Creative Cypher, the Chicago-based entertainment brand responsible for the XL Film Festival, has partnered with the Latine short film Final Frame.
Final Frame is written and directed by Chicago-area filmmakers Andrew and Adrian Nuño, known collectively as The Nuño Twins, who also serve as producers on the project. The film, which centers around a film editor who is torn between the demands of his career and the man he loves, completed filming in November after successfully raising over $20,000 to support production.
“This project has been a very profound experience. It is very personal to us, and we hope that this resonates with anyone who has ever found themselves walking the fine line between their dreams and the relationships in life that I’d argue make life worth living,” adds Adrian Nuño.
Creative Cypher was founded by Chicago entrepreneur Troy Pryor. In addition to his work with Creative Cypher, Troy is the current Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Chicago, and he serves as an advisor for many organizations including the Chicago International Film Festival. Creative Cypher also recently partnered with AMC to launch a showcase of films now available on AMC+. Final Frame marks Creative Cypher’s second collaboration with The Nuño Twins following the Latine web series Border’d. Creative Cypher will assist with getting the short film to completion and with its release and festival circuit run.
“It has always been a pleasure working with the Nuño Twins,” commented Pryor about the partnership. “I’m so grateful to have been introduced to them years ago and watch them grow as talented storytellers. The Cypher is all about empowering authentic voices.”
The Nuño Twins are a filmmaking duo whose previous works include the short film Little Things which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Southern City Film Festival. In addition, their Latine web series Border’d, which they created alongside Lauryn Lugo, was released in November 2021 and earned a Telly Award, multiple festival selections, and a distribution deal with Emmy-nominated platform Open Television. More recently, Andrew was recognized with an Emmy win in 2022 for Mardi Gras for All Y’all, a production done through his work for Lightswitch Video and The Advocate, followed by a subsequent Emmy nomination in 2023 for the 2023 version of the show.
“Creating this film has been the most incredible year and a half journey thus far. We couldn’t be happier to be partnering again with Creative Cypher,” said Andrew. “They were such an incredible help with Border’d and we look forward to having their help as we continue into post-production and then get Final Frame out into the world.”
Final Frame stars Alejandro Alba and Anthony Williams respectively in the roles of Carlos and Ben. Alejandro Alba is known for his Webby-winning work as a senior correspondent at NowThis and his role in the AFI short film Xolo & Xotchil. Chicago local Anthony Williams most recently guest starred on Chicago PD and has a plethora of experience in film and TV which includes the award-winning short film Absolutely Positive which earned him an invitation to the Obama White House.
“Working on Final Frame is everything I could ask for—a deeply layered character to bring to life, an incredibly talented and compassionate cast and crew, and a heartfelt story that truly resonates,” commented Alejandro about working on the film. “I can’t wait for audiences to experience this love story, crafted with so much passion and care.”
Already on the project as producers are industry veterans Joe Hodorowicz and Jackie Quinones. Hodorowicz’s career includes roles at Studio 71, WME, and RSA, where he developed and sold pilots to truTV and MTV. Quinones has collaborated with industry icons like Luis Guzman and John Singleton and has contributed her expertise to films such as Molly’s Game, Bad Moms, and The Gift.
“Final Frame has been an extraordinary collaboration of talent, vision, and heart. It’s been a privilege to help bring this deeply personal and universally resonant story to life alongside such an incredible team,” said Joe Hodorowicz about the project.
The film shot at various locations around Chicago including Mainstage Chicago and is currently in post-production with plans to submit to various festivals throughout 2025.
photo credits: Jake Brusha and Nate Crawford
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