Giancarlo Zarich c/o '24

Filmmaker & Storyteller Advancing Representation Through “K/Casa”

Meet Giancarlo Zarich, a proud graduate of West Broward High School c/o 2024, and the creative force behind K/Casa, a short drama‑horror film now fundraising on Seed&Spark. Drawing from his personal experience as an Asian/Latino mixed‑heritage storyteller, Giancarlo aims to confront the underrepresentation of multi‑ethnic identities in film and foster deeper cultural visibility.

About K/Casa

Described as both supernatural and emotionally resonant, K/Casa follows Hiro, a young Asian/Latino man who, after his grandfather passes away, is drawn into a haunting—and healing—confrontation with his cultural roots. Through daily objects becoming possessed, the film explores grief, belonging, and identity fragmentation across Japanese, Argentinian, and Cuban heritage lines.

Marrying folklore (like Japanese tsukumogami) and family legacies, the film highlights how grief and memory can form bridges between fragmented heritages. The project is deeply personal: inspired by Giancarlo’s own childhood notebook sketches and memories of his Japanese grandfather’s stories.

Why This Matters

Culturally relevant storytelling is at the heart of K/Casa, a film that speaks directly to students and community members navigating the complexities of blended cultural identities. Through its narrative of loss and reconnection, the film provides a powerful lens into what it means to grow up straddling multiple heritages - an experience that resonates deeply in today’s diverse world.

Amplifying underrepresented voices is a key mission for Giancarlo. As he puts it, “the human experience transcends borders,” and K/Casa invites viewers to reflect on identity, grief, and family through universal emotional truths. By centering a story rooted in Asian and Latin American heritage, the film contributes to a more inclusive cinematic landscape.

Community support is vital to helping K/Casa come to life. The project is currently halfway to its fundraising goal of $6,500 for pre-production, with 37 backers already on board. Every contribution, whether financial or simply spreading the word, helps bring this meaningful and representative story to the screen.

How We Can Support Our Alumnus

Help boost Giancarlo’s Seed&Spark campaign by sharing via school newsletters, alumni social media, and our community networks. Every share helps broaden his reach. With community support, the project can help fill a gap in the film landscape: those of us whose roots span multiple cultures.

You can also share the following on your social media:

Help support @giancarlozarich to make a drama/horror film called @kcasa.film — a story based on his own multicultural roots. Be a part of highlighting unique multi-ethnic stories and hopefully opening the door for more Latino/Asian creators!