Melina Valdez

Of course I’m reactivating my IG to share the good news — truly over the moon to be selected as a recipient of the SFFILM Artist Development Grant!!!! 🌟 ✍️ 🌟 I know I come on here only to post all the successes but it’s honestly been tough for me - film industry seems like it’s in shambles and I’m so caught up in working most of the time that I’m not able to, y’know, be creative or find fulfillment in the things that keep me going (art! films! nature! community!) so this grant is actually huge for me because it allows me to buy something I don’t have a lot of - time to think and write. anyway all that vulnerability to say - huge thanks to @sffilm , an organization I’ve been a fan of for years, can’t wait to spend some time in the Bay Area, meet some new friends and feel inspired. I will make a feature film eventually, count on that!! 🦭 #sffilmfestival #sffilm

every year there are creative ups and downs - here is a big UP ⬆️!! excited to be part of the 2025 Sundance Screenwriters Intensive - there is a cosmic joy for me in filmmaking, i am overflowing with ideas and a deep need to bring them to life. It’s so nice to be seen or recognized in any way!! I’ll keep repeating it - I will be making a feature film soon, putting it out into the universe! And as always, thank you @raymondknudsen and Paula (@5thfloorpictures ) for being part of this ride. besitos! 😘

If you’ve been wondering when the hell this short would be online; the answer is today! Premiering on @directorsnotes , the link is in my bio (where you can read the interview as well). Soon on @omeleto . We made this short in the fall of 2021 and it was one of the best experiences of my life. This film has been blessed the moment the first draft was exported. A highly personal and imperfect story, it’s been a ride sharing it with others. Kind of surreal putting this chapter to a close, but excited for what’s to come. Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey 💟 🍊 🌴 Starring: Cecilia Rene, @greta.c.hicks , @lilia.karst , @bdawk511 , @maxwellfoxofficial Writer/Director: @mmelinavv Producers: @raymondknudsen and @p.a.gn Executive Producer: @alanmc Associate Producers: @bandrybarry , @stavencarter , Rok Krullec, Richard Larson, Bruce Messinger, Scott DiTrapani Director of Photography: @rbevis Editor: @jake_o_lanternnn Production Designer: @cowboyblonde 1st AD: @erikforall Production Manager: Stephen Musumeci 1AC: @trevorviner 2AC: @tylereverettcook Key Grip: @chris_violette Gaffer: @no_cargo Sound Mixer: @vfilmstory Sound Editor: @seismicpostaudio Score: charlesharveyspears VFX: @erikforall , @terrencebeck , @easy2reid Colorist: @katie_jordan_color DI Producer: @meghangriesbeck Film Processing: @metpostny Film Stock: @kodak_shootfilm Thank you to the below for screening our film: @sundanceorg @psfilmfest @indiememphis @rooftopfilms @miamifilm @hollyshorts @microdose_cinema @viennashorts @deadcenterfilm @nonfilms @reunion

Tonight I arrive at midnight in the Bay Area where I’ll have a month of dedicated time to focus on my screenplay. the main one I’ve been trying to get made for a handful of years now. I’ll also be working on other screenplays and just generally surrounding myself with art! MIRA ESTE CUARTO! is a very short film I made last year about ideas. Felt like a good time to post. This post contains the preview but you can find the full video link in my bio. starring the talented @ashleyindetails . thank you @shlemarcolofe for helping me bring this to life. 🌹 🏠

Este año ha sido particularmente especial. ▫️(1-4) I returned to Uruguay after 14 years to say goodbye to a loved one and reconnect with my home. ▫️(5-8) Visited Mexico City for the first time and blown away by the culture and art scene. ▫️(9-12) Attended @mariajyunez ’s gorgeous wedding in Samborondón, Ecuador. ▫️(13-16) Danced some salsa and absorbed as much sun as possible in Cartagena, Colombia. I feel very connected to Central and South America (and the Caribbean tbh) - lucky to have spent so much time getting to know the people and landscapes. excited for a new year full of curiosity, exploration and creativity 🔆

mostly bed

wrapped on PANGEA last Saturday. first time shooting 16mm as a DP. thank you @mimiluisadavila for your trust and @sashamerci for your patience - also big thank you to the crew for your dedication 🖤🤍 ‘PANGEA’ is on its way (literally getting developed right now) First image is monitor selfie Second and third image is from exposure test. (Another thanks to all the talented DPs who helped me along the way!!)

y estoy tomando más fotos

third wave of Japan photos, miss it every day

and if I said I wanna go back as soon as possible? 🇯🇵🍜🍱 part 1