Creación de Verdaderas Amigas: A Journey of Passion, Friendship, and the Art of Collaboration

As a college senior, I faced the challenge of creating my capstone project: a 20 minute length short film. The result of that hard work is my film Verdaderas Amigas, a project that pushed me in ways I never imagined. It required me to juggle roles as a director, writer, editor, casting agent, and producer, all while navigating the stress and excitement of bringing a story to life. Looking back, the experience of creating this film was transformative, both professionally and personally.

The Birth of Verdaderas Amigas

As the director of Verdaderas Amigas, I was tasked with telling a story that was deeply personal to me—something that would resonate not just with myself but also with others. The themes of friendship, Latin culture, and the trials of young adult life were close to my heart, and I knew they had to be woven into the narrative.

For a long time, I struggled to develop a complete story. The themes were clear, but the plot itself felt elusive. It wasn’t until I allowed myself to get in touch with my own emotions, reflecting on the friendships and experiences I had gone through in college, that the story truly came together. Verdaderas Amigas tells the story of three close college friends navigating their way through the ups and downs of life. These women, despite their imperfections, rely on one another in times of hardship and discover the deep importance of their friendship.

It’s not just a story about overcoming struggles; it’s about embracing the bonds we form and the strength that comes from leaning on the people who care about us. Ultimately, it’s a tribute to friendship, vulnerability, and the emotional growth that happens when we support one another.

The Chaos of Production

As any filmmaker knows, production is never as smooth as you envision it. There were many stressful moments—particularly during the filming of the party scene, which became a nightmare of unpredictability. But what’s important is how you adapt. Challenges, setbacks, and surprises were a part of the process, and I learned firsthand how important it is to stay flexible when things go wrong.

One of the most stressful times came during a late-night shoot. The party scene, which was integral to the film, was filled with both logistical challenges, technical issues, and weather issues. While preparing for production and designing my set earlier that day, a storm suddenly hit and began flooding nearly all of the roads in the area. As the creator of this project, one of the many hats I had to wear was making sure the entire cast arrived safely. That night, Belgys and Kiara had difficulty making it due to the heavy rain but thankfully, arrived without incident. However, since Jeannet was taking the train, it was halted mid-ride because of the severity of the weather, which delayed her arrival and pushed our shoot behind schedule.

I remember quickly taking charge and directing my crew to continue preparing for the shoot and ensure the rest of the cast for the party scene arrived. I then left set to pick up Jeannet at the nearest train station in White Plains, New York, about a 15-20 minute drive away. When I say my windshield wipers were my saving grace that night, I mean it! At one point, I even found myself driving on the wrong side of the road, but I finally picked up Jeannet and safely made my way back to set to begin production.

Instead of letting these obstacles overwhelm us—though in the moment, they certainly did—myself, along with the cast and crew, chose to rise to the occasion. We rallied together, problem-solved on the spot, and successfully captured the shots we needed for this crucial scene. That experience reinforced a lesson I will carry with me throughout my career: things will go wrong, but it's your ability to adapt and stay calm under pressure that will ultimately make or break the project.

Collaboration: The Heart of Verdaderas Amigas

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during this process was the importance of collaboration. Writing has never been my strong suit; I’m someone who loves to get my hands on the camera and dive into editing. So, this project was a real test for me as a writer. But I quickly realized that I didn’t have to do it alone. I had an incredible team that supported me and helped shape the story into what it is today.

My cast—Jeannet Garcia, Kiara Melendez Jemmont, and Belgys Felix—brought the characters to life in ways I hadn’t imagined. Their passion and dedication not only enhanced the narrative but also deepened the emotional core of the film. We leaned on one another, shared ideas, and grew the story together. Without their contributions, Verdaderas Amigas would not be what it is today.

It was a true testament to the power of collaboration. A film is not made by one person—it’s made by a collective of individuals working toward the same vision. My crew played an equally vital role, bringing their expertise and creativity to the table. It was through working together, exchanging ideas, and offering feedback that we created something we all truly loved.

The Rewards of the Journey

Despite the many obstacles, the journey of creating Verdaderas Amigas has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve made lasting friendships, expanded my network, and learned invaluable lessons that have shaped me as a filmmaker. The entire process was a crash course in the realities of production, from the challenges of writing a compelling script to the complexities of organizing a shoot and editing the final product.

We are currently in post-production, with plans for the film to be released in early 2025. The trailer is already available for audiences to see, and the excitement is building. It’s surreal to think that something that started as a mere concept has now become a reality. I can't wait for people to experience Verdaderas Amigas and see the story we worked so hard to tell.

A Dream Come True

As the director, I had the privilege of shaping the story, but I was also reminded that filmmaking is a team effort. It’s about trust, communication, and a shared vision. This film represents the culmination of my hard work, my dedication, and most importantly, the amazing people I had the pleasure of working with.

Looking back, I know that the stressful moments were just part of the process, and the struggles I faced were worth it. The real reward was the passion and sense of accomplishment that came from creating something meaningful and personal. Verdaderas Amigas will forever be a part of me, and I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together.

If I had to do it all over again, I would. Because in the end, it’s the people, the friendships, and the memories we create that make the journey worthwhile.