by John Wildman
AFI FEST Daily News

One balances the care for his incapacitated father while dealing with his incarcerated brother's shocking request. The other takes a novel approach to the problem of his father's sexual indiscretions.

Arevalo's sensitive direction of the film is at heart-rending, off-handedly funny and morally confounding as characters deal with thwarted dreams and desires while trying to regroup.

DARKBLUEALMOSTBLACK screens Thursday, November 2, 9:30 PM, and Friday, November 3, 4:00 PM, at AFI FEST 2006 presented by Audi.

1. What was the inspiration behind DARKBLUEALMOSTBLACK?

Daniel Sanchez Arevalo: The central image that inspired the film was a guy, standing in front of a store, watching something he longs for. Separated by this thick glass, an invisible barrier that keeps him so close and so far at the same time from his desires.

And also my doorman.

2. Much of the story is driven by the difference between the two brothers in the film. Which do you identify with the most?

Daniel: With Jorge, the protagonist. Not having the ability of saying "no." Feeling responsible for everyone around you. That gives you a sense of tremendous power, but at the same time it imprisons you. Satisfying everyone around you makes you forget about your own goals in life.

3. What is the best thing about having your film at AFI FEST?

Daniel: That my good friend Vicente, who has been living in LA for the past three years is finally going to have a chance to watch the film.

4. Who or what inspired you to want to make films?

Daniel: My father, my shrink, The Marx Brothers, my miseries, Billy Wilder, my fears, Spike Lee, my obsessions and my doorman. Not necessarily in that order.

5. What one thing would you tell a new director to never do?

Daniel: Don't tell a story that you can't somehow relate to.

6. What's the most underrated job on the set?

Daniel: The director's job. Just kidding. I guess the First AD [Assistant Director]. They are really the boss of it all on the set.

7. Do you have a "lucky" item - a shirt, baseball cap, charm - that you always bring with you to the set?

Daniel: I always carry with me two little magnets that I play with all the time.

8. If you couldn't make films, what would be your second career choice?

Daniel: A writer, a stock broker, open a pizza place, a doorman. Not necessarily in that order.

9. Filming sex scenes - Fun or Frustrating?

Daniel: Frustrating. My friends tell me that I am really bad at shooting sex scenes. And no matter how much I practice, I don't seem to get any better.

10. Popcorn or candy?

Daniel: Popcorn and Diet Coke. Medium size.