Writer | Director

Manuel Villarreal is a queer 1st gen Mexican-American writer/director from Los Angeles. His short, WHAT THE WATER GAVE — about a woman’s acceptance of her mother’s passing — premiered at the 2019 NewFilmmakers LA Video Project Festival. Prior to directing, Villarreal worked as an actor and starred various commercials, including Super Bowl ads for Carl’s Jr. and Kay Jewelers. Villarreal holds a BA in Screenwriting from California State University, Northridge and an MFA in Directing from the AFI Conservatory. Using magical realism and the folklore of his heritage, he hopes to change the stereotypes associated with Latinos all across the U.S.

Producer

Simone Kirlew originally hails from Prince George’s County, Maryland. Inspired by the likes of Olivia Pope and the many women who came before her, Simone believed she would one day run Capitol Hill - but those dreams were cut short in favor of pursuing her love of storytelling. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Urban Policy and Film Studies from Concordia University in Montreal, QC and is currently a Producing Fellow at the American Film Institute Conservatory. In her little free time, you can usually find Simone with a bottle of wine, in the kitchen concocting an elaborate meal for those she loves.

Writer

Claudia Rivera-Vazquez was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She graduated with a BFA in Acting from SUNY Purchase in 2016. She recently wrote and produced her first play, "As We Let Go," on stage in Brooklyn, New York, and is currently doing her MFA in Screenwriting at the American Film Institute. Claudia has been a movie geek since she was a kid. When she is not writing, you can find her with her dog, Waffles, eating cheese.

Cinematographer

Originally from Missouri, Danger Charles escaped to the west to live in his truck as a dirtbag climber. After a few years and injuries, he relocated to Oakland where he began his career. Since then he’s worked shooting commercials, shorts and documentaries. Outside of film Danger spends time body surfing, biking, and tinkering.

Production Designer

Georgina Gutierrez is a Mexican Production Designer from Ciudad Juarez. She has an architectural background earning both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Now a graduate of the American Film Institute, she hopes that her passion to tell stories through design will fill audiences with emotional pathos.

Editor

Jacqueline Lang is a recent graduate of Texas State University, with a BA in Electronic Media and a minor in Business. She worked in Texas State's Media Productions Department where she collaborated with professors and students on various short films as both an editor and camera operator. Before pursuing film, Jackie was President for her Thespian Troupe 6861 and an active member of American Sign Language Honor Society.