In our latest feature, we bring you an inspiring story of resilience and determination. Chris Soriano, a director, actor, and producer, has carved his path in the world of filmmaking, overcoming a series of hurdles and barriers along the way. We sat down with Soriano to discuss his upcoming film, “Master Chief,” and to delve into the hardships he faced before achieving his dream.
Chris Soriano’s journey began in San Diego’s Skyline-Paradise Hills area, but took a sharp turn as he entered his teenage years. At the age of 13, a violent gang initiation left him bloodied on his doorstep, prompting his mother to issue an ultimatum: reveal the details or continue homeschooling. Choosing the latter set the stage for his remarkable path to success.
Homeschooled and isolated from the traditional high school experience, Soriano found solace in watching movies. He recalled, “When I would watch films, I told myself this was my only mental escape. Normally when you go through high school, you get your homecoming, your prom, all these types of things. I didn’t have any of those, so I would just watch all these films, and I felt like I had purpose. I said, ‘I want to dedicate my life to doing this someday.’”
Despite his early aspirations of becoming a movie director, the dream was temporarily set aside as his mother encouraged him to pursue a nursing career instead, a moment that left a lasting impact, as Soriano recalls, “My dream of becoming a director was crushed.” Undeterred by these early setbacks, the future filmmaker charted a different course, ultimately earning a degree in communications from San Diego State University. He embarked on a career in journalism and eventually became a reporter in Yuma, Arizona. His passion for filmmaking never faded, and when the 2020 pandemic hit, he decided to revisit his dream. As he put it:
“Here I am at 32 years old. I started my first film, and I just never stopped.”
Soriano’s filmography exemplifies his versatility and unwavering commitment to addressing societal issues, exploring topics like hate crimes during the pandemic in “Almighty Zeus” (2022), COVID-era wedding planning challenges in “The Wedding Hustler” (2023), and unity against hate crimes in “Dynasty Boys.” His dedication to using film as a platform for important issues remains steadfast.
His latest film, “The Master Chief” (2023), follows the compelling journey of Gabe Rosario, a Filipino American sailor in the U.S. Navy. Chris serves as the writer, director, and actor, a challenging endeavor that often left him stretched thin. Finding balance in these roles has proven elusive, as each aspect of filmmaking requires dedicated attention. Chris’s determination to complete the project, however, kept him going despite any unforeseen challenges during production. “I felt that that’s kind of like the game of directing. You never really have it all until you finish the film,” Chris reflects. “You just sprint as fast as you can.”
As the story unfolds, “The Master Chief” delves into themes of camaraderie, justice, and unity, transcending racial divides as the crew faces not only internal tensions but also external threats. “The racial tension on the ship is real,” Chris explained. “But that’s what the military is about. It’s about getting the job done despite what your race or your rank is.”
During interviews with Navy personnel, both active and retired, Chris Soriano uncovered a remarkable aspect of Navy life – the close-knit community known as the “Filipino Mafia.” This unique camaraderie transcended ranks, as these sailors always stood ready to support one another. Surprisingly, Chris’s own father, who had served in the Navy for 20 years, had never shared this aspect of their experience with him. When Chris pressed further, his father explained that it was a type of unspoken brotherhood where everyone looked out for one another, even though it wasn’t something they openly discussed.
Lastly, Chris emphasized the film’s core message of unity and the value that diversity brings to the Navy. He stated, “I want people to be inspired by these groups of minorities and how they band together to get the job done, no matter what the challenge is. I just want viewers to see a unique side of the Navy, a side that isn’t all ‘Top Gun.’ I want people to see that there are empowering minorities in the Navy that are doing a lot and are a strong component of the Navy. This is a story that I have never seen.”
“Master Chief” is set to hit theaters on November 10th, just before Veterans Day. This intentional release date aims to honor and support the military community. Soriano is confident that veterans and active-duty personnel will discover elements of their own journey mirrored in the film, fostering a sense of connection and recognition.