Production Assistant Certification Program Cohort 2023

Justice for My Sister has created and launched a one-of-a-kind Production Assistant Certification Program exclusively for filmmakers of color. The second cohort, of 30 fellows, will participate in an 8-week curriculum followed by job placement opportunities for participants based in the greater Los Angeles area. Graduates from Justice for My Sister’s PA Certification Program will go on to obtain crew positions on JFMS-produced content, as well as positions on networks such as WarnerMedia and production companies such as Blumhouse Productions.

Interested in hosting sponsored PAs or applying to an upcoming cohort? Visit the Applications page to get started, or email info@justiceformysister.org for details.

  • Current student at UCLA Extension for Film and TV Development. Graduate from the University of Monterrey with a Bachelor in Film Production and a minor in 3D animation. A number of her projects, including her documentary producing/directing debut "Left Behind" (Los Rezagados), have been chosen for and awarded by national and international film festivals. She has participated in the production, direction and post production of multiple short films and music videos. She has assisted various workshops by Vancouver Film School and the Mexican Institute of Cinematography and directed a national student film festival, 'Kinorum Film Festival V' in 2018.

  • Currently based in the Bay Area (Ohlone Land), Andy (They/Them) is a queer, non-binary Latin American artist and digital storyteller. They recently wrote and co-produced their first queer short film through BAVC's Futures We Dream Fellowship in May 2023. Andy's artistic drive centers around crafting compelling narratives that portray the diverse experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those of queer and trans individuals. They are actively involved as a dedicated volunteer with the Fresno Reel Pride LGBTQ Film Festival. they persistently seek opportunities to expand their knowledge and push the boundaries of storytelling through the medium of film.

  • At age 3, April was adopted in the heart of the Central Valley - Fresno, CA. From a young age, she knew her passions were to create and be a friend to others. You could typically find her behind a microphone, on a stage, or finding a way to be on camera. As an adult, April has dedicated her time to reframe both of her passions into one dream : give a voice to her community by creating a film piece that will highlight the struggles and successes of foster youth in the child welfare system. She hopes this film will empower others to keep going, encourage families to consider adoption, and to dismantle the stereotypes that haunt foster families. She is proud to be a participant of Justice For My Sister.

  • Audrey E. attends MSMU-LA pursuing a BS in Film, Media, and Social Justice. Born and raised in Los Angeles County, she didn't become intrigued by a careerin film and television until her love of creative writing was sparked when she took a theater class at her local community college. There she was exposed to contemporary works like Topdog/Underdog, Water by the Spoonful, and Angelsin n America. Additionally it was through the social sciences that she saw the world from different perspectives. She hopes to make an impact by uplifting the stories of marginalized voices that often go unheard.

  • Christopher is a multi-faceted professional with expertise in special education, production, songwriting, music, and DJing, hailing from Highland Park. As a native Angeleno, he carries a rich heritage as part of one of the pioneering families that settled in East LA from Mexico. With a background as a fourth-generation Latinx, Christopher's personal journey of estrangement from his cultural roots fueled his desire to make projects aimed at empowering and representing marginalized Latinx individuals. His profound passion for the world of film was sparked during his formative years when his grandparents introduced him to the captivating backlot tour at Universal Studios. Since then, Christopher has been captivated by this realm, leading him to embrace opportunities in the entertainment industry. Notably, he discovered his true passion while casually joining a friend on a Mr. Beast production, solidifying his aspiration to work behind the scenes. Christopher has actively contributed to diverse television productions and commercials, most recently lending his expertise to various shows at Mitu. During his leisure time, Christopher frequents Disneyland, indulges in scary ghost videos on YouTube, engages in music composition, and actively performs as a member of his bands, Drama Club & Teen Models, and as a sought-after DJ across Los Angeles.

  • I am a transborder Chicana artist based in the Tijuana San Diego borderlands. Holding a BA in Ethnic Studies from the University of California San Diego, my work navigates the intersections of art and social justice. I am an actress, filmmaker, educator, and arts administrator working with community groups and arts organizations locally and throughout California.

    My recent projects include a role in the west coast premier of the play Azul by C. Quintana (2021,Diversionary Theatre) a play which explored themes of home, identity and belonging. I am the co-lead for the 2019 installation, TRANSCENDING PERCEPTION, created in collaboration with local artists and up for view at NTC Liberty Station.The content for the piece was generated through a series of participatory workshops one of which consisted of a political cartoon gallery walk showcasing american caricatures of immigrants in newspaper clippings, segregation law, and US executive orders. Ultimately these images served as an analytical departure point to reflect on the role of representation in shaping popular imagination and the inclusion or exclusion of BIPOC communities within the United States both past and present

  • Diana Moreno (they/them) is an emerging filmmaker based in Los Angeles. Diana studied film at

    Pasadena City College and UC Berkeley. They have produced student films, created a promotional video for UCB’s Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, and, as an intern, Diana contributed to multiple projects for the public broadcasting station WETA. Currently, Diana is finishing the NYU Tisch + Yellowbrick Film & TV Essentials online course. Diana’s ultimate goal is to use film and visual media as a tool for social justice; they intend to produce films and cultivate creative spaces that are equitable and inclusive to all creatives.

  • Elizabeth Salazar (she/her) is a Mexican American photographer and cartoonist based in the San Fernando Valley. She holds a BA in Communications from California State University Los Angeles. At a young age, she was fascinated with punk, films and comics. The DIY method inspired her to make a webcomic called The Worst, a semi autobiographical comic about anxiety and depression. She later picked up photography and started shooting video. Wanting to know more about the filmmaking process, she took classes on scriptwriting and took free film classes taught by the Echo Park Film Center and El Cine LA. She's excited to participate in the PA Certification program.

  • Evelyn Gonzalez is a writer and aspiring director from Hawthorne, CA. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from CSU Dominguez Hills, where she worked on many productions. With her background in theatre, she is looking to make the transition into the film industry and learn as much as she can as a production assistant. Growing up, her family exposed her to many cult classics and coming-of-age films. She is excited to join the PA cohort this year and hopes to eventually write and direct films where people of color can showcase their talents, especially in popular genres.

  • Gabriela is a multimedia storyteller and messaging guide approaching creativity as a healing and community building practice through a queer, first-gen Chicanx lens.

    Since producing multimedia stories on community health while getting their BA in Journalism, they have focused on storytelling that centers expressive liberation and community building over shared experiences of queerness, gender diversity, neurodiversity, and creative entrepreneurship through the artforms of photography, writing and filmmaking.

    They also support creatives and collectives with messaging strategy by building messaging

    campaigns and offering education and insight.

  • Gabrielle (they/them) is most drawn to stories that revolve around food, art, and environment. Whether they are writing and editing, steering narrative strategy, or designing community activations, their work is grounded in multimedia storytelling and managing the execution of content strategies.

  • Grey Rain (xe/xem & he/him) is a first-generation Bolivian writer, actor, poet, oracle, and multidisciplinary artist based in unceded Tongva & Chumash territories, otherwise known as Los Angeles. Rain's work includes themes of spiritual grounding, diasporic rage, trans embodiment, alchemy, futuristic pleasure & freedom from survival. Rain is a fat, disabled, & neurodivergent 2 Spirit lesbian shapeshifter and culture worker born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. Rain's love work centers around accessible art education, zine making as a form of radical authenticity, and telling meaningful and multidimensional stories inspired by the real experiences of QTBIPOC. He is elated to have been accepted to the 2023 PA Certification Program & to build community with fellow queer and gnc filmmakers of color.

  • Jacqueline, an award-winning international artist, is a multifaceted professional who is dedicated to her craft as an actress, voice-over artist, writer, director, editor, and producer. She has established herself in film, television, theater, and voice-over, and has toured internationally to showcase her passion for storytelling.

    With a keen eye for social change and a unique ability to captivate audiences, Jacqueline’s films have screened at festivals worldwide, bringing great pride to her work.

    Jacqueline’s works are widely available, with her writing featured on Netflix, in film festivals, and her documentaries streaming on “The Peoples Post” through the San Diego Media Arts Center. Her recent stage works have been presented locally at The Frida Kahlo Theater and Chicana Cholas and Chisme at CASA 0101.

    Jacqueline is a member of SAG/AFTRA, she remains dedicated to her craft and continues to push for social change through storytelling and film. For more information on Jacqueline’s upcoming projects and works, please visit her social media pages.

  • Hi, I'm Jose Ponce, I'm 22, a first generation immigrant from Mexico. I spent majority on my life here in the United States working and trying to become I film maker. I'm excited to learn more and finally start working in film. I can't wait to show how serious I am about this. I look forward to putting in a 110% of my effort. I look forward to seeing you at my first screening down the line

  • My name is Joseph Medel, I am a creative screenwriter and aspiring filmmaker with a background in production and project planning. I excel collaborating in most creative facets within Television, Film & Media. You can find me on the production set, managing event grounds or behind the screen writing way.

    A passion of mine is storytelling not just in scripts or screenplays, but also to expand thought provoking worlds in video games and books. Providing entertaining accessible creations for the enjoyment of people across the world and ensuring high

    quality creative services.

  • Kareli Rosas is a songwriter, entrepreneur, filmmaker and photographer residing in South Central L.A. She is originally from Monterrey Nuevo León Mexico and came to South Central when she was one year old. She is the CEO & representative of the LA upcycled clothing brand ERAGENARCHIVED, Ejhuragen is an upcycled clothing brand with pieces from thrift stores in South Central LA. This fashion brand represents South LA. roots as thrift stores being half of South LA's go to spots as a kid, as well as expressing the love for archive fashion and useful waste of materials into something new and custom made. She expresses her passion and drive to advocate for SOUTH CENTRAL LOS ANGELES through her touch and freelance work. Her IG @karelikaptures portrays her beautiful communities and her BTS work throughout LA.

    She is a creative director and photographer for the podcast @lyfentimes. She is a stylist and creative director of Demon times television which supports women in the SW community. She supports them by creating a safe space to speak about their experiences, issues and advocacy. Her work is driven by her culture and love for her community.

  • Born in Wichita, Kansas, the heart of America, then spending her younger years in Puerto Rico and living in Texas for over a decade shaped Krystal to be the digital renaissance Latinx woman she is today.

    Similar to light passing through a sparkling crystal, she’s multifaceted depending on how the light hits. Krystal is a pop/Rnb singer-songwriter and actor. However, living in LA has ignited a new love for all things cinema. Krystal is passionate about storytelling and it’s part of her mission to learn the ins and outs of film to amplify BIPOC voices in all mediums.

    krystalvibe.com

  • Laura Gueta is a local East Los Angeles filmmaker who is finishing her last year at California State University Long Beach. She studies film, specializing in production management and minoring in sociology. Her artistic career started when Laura began acting in community theater as a young kid and later went on to obtain a role as a child actor in an original theater play, Yo, La Puta 2010. She continued acting throughout high school, and much of her theater work focused on Boyle Height's Invest in Youth Campaign. Her love for performing eventually led Laura to the film world, with film production capturing her attention. During her time as a film student, Laura has had the opportunity to produce two student films and was the 1st AD for "The First Step," a short film that took part in the 2023 Disability Film Challenge. As a producer and filmmaker, Laura hopes to make the industry inclusive and open the doors for more disadvantaged groups to tell their stories.Description text goes here

  • DescriptioBorn in the outskirts of Los Angeles, 1997 Marco Munoz is a first gen Mexican American filmmaker based in Lynwood. Taking inspiration from artists like Guillermo Del Toro, Ana Lily Armipour, and Spike Lee, Marco aims to bring an element of magical realism into his work, with stories that, at their core, explore love and humanity. Marcos work has a focus on rich saturated jewel-like colors, and harsh lighting, as shown in his latest short "Pinnochio" (2022), and in their DP work for the short film "As it Goes" (2023).

  • The son of a Guatemalan immigrant mother and a first generation Marine, one Professor and the other a convict, Matthew was brought up to get the best education he can while also remembering where he came from. He brings this approach to his work too, whether it is writing a script or working on set. Matthew has a BA in Television, Film, and Media with an emphasis in script writing. With three years of experience in script writing and set work, he brings his passion and creativity to every project.

  • Mitzie (She/They) is a formerly undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. She co-founded the Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective (IEIYC) and has over a decade of experience in the immigrant rights movement. Through this work, she has become a creative focused on art, media, organizing, public speaking, and fund development. Mitzie focuses on art as a medium to transmit community resistance, culture, healing, and centering radical joy. Her love of art, culture and community comes from her parent’s influence and their rich heritage. Mitzie centers and uplifts fat, queer, trans people from different diasporas and is rooted in abolition.

  • Bio coming soon.

  • Nathalie is a student at East Los Angeles College, majoring in Animation. While continuing her studies, she explores her interest in film and tv. She has always been captivated and curious about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making her favorite movies and has wanted to learn more ever since.

    In 2021, she interned with Netflix, learning about the fundamentals of photography and visual storytelling. Furthermore, she had participated in Film2Future’s 2021 Animation program and was a storyboard artist on the animatic “Nosotros Torogoces,” highlighting Salvadoran culture.

    Through film and art, she aims to contribute unique and diverse stories in the film and animation industry.

  • A lifelong film lover, Pilar’s has a background in journalism and technology. In 2015 she helped to produce a mini-documentary on racial housing covenants in Los Angeles. She plans to freelance this year for a small film review site and is excited to grow as an artist from the JFMS program. She aspires to be a film editor and write a screenplay centered around her lived experiences as a first generation Xicana in Southern California. Originally from Vista, CA (San Diego County) Pilar has lived in Los Angeles for the last few years.

  • Rae Gammage is an LA native who is an aspiring actor, director, producer, and writer. He hopes to open up his own production company. As a recent graduate of a bachelors degree, in the fall he will be returning back to school to receive his Masters in Business Administration to focus on entertainment business. He has been interested in film since he was a child. He has been working on sets, as well as winning theatre awards since a young age. From taking film classes to now entering into the Justice for my Sister program, he is right on track to take over the film industry.

  • Bio coming soon.

  • My name is Sterling Stiger and I have recently graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Organizations. At Brown, I deeply engaged in the practice of identifying customer needs, validating product hypotheses, and marketing these ideas effectively. Currently, I am developing a start-up called Featr., which is a platform designed to optimize collaboration between independent musicians. Underscoring my interests is a passion for brand strategy and a dedication to organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion.

  • Tanya Flores Hodgson is an artist based in Los Angeles. She was born in Masaya, Nicaragua and immigrated to the United States at a young age. She holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Art Photography and a minor in Latin American Studies from California State University Long Beach. Her work focuses on Central American identity, immigration, feminism, social movements and the impact of U.S. imperialism/colonialism on Latin American politics, specifically Nicaragua, through a feminist decolonial lens. She mainly works with photography, video, and text as mediums to showcase systematic oppression on her body and homeland. Her work has been exhibited in Casa de Las Americas, Madrid, Spain, University Art Museum, Long Beach, UCF Daytona Beach, University of Florida and the Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach.

  • Bio coming soon.

  • Bio coming soon.

Press Release announcing the
2023 PA Certification Cohort

Read here