BILLY Otto says he’s ‘‘chasing the dream’’, touring as a folk musician and adding to his reputation as a budding filmmaker.
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The former Warners Bay High School student’s 10-minute film Young Blood has been selected to screen at the prestigious Monterrey International Film Festival in Mexico next month.
Mr Otto, who is also training as a theology teacher, said making his first film was ‘‘the most challenging thing I’ve ever done’’.
‘‘But it’s very rewarding,’’ Mr Otto said.
The film features three former gang members – from Newcastle, Auckland and Vietnam – and explores their journey from broken homes into gang culture.
‘‘It was a very emotional experience,’’ Mr Otto said.
‘‘I first got the idea when I was in Indonesia for a surfing trip and I met someone who was a member of the Bra Boys.’’
He intends to finish his degree, but said he would continue to pursue a career in music or film.
‘‘I’m trying to chase the dream with film and music while I’m not married and I don’t have kids,’’ Mr Otto said.
