Spotlight: William D. Caballero (TheyDream)
September 12, 2026
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Filmmaker Spotlight
TheyDream
William D. Caballero · USA · 88 min
What led you to creating TheyDream?
I had been creating short films about my Puerto Rican family for the past 15 years. As time went on, many of the people featured in those shorts have passed away, leaving behind my mother, who was a caretaker to many. I created this film as a way to process, not just my grief, but also help her heal through the transformative power of creativity itself.
I created this film as a way to process, not just my grief, but also help her heal through the transformative power of creativity itself.
What were some inspirations going into the creative process?
I wanted to feature different experimental animation, and hybrid techniques to bring the story to life. I had to challenge myself as there were many approaches that I had personally never done before. But I am lucky that I was able to find such a talented team of individuals, including two that are based in Charlotte.
Tell us what you hope the audience gets from TheyDream and why is a story like this important to tell?
I hope that the audience walks away understanding a bit more of the power of creativity and feeling empowered to tell their own storie in their only unique voice.
How did you become a filmmaker?
Film, making is a natural extension of my desire to engage with the creative aspect of who I am. In many ways, it is the combination of all of my interests in creative pursuits.
| Film | TheyDream |
|---|---|
| Director | William D. Caballero |
| Section | Documentary Features |
| Runtime | 88 min |
| Screening | Sat 26 Sep, 7:05 pm |
