Since 2021, Gate Keepers Recording Studios has been working on a project that will make Brazos Valley history as the first of its kind. “Lives of Wolves” is a cinematic drama written, filmed and performed by local talent. After three years in the works, the movie premiered for the first time on Monday, Feb. 19 with two future showings already sold out.
GK Studios is a music recording studio owned and operated by Bryan/College Station local Preston Flores. Since 2016, Preston has been providing a platform for new and aspiring artists and says he knew a film was the company’s next big step. The opportunity finally presented itself amidst post-quarantine restlessness; with people eager to get out of the house, Preston partnered with Frank Mahindaratne, a multi-faceted artist who became the writer of the film, to spearhead B/CS’s first-ever locally created feature film.
“[Lives of Wolves] is about somebody that's going through a tough time, having to make a decision or choice, a life-altering choice, and ends up getting into dangerous territory,” Frank says. “It's about choices, consequences [and] betrayal. It’s not based on a true story, but it's based on real-life events that happen not just in this city, but in every urban city across America.”
Once they started looking for talent, the project quickly spiraled into a community effort. Auditions were held at the Larry J. Ringer Library and grew mostly from word of mouth. The final product consists of a 61-person cast with ranging levels of experience, from first-time amateurs to the award-winning actor Mell Bowser, who played the lead, Malik.
“That's the really cool part for me personally, is seeing the platform we've created for these people,” Preston says. “It’s been amazing to see the community coming together and then to see the opportunities that have been created just from one project. Instead of just the movie, it became a movement. That's what GK Studios is all about – creating that avenue for anybody to go, whatever level that they're at.”
Frankie Galvez, an actor in the movie, plays the role of Detective Gates, a crooked cop with a smooth personality; “You’re going to hate how much you love him,” Frankie says. Born and raised in the Brazos Valley, Frankie says this project is so much greater than just the film itself.
“I have it written on my refrigerator that acting will pay the bills one day, you just have to pay your dues to get where you want to go,” Frankie says. “Through [Lives of Wolves], we had all kinds of people come together as a family, because we have that passion in common. People from different walks of life, some in the service industry and others running their own businesses, were able to get to know each other and build relationships that they never would have expected through a mutual love for film. It’s a beautiful thing.”
The sense of unity and collaboration extended beyond the cast, as the community opened their doors to provide locations to shoot the film. Lead actress Melissa Blanco says the opportunity has created a necessary blueprint for future filmmaking in the B/CS.
“Being able to do this project at home is really everything for me,” Melissa says. “My acting is my passion, so to touch people with that, especially people in my own hometown, was truly an amazing experience.”
Melissa has been pursuing acting since 2014, moving to LA for a time before returning to her roots in B/CS to raise her family. For almost a decade, Melissa chased her dream until her dream came to her own back door through “Lives of Wolves.” Playing the role of female heroine Aaliyah, Melissa emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passion, regardless of the obstacles.
“To anyone who has a dream, just know that it's never too late. You are capable of doing anything that you put your mind to do,” she says.
After the final premiere in Bryan, Preston says "Lives of Wolves" will be submitted into film festivals with hopes of getting picked up, so the film can only be exclusively viewed in the Brazos Valley until later notice. GK Studios is already looking toward future film projects, including a limited series production, "Karma."
For more information about “Lives of Wolves” and future showings, visit gkstudios.org/lives-of-wolves.
