Come Up to the Roof: A Filmmaker's Journey from Dream to Reality

This Sunday, I’m releasing my first feature film, Come Up to the Roof—a story of youth, coincidence, and chaos set in New Paltz, NY. After years of dedication, it’s finally time to share this project that means so much to me.

"From picking up my first camera to completing this film, every step has been a lesson in creativity and persistence."

I believe that like any art form, film is an expression, an exploration, and even a challenge. While film takes a lot of time and collaboration, it can be extremely rewarding as an artist. Whether it be in the moment filming, or years later looking back at the film you created, I have grown to LOVE it. 

On Sunday, December 8th I will be releasing my first feature-length film, Come Up To The Roof. It’s a film of three stories that overlap and intertwine through coincidence. It’s a story of youth, drugs, confusion, and much more. It’s all filmed in New Paltz, NY. This is where I went to college and where I started this project. I’ve been editing it for a while now, and after a couple of years, it’s finally complete. I couldn’t have done it without my friends who helped me film the movie and act in it. 

My name is Pau Bredl-Marti. I am a 22-year-old filmmaker who was born and raised in New York City. Growing up I always had a deep love for art, music, and sports; all three still take up a big part of my life today. I recently graduated from SUNY New Paltz in May 2024, where I spent 4 years in the cozy town of New Paltz. The rural nature of New Paltz was different than the city, but something that I embraced and quickly grew to love. It was in my second year at New Paltz that I bought my first camera (the one I still use today) and started to make my own films.  

"This film marks the start of my journey as a filmmaker, blending passion, collaboration, and years of dedication."

Growing up I always enjoyed film, but had never really considered picking up a camera myself. I would sometimes think of movie plots or story ideas, but actually taking those ideas and turning them into a real movie always seemed unrealistic or just a dream. At college, I began watching more films and even enrolled in a couple of film classes. I came across two directors: Alejandro Iñaritu and Agnes Varda; both of which became extremely influential to me and in a way sparked my motivation to tell myself that I can turn these dreams and ideas into films. 

I’ve been shooting, directing, and editing little movies now for more than a year. There were definitely some hard parts at first. The hardest for me was having to learn all the tech; from the camera, to the editing, to the audio, and more. This took some patience, some trial and error, and lots of YouTube tutorial videos, but after sticking to it, I began to see my progress. At this same time, I also had to build my confidence as an artist and filmmaker. 

Early on, I made the decision and commitment to myself that I would try and get out as many films as I could. I would hear this advice from other filmmakers or artists, as they would emphasize the importance of just getting your work out there; letting it breathe, and allowing others to view it. You can never rush art, and obviously, I didn’t want to rush myself or put something out that I didn’t like, but I gave myself realistic timeframes and expectations. I have found that this has allowed me to grow as an artist, first in my confidence, but also in my style; as I can start to see patterns or developments in my pieces. 

"Set in New Paltz, NY, my debut feature explores youth, chaos, and the phenomenon of coincidence."

I say all this, and I have just begun my journey as a filmmaker. I have such a long way to go as an artist and filmmaker, but I can say that I feel like I’m at least at a starting point. Looking back to when I got my first camera a couple of years ago, I wouldn’t have expected to be where I’m at now in my progress. 

This movie marks a big moment in my progress, as it’s my longest project yet, but also one that I have been working on and planning for years. I will enjoy and celebrate this release, but I also can’t wait to get started on other projects and ideas. This movie has taken so long to edit and come together, and while I’m glad I stayed loyal to it and completed it, I have had so many other ideas this past year that I have been waiting to jump on and create.