Last time we posted about Nena, the story was only words on paper. Now, almost two years later, we’re incredibly grateful to announce @nena_ashortfilm will not only be premiering at the Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying @psfilmfest , but is also nominated for Best Student U.S. Short!
None of that would have been possible without the beautifully talented and hardworking cast and crew who gave their all to bringing this story to life, as well as the support from so many of you during our campaign. 🙏🏽 Thank you so, so much.
Nos vemos el 25 de junio en Palm Springs! 🌴
[Check link in bio!] Two years ago, I moved to LA to pursue my film MFA at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. What followed were the most creative and challenging moments of my life as I juggled the demands of the program with several family emergencies. My growth as a storyteller felt warped: Going to class to dream up imaginary worlds, people, and scenarios felt so laughable, so lonely – and so small – when there existed real people and situations that demand my attention and help.
Film's strength lies in its ability to bring anything to life, holding a mirror to lives we’ve never lived. It can make visible the previously hidden stories of folks who rarely see themselves on screen – and need to the most. This has always fueled me and my work, but it was hard to believe this time around as I struggled with the above.
Now, as we’re in the final year of the program and making a thesis film about Cuban immigrants in Miami, I’m more convinced than ever of how powerful a tool film is. I say “we,” because it’s all thanks to family, friends, and mentors who have shown, in their own ways, what film is capable of.
I can go on, but you can find out more about my thesis at @nena_ashortfilm . This project is not just a culmination of an academic journey; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, the transformative impact it can have on fostering empathy and understanding across backgrounds, and the power of community.
If you’ve read this far, wow – Amazing, love it, can’t believe it. You’re great, and have all my thanks. :) Please help spread the word, and support our project! It would mean the world to me. (Tap through to see Misu telling me to thank y’all).
More soon. ❤️❤️
Tío Pablito, my grandpa’s brother and the last remaining of five, seen from a taxi’s rear window on my way to the airport. When I first met Pablito a few years ago, he was stunned: He hadn’t spoken to my grandpa since his departure in the ‘80s, and believed everyone from his side of the family to be dead. I immediately coordinated a phone call between Havana and Miami and watched as the two brothers spoke for the first time in almost 40 years, their words like dull knives as they tried to cut through the heavy buildup of time on a shaky, hard-to-hear line. They were bewildered, emotional, and, with their awkward pauses, reserved. Although the conversation barely lasted an hour, Pablito sat silent in the chair for a while afterwards. Now, my upcoming visit to Cuba will be bittersweet: My grandmother’s death spurred my first visit to reconnect the fam, but my grandfather’s death calls for me to pay tío Pablito a visit alone. I am not prepared to tell him he is the only one left of five, and I won’t be. I am, however, prepared to let him know he is not alone.
![[Check link in bio!] Two years ago, I moved to LA to pursue my film MFA at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. What followed were the most creative and challenging moments of my life as I juggled the demands of the program with several family emergencies. My growth as a storyteller felt warped: Going to class to dream up imaginary worlds, people, and scenarios felt so laughable, so lonely – and so small – when there existed real people and situations that demand my attention and help.Film's strength lies in its ability to bring anything to life, holding a mirror to lives we’ve never lived. It can make visible the previously hidden stories of folks who rarely see themselves on screen – and need to the most. This has always fueled me and my work, but it was hard to believe this time around as I struggled with the above.Now, as we’re in the final year of the program and making a thesis film about Cuban immigrants in Miami, I’m more convinced than ever of how powerful a tool film is. I say “we,” because it’s all thanks to family, friends, and mentors who have shown, in their own ways, what film is capable of.I can go on, but you can find out more about my thesis at @nena_ashortfilm. This project is not just a culmination of an academic journey; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, the transformative impact it can have on fostering empathy and understanding across backgrounds, and the power of community.If you’ve read this far, wow – Amazing, love it, can’t believe it. You’re great, and have all my thanks. :) Please help spread the word, and support our project! It would mean the world to me. (Tap through to see Misu telling me to thank y’all).More soon. ️ ️](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6844566541484424126818_0_3360b9aa7313e660d80b7d82dc23d6f8.jpg?o=aHR0cHM6Ly9zY29udGVudC1waGwyLTEuY2RuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS92L3Q1MS44Mjc4Ny0xNS82NjAyODUzMjJfMTg1ODEzMzMzNDQwMzg0NTBfOTA2MTA3NDY4Mjk3ODMwMjIxM19uLmpwZz9zdHA9ZHN0LWpwZ19lMzVfczY0MHg2NDBfc2gyLjA4X3R0NiZfbmNfaHQ9c2NvbnRlbnQtcGhsMi0xLmNkbmluc3RhZ3JhbS5jb20mX25jX2NhdD0xMDYmX25jX29jPVE2Y1oyZ0U4Q2tvUFhuYi1lazd5YVppYnk2SDR0Sl9LQnBmOFZWV3J4NXFKeGVET2RfckQ2ODFNbXRRZUdiWFp5akR5dnNFSFFZNGEtVDNKeHlBVTNMZTkzQ3pLJl9uY19vaGM9QjBHaktFQVBIa1FRN2tOdndGbmg2bngmX25jX2dpZD1tYVB6dGQ0MmVvYTJHVVI4MU1XU2FBJmVkbT1BUFU4OUZBQkFBQUEmY2NiPTctNSZvaD0wMF9BZjdxV0piWkxQbUV0NlVUWUNXbWVDcmdubkJGcG9CX3Zoc2V3enNISElhNFdBJm9lPTZBMEVCRDJBJl9uY19zaWQ9YmMwYzJj&h=85bfa176d3315f7144bce5f1b2be5f85)
