Treasure Haunt
Carlos Lerma
About the Filmmaker
Carlos Lerma is an award-winning Mexican writer, director, and author who brings his unique touch to both the movie screen and the printed page. Best known for his collection of original live-action and animated films, he has directed critically acclaimed works such as "Lightning in a Bottle" (2024), "Faraway Fiesta" (2023), and the animated sensation "Treasure Haunt" (2023). Jumping between art mediums is what sets Lerma apart, from live-action to animation to books. Lerma is also a poet and illustrator of three best-selling Spanish-written poetry books and two new English-written poetry books. Lerma moved from Monterrey, México to Chicago, IL, in 2022 to pursue the American Dream in entertainment and literature.
From the Filmmaker
As a first-generation immigrant, I miss my family and friends back in Mexico A LOT. This short film is a love letter to all those who have a significant other who is far away but close enough to the heart to make crazy things. In the film, the face of the person who's the recipient of the gift is never shown because I wanted whoever watched this film to imagine their significant other. Some might imagine their mom, some their hometown best friend, some the person they wished they told they loved. 'Treasure Haunt' is a short film that is for anyone who has feelings so strong of longing and love that you would turn yourself into a ghost even just for one night if it meant holding someone you miss.
Treasure Haunt
Director, Writer & Producer: Carlos Lerma
Composer: Holden Reid Magee
How far would you go for a hug? — A young man uses a magic potion to turn himself into a ghost, now, with his new-found abilities he flies miles away to the house of a person he loves. Longing for a hug, he possesses a gift. Sadly, when the morning comes, he must return home, faraway from his person.
The animated film takes place in Chicago for the most part. You can see the chicago skyline & a S Clark Street sign, however the film focuses also on the ghost visiting a farawah friend.