The Heart of To Matter

To Matter was born right in the middle of the pandemic — a time when access to sets, equipment, and even people was extremely limited. One day, my producing partner, John Bombay Gutierrez, and I were catching up, wondering how we could still create despite everything being shut down.

I asked him, “What do you need for us to make a movie right now?”

At the same time, the new iPhone 12 commercial had just dropped. Inspired by the way it showcased filmmaking capabilities, John said, “If I had that phone, I could make a movie just like Tangerine.” (Tangerine is a groundbreaking indie film shot entirely on iPhones, directed by Sean Baker, that captivated audiences with its raw and vibrant portrayal of life in Los Angeles.)

I smiled and said, “Bet.”

The next day, I bought the phone and called his bluff.Needless to say... we made a movie. To Matter became our pandemic baby — a rebirth of motivation, hope, and love for filmmaking when it felt like the whole world was standing still.

We did it guerrilla-style, writing scenes based on what we had access to and letting the beautiful, eerie backdrop of a quiet Los Angeles become our set. We captured ghostly hiking trails and wide-open streets. We filmed skylines masked by the strange quiet of that time. We documented life as it truly was: the masks, the isolation, and the quiet resilience of a city still breathing beneath it all.

What made To Matter even more special was the people.We leaned on friends, on non-actors, on anyone who was willing to come out, safely, and help create something meaningful. It was truly a collection of artists and dreamers — people who just wanted to interact, connect, and make art when connection felt impossible.

To Matter isn’t just a movie to us — it’s a time capsule. It’s a snapshot of hope during one of the weirdest and hardest chapters in recent history. And it reminds us that no matter the circumstances, when you have the heart and the will to create, you will always find a way.

Michelle Vogel, Salena Solis and Syndi Solis on the set of To Matter