Eugenia Rentería-Vargas
Owner & Director
Eugenia is an award-winning filmmaker and educator. Born and raised in a rural community in Zacatecas, Mexico, she moved to California when she was 12. She graduated from Cal State Monterey Bay with a B.A. in Cinematic Arts & Technology. Eugenia wrote and directed Amor en Cuarentena, Strawberry Picker, 13 Años, 9 Kilómetros, and Tierra Fértil, which premiered at Mexico City's Cineteca Nacional and was later broadcast at Mexico's Canal 22. Her work has been showcased at the Mill Valley Film Festival, New York Latino Film Festival, San Diego Latino Film Festival, ShortsMexico, and more. She was an inaugural fellow for the Watsonville Film Festival’s Cine Se Puede Fellowship and is a PBS Ignite Mentorship for Diverse Voices mentee. Eugenia is the co-founder and owner of Inspira Studios.
Carlos Campos
Collaborator
Carlos Campos is a filmmaker and photographer born and raised in Watsonville, California. He attended CSU Fresno, obtaining a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism with an emphasis in Multimedia. He later attended UC Santa Cruz, obtaining a Master's in Fine Art from the Social Documentation program. Carlos is not only a storyteller but also a dedicated advocate for his community’s voice. His work has been showcased at The Broadcast Education Association, Watsonville Film Festival, and New York Latino Film Festival. He was an inaugural fellow for the Watsonville Film Festival’s Cine Se Puede Fellowship.
Paco Serrano
Collaborator
Paco is a post-producer and editor from Mexico City. He graduated from Universidad del Valle de México with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences. He worked in post-production agencies in México, editing and delivering advertising pieces for clients such as Siemens, Audi, Herdez, and Bimbo. Paco also developed a love for photography. Beyond his expertise in post-production, Paco has cultivated a love for photography, further enriching his understanding of visual aesthetics and narrative composition.
Samantha Cruz
Collaborator
Samantha is a Digital Marketing Creator who graduated from Universidad del Valle de México in Mexico City with a Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences. She has worked in advertising agencies, TV and film production companies, and audio studios. She has also developed Social Media digital marketing strategies for international accounts such as Sigma Foodservice, Fonda, Diageo, Amazon Prime, and local businesses in Mexico City and the U.S.
Miguel A. Silva
Collaborator
Miguel graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay, with a Bachelor of Arts in Cinematic Arts & Technology. He also graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Business Translation and earned his Master’s at San Jose State University. Miguel is currently an educator and translator.
Maria Cano-Bonner
Collaborator
Maria is a filmmaker and educator, born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico. She moved to California in 2003. Maria graduated from the Art Institute of California-Sacramento with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Film and Video Production. Maria's work has been featured at the Crocker Art Museum, Good Day Sacramento, Mission Cultura, Watsonville Film Festival, CineFestival San Antonio, and the New York Latino Film Festival. Through filmmaking, Maria wants to shine a light on her community’s stories and struggles. And through education, she hopes to guide and inspire the next generation of storytellers.