TEAM
Rosa Navarrete - Founder
Writer, Director, Producer
Rosa Navarrete is an LA based Peruvian writer/actor/director who has worked in media since she was 18 years old. Her beginnings start with interning for Television Network at Univision and later moved to Film Development at ColorForce, Inc. Most recently, Rosa won 1st place for writing "In Tune" for the CBS Leadership Pipeline Challenge (2022) alongside amazing colleagues. Rosa was a fellow with the BIPOC Sci-Fi Screenwriting Lab at Justice for My Sister & BIPOC Critic's Lab with Jose Solís via The Kennedy Center (2020). She co-directed "Matriarchy" with Patricia Zamorano, and the film was showcased at The Schwules Museum in Berlin, Germany, as part of their 12 Moon Exhibit (2018). Other projects include being a writer/director collaborator on "The Train" (2021) - showcased at LA Skins Film Festival (2021). In 2023, "Sippin'", a short film written by Gilbert Salazar and directed by Rosa won the Spirit of the Festival Award at the LIFE Film Festival. And in 2022, an Afro-Futuristic dance film she co-created and edited, titled "A'we Deh Ya", directed by Paloma McGregor that won the Best Screendance Film at the Denton Black Film Festival. She serves on the Refugee Children Center Board and is a Vice-Chair of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
Mario Torres Torres
DP, Producer, Sound Mixer
Mario Torres Torres (he/they) is a Purepecha Indigenous filmmaker and activist based in Tongva Land, Los Angeles, CA. Born in Mexico and immigrating at the age of six has shaped the stories they tell. From a young age they have had a strong passion for filmmaking and storytelling. Sitting around a campfire drinking café de olla and listening to elders pass down their stories sparked their curiosity in the art of storytelling.
Now, they are pursuing a career as a film producer and sound engineer to continue the work of great creatives that push the boundaries of media. Their aim is to provide a restorative platform to dismantle the lack of diversity and amplify representation in visual culture. In 2018, Torres Torres received a B.A. in Television, Film and Media Studies from Cal State LA and is currently a leading member of the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective.
Mercedes Garcia
Writer, Director, Producer
Mercedes Garcia is an award-winning writer, director, producer and co-founder of Stray Cats Productions with Omid Iranikhah. She graduated with a B.A. in Screenwriting at California State University, Northridge, and will be class of 2024 of the acclaimed Stephens College M.F.A TV + Screenwriting Program.
Mercedes has worked in development for Nickelodeon, Gorilla Flicks, 3-Pas Studios, and American High. She's also worked in programming for the Strasburg International Film Festival where she was in charge of family dramas, and as a "Flip the Script" New Media curator for the Alexander Valley Film Society. She is currently working as a freelance producer and director.
She was recently recognized by the California State Legislature Assembly for her work in the cinematic arts. She was presented this award by the NEW-WBC Women In Entertainment Industry Conference, where she also received an award for her work as a producer on the award-winning short film Coffee With Baba directed by Omid Iranikhah.
Her short scripts Happy Birthday and Every 28 Days have placed in festivals like Holly Shorts, Scriptapalooza, and LA International. Every 28 Days won Best Screenplay at the Women of Color Filmmakers Film Festival.
Mercedes is also the founder of the online screenwriting course Screenwriting 101 with Mercedes Garcia where she teaches the fundamentals of screenwriting to anyone willing to learn.
Nick Almanza
DP, Steadicam, Commercial
Nick currently resides in Los Angeles where he graduated from California State University Northridge with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. His work as an operator has been featured on Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Good Morning America, The Ellen show and The Today Show. He’s also worked with musicians such as Cardi B, Offset, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Saint JHN, and Leslie Odom Jr. to name a few. Nick has also been privileged to work on commercial work for Samsung, Nike, Klar and the popular game Summoners War. On top of his commercial and music video work, he’s also had the opportunity to work on a couple feature films for Lifetime and a variety of short films throughout his career. Feel free to reach out with any questions concerning any narrative, commercial and music video needs!
Jewel Moore
Stylist & Live Events
With over a decade of experience in the dynamic world of fashion, Jewel Moore's unparalleled expertise spans television, editorial shoots, and high-profile fashion shows. Jewel's keen eye for detail and her innate ability to merge contemporary trends with timeless elegance have made her the go-to stylist for a diverse range of clients.
Throughout her career, Jewel has worked on numerous television productions, bringing characters to life with her impeccable styling choices. Her editorial work has graced the pages of fashion magazines, each spread a testament to her creativity and vision. On the runway, Jewel’s styling has captivated audiences, showcasing her talent for creating cohesive and compelling looks that push creativity and inspire.
Sebastian Gonzalez
DP, Producer
Sebastian Gonzalez (they/them) They are a Chicane Artivista/Lead Facilitator who uses multiple cultural and creative platforms to build mutual empowerment, class consciousness, autonomy, and dignity with The Smithsonian Museum, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, The Levitt Foundation & Justice for My Sister Organization. Sebastian is a second-generation Los Angeles native, born in Inglewood and raised in East LA. Their first theatrical performance started in Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl as Jerome under the direction of Paul Gemignani. Collaborating with musicians such as the LA Philharmonic in Beethoven in the House as featured Pianist, Grammy-winning artists Quetzal, Flor Amargo, Aloe Blacc, Thee Sacred Souls, Silk Sonic, La Verdad & La Santa Cecilia. Performed as Spanish Soloist in Disneyland's 55th anniversary, other credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson directed by Tony-Winning director Alex Timbers (Moulin Rogue, Beetlejuice) and late Composer Michael Friedman with Center Theatre Group Los Angeles. Carmen (opera) and Kurt Weill's Street Scene at The Luckman.
Marlene Castañeda
Writer, Director, Producer, Reporter
Marlene is a Xicane storyteller from southeast Los Angeles who started out producing and performing sketch comedy and improv shows while attending CSULB. After becoming a professional actor starring in award-winning theater productions and short films, their passion for filmmaking expanded into production becoming a certified Production Assistant through Justice For My Sister and working on set as a casting coordinator, set designer, associate producer, and director. They strive to tell trauma-informed stories of the most marginalized in our communities through a decolonized lens. Marlene also loves foodie adventures and roller skating especially with their 2 awesome kiddos.
Patricia Zamorano
Script Consultant, Producer
Patricia currently resides in Los Angeles where he graduated from California State University Northridge with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts. His work as an operator has been featured on Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, Good Morning America, The Ellen show and The Today Show. He’s also worked with musicians such as Cardi B, Offset, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Saint JHN, and Leslie Odom Jr. to name a few. Nick has also been privileged to work on commercial work for Samsung, Nike, Klar and the popular game Summoners War. On top of his commercial and music video work, he’s also had the opportunity to work on a couple feature films for Lifetime and a variety of short films throughout his career. Feel free to reach out with any questions concerning any narrative, commercial and music video needs!