Video Diaries 2023

The Video Diaries cohort of 2023 are a talented group of storytellers from underrepresented communities whose documentaries will bring visibility to experiences that are often untold or misrepresented in the predominantly white and male film industry. The program guides filmmakers of color who are passionate about documenting their journeys through a workshop series designed to develop their videography and editing skills, as well as help them conceptualize and create their personal documentary or video poem.

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

  • I am very committed to this work because it is very important. Being directly impacted by the system gives me a deeper perspective and understanding of issues and solutions. Not knowing about my culture being Maya mixed with Garifuna and a product of the school to jail track myself, I was pushed out of school at 15 which left me with no choice but to sell drugs and become an alcoholic to suppress my depression. I spent 3 years in prison. Since being released on April 22, 2018 I have enrolled back into high school and have been working with our communities to better lives and stop this toxic cycle that not only damaged my family but my communities. I have dedicated my life to making sure that the generations to come do not have to go through these corrupt systems and are able to achieve and dream without systemic obstacles being in the way.

    My first moment in this work was when I was in prison and I was put in the hole without air conditioning and the bathrooms were always broken. I found out the entire prison was like that. So when the position to become a member of the Men's Advisory Council for the Latinx/Hispanic population became open I rallied up and won the vote becoming the youngest Latino to be part of this committee. During the year that I held the position I was able to get fans in the hallways to keep us cool. I helped make the bathroom request form process go paperless for faster repairs and maintenance. I was also a delegate to the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation for the California Institution for Men (CIM). In 2020 I began serving and volunteering at Lame Deer,MT in Northern Cheyenne Nation Reservation in their Buffalo Vision Program. I currently work at Brothers Sons Selves (BSS) Coalition. Building and creating Curriculum for youth programs. In 2020, I was asked by Dr.David T to become part of the BSS team an in late 2021 as a Coordinator for the Youth Justice Fellowship. I am Proud of the hard work we used to spearhead this model to be not only a part of a case study for the California Endowment but also recognized last year by CA Assembly member Issac Bryan of 55th District . I give much appreciation for everyone who is still in the fight for better futures in our communities.

  • I’m a writer, director, visual creator from Georgia. My hobbies are digital arts and a lot of fine arts activities. I am passionate about entertaining people through forms of creative writing and short stories that illustrate sometimes niche topics. Writing and directing this piece has had a very personal connection towards my personal experience as for a long time I became so detached from reality I truly believed I didn’t need anyone in my life because everyone in my eyes had let me down and in a way became an intense grudge I swore I never thought I would have. Relationships are a part of the development process.

  • Mia is a cultivator of poetic love.She is a singer, painter, poet creative from east Los Angeles. In 2017 she was a participant at CAPS performance program in collaboration with CALARTS. She is trained in clown entertainment and wants to help heal the world with her creative storytelling. She is a first time director and is excited to share her joy of art making with the world through the video diaries program. She wants to honor her ancestors through her work and carries the sacred heyoka knowledge.

  • Ang Cruz, they/she is a queer, non-binary, Filipino digital storyteller. They have worked as part of the communications teams for multiple organizations, including Outfest, Young Invincibles, and currently, Trans Can Work; is a board member with the Transgender Film Center; and contributes to various online and print magazines. They've recently released a horror-comedy radio drama on the DIY independent station, Moonglow Radio, and a full-length play that premiered at East West Players. A few things Ang is passionate about are storytelling, art, activism, and community healing; playing their Omnichord; watching video essays on horror movies; and perfecting their matcha latte recipe.

  • Alejandra Quiroz (She/Her/Ella) is a talented Writer, Producer, Director, and Podcast Host, originally from Honduras and raised in Los Angeles, California. Her passion lies in exploring the Central American experiences, both in the Diaspora and in their homeland, while shining a light on the challenges of migration. Throughout her career, Alejandra has been committed to promoting the inclusion, representation, and inclusivity of Central Americans. She earned her B.A in Cinema and Television Arts and Central American Studies from Cal State Northridge, where she honed her skills and deepened her knowledge of these subjects. In 2020, Alejandra launched her podcast, Central American Voices, where she offers insightful and meaningful coverage of Central American experiences around the world. Her unique perspective and ability to connect with her audience have made her show a must-listen for many. In 2022, Alejandra took her career to the next level by opening her own production company, Our Lú Productions LLC. The company focuses on creating films, TV shows, and commercials that showcase the diversity within Media. With her talent, passion, and dedication to her craft, Alejandra Quiroz is an influential voice in the world of media and a true inspiration to aspiring creators.

  • Grey Rain (xe/xem/he/him) is a Los Angeles-based first-generation Bolivian writer, poet, and multidisciplinary artist whose work includes themes of spiritual grounding, diasporic rage, queer joy, trans embodiment, survival, futuristic pleasure, love, & freedom. 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 is to educate, support, uplift, empower, & inspire QTBIPOC creatives, artists, and their work.

  • 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, eragen 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.

  • Efrain Zelaya is a freelance production assistant and currently a film student at LACC. Through community and friends, Efrain has been able to work in music videos, in e-commerce and has worked on Snowfall, a Hulu production in 2022. Efrain also enjoys shooting video and photography with his personal camera, video and photo editing, traveling and documenting, dancing, hiking, watching football, watching movies and binging on shows.

Join us for our Video Diaries 2023 Cohort Screening

Video Diaries Screening

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: Starlight Whittier Village Cinemas

Address: 7038 Greenleaf Ave, Whittier, CA 90602

RSVP

Thank you to our funders:

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

-Maya Angelou