San Antonio’s Best Local Filmmaker 2024: CJ Goodwyn
In the thriving realm of San Antonio’s arts scene, one figure has firmly established his prominence – CJ Goodwyn, a renowned local filmmaker. The readers of “San Antonio Best Of 2024” have bestowed upon him the accolade of “Best Local Filmmaker”, a testament to his indelible impact on the local and broader artistic community.
Sherlock Holmes: Mare of the Night
His stellar reputation largely stems from his latest passion project, the film – Sherlock Holmes: Mare of the Night. As the creator, Goodwyn took on the roles of both the writer and director, adding a unique twist to the universally recognized character of Sherlock Holmes. His interpretation exposes the legendary detective to his troubled past as he endeavours to solve one of the most significant cases of his career.
Goodwyn’s creative vision wrapped in November last year, with the movie filmed entirely on location in the picturesque Hill Country and San Antonio. The film is now in its post-production phase, with Goodwyn planning a theater tour in early 2025.
Personalizing Sherlock Homes
Wishing to divert from the traditional recreations of Sherlock Holmes, Goodwyn aimed to depict “a story where the character felt real”. “If he was a real person, and he spent 50 years solving crimes and murders, what would that do to someone?” he asked during one recent interview.
Prior to Holmes, CJ Goodwyn gained recognition for Eyes of a Roman, a 2022 action-drama centered around the final face-off between Spartacus and Marcus Crassus, which he both wrote and directed.
The Challenges of Indie Filmmaking
Despite the challenges of being an independent filmmaker, such as financial constraints and limited resources, Goodwyn has prevailed through his staunch belief in the power of a good story and faith in his storytelling abilities. He remains steadfast in his conviction that passion takes precedence over budget constraints.
In his own words, “It can be really challenging to be an indie filmmaker…You have to be patient, put in the work, and make sure you’re telling the story you want to tell”. This tenacity to deliver a compelling narrative is what sets CJ Goodwyn apart in the exciting world of filmmaking.
Emerging Creators
Other notable mentions from the readers’ choice awards include runners-up Justin Rodriguez and Kayla Whittaker, who have also made their mark in the filmmaker category. Their dedication to the craft shows that the spirit of original narrative in San Antonio is in good hands.