various aspects of production.


    Fluent in English, French, and Russian, Daria thrives in diverse, fast-paced environments, bringing a combination of organizational precision, creative problem-solving, and leadership to every production. Her collaborative approach ensures that every story is brought to life with care and attention to detail.

  • Diego Aldana

    Cinematographer

    Diego Aldana is a cinematographer based out of Toronto, Canada. He has honed his craft through a combination of formal education and hands-on experience in the industry. Diego actively collaborates on a variety of productions, including short films, music videos, and commercials. With a passion for visual language, Diego has worked on both independent and larger-scale productions, bringing a keen eye for lighting, composition, and movement.

    His work is characterized by his use of deep, rich colors to enhance mood and atmosphere. Above all, Diego prioritizes the story and script, ensuring that every visual choice serves the narrative in the most impactful and meaningful way possible. Diego always strives to have a clear vision in his head and successfully communicates that vision to his team.

    His leadership skills foster a strong and fun collaborative environment, allowing his crew to work efficiently and creatively towards a unified goal

Your Help

LEAP AND SOAR is a fiscally sponsored project of Cinematography for Actors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  Your donation will be tax-deductible!

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