ESTA NOCHE
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
ESTA NOCHE follows Benni, a gay, homeless Latinx teen, whose drag debut is shaken by a brutal assault. Held by Black & Brown trans matriarchs, he finds that drag is more than survival—its resistance, dignity, and the memory of the immigrant soul. For we are the memory of those who walked before us.
ESTA NOCHE
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, LGBTQ
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $15,100 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
53 supporters | followers
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ESTA NOCHE follows Benni, a gay, homeless Latinx teen, whose drag debut is shaken by a brutal assault. Held by Black & Brown trans matriarchs, he finds that drag is more than survival—its resistance, dignity, and the memory of the immigrant soul. For we are the memory of those who walked before us.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
“At 17, I ran away from home, facing nights alone and scared, searching for safety and acceptance. I found both—and my first love—within San Francisco’s queer Latino drag community. Drag saved my life.
Though I no longer perform and the historic Esta Noche club lives only in memory, drag remains a vital part of my story, alongside the friends and mentors I lost along the way.”
- Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq | Writer/Director of ESTA NOCHE
ESTA NOCHE - Concept Trailer
THE STORY
ESTA NOCHE follows Benni, a young gay Latino runaway searching for love and a place to belong. When he falls for RJ, a slightly older Latino immigrant in the underground drag scene, their romance ignites—but soon leads them down a path neither one of them fully can control- where love tangles with ambition, and survival means risking more than they planned.
It’s a story of chosen family, cultural survival, and the legacy of Black and Brown trans women who shape and protect our communities. Drag here is more than performance—it’s armor, resistance, and remembrance.
At its heart, ESTA NOCHE is about what we all crave: to belong, to be loved, to be seen.
THE CHARACTERS
BENNI, 17, is a gay Latin-American runaway caught between worlds—born in Ecuador, adopted by a white American family, and feeling like a stranger in his own skin. Seeking acceptance and cultural belonging, he dives into the Latin drag community, hoping to be seen, to be worthy, and, above all, to love himself.
RJ, a 25-year-old gay Latino immigrant, works by day as a caregiver and by night as a drag queen. He’s searching for his place in the world and sees Benni as his chance to be a hero—whether for love or for himself, only time will tell.
ITATI, a transgender Latina in her 30s, is a drag queen and emcee at Esta Noche. As RJ’s drag mother and best friend, she’s a spirited, devoted auntie who cheers everyone on—but fears RJ’s relationship with Benni could be risky for them both.
MARLEN HERNANDEZ, a transgender Latina in her 60s, is a veteran drag queen and community elder. Fierce yet graceful, she commands respect and cares deeply for Benni’s need for family and worth. Marlen is the heart of Esta Noche nightclub.
THE HISTORY
ESTA NOCHE takes its name from San Francisco’s first gay Latino bar, a refuge for queer Brown and Black communities from 1979 until its closure in 2014. It was born from exclusion in white-dominated gay bars, where LGBTQ+ people of color often faced slurs, fetishization, and were even asked for extra ID to enter.
Esta Noche became a place where LGBTQ+ people of color could gather without fear, celebrate their culture, and find belonging.
WHY NOW?
Why now? Because celebrating diversity and unity matters more than ever. ESTA NOCHE honors the full spectrum of queer Latino identity and the shared histories that connect us all.
Inspired by pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, ESTA NOCHE highlights Latin Drag as a powerful way to preserve culture, honor immigrant stories, and celebrate resilience.
Storytelling has always passed down culture—and drag keeps that tradition alive for everyone to appreciate.
Anti-LGBT Victimization in the United States | Results from the National Crime Victimization Survey (2022-2023)
For the second year in a row, more than 1 in 5 of any type of hate crime is now motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias.
In the last 12 Months:
7 in 10 (75%) victims were people of color
7 in 10 (77.8%) of all victims were transgender women
6 in 10 (61.1%) of all victims were transgender women of color
Half (50.0%) were Black trans women
TONE & STYLE
ESTA NOCHE uses a gritty yet empathetic visual style, blending vérité cinematography with a rich, evolving color palette that mirrors the emotional journey of its world.
The film contrasts harsh urban realities with the vibrant artistry of Latin drag, turning nighttime cityscapes into spaces of both struggle and sanctuary.
Inspired by films like Moonlight and Pose, it aims for cinematic richness and emotional authenticity, using bold color and poetic realism to capture resilience and beauty.
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LONG TERM
Our goal is for ESTA NOCHE to grow from this short proof of concept into a full-length feature, reaching wide audiences through theatrical release and support from a company like A24.
In a time of rising attacks on queer, trans, and Latino communities, this film stands as both resistance and reminder: our stories matter and must be heard.
Thank you for your support. Please follow, share, and help us spread the word—every share brings us closer to making this dream real <3
INSTAGRAM: @estanoche.shortfilm
Follow us on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and news about our fundraising events.
Thank you to everyone supporting ESTA NOCHE—whether you’re new or have been with us from the start. Your time, encouragement, and support mean the world.
With love & gratitude,
The Esta Noche Team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Food for the cast and crew
Costs $2,000
We want to make sure we treat everyone well on set, and a big part of that is the food they eat.
Locations
Costs $2,500
To shoot at local businesses we would need to buy them out for the night. This ensures that our film does not stop business for them.
Equipment
Costs $3,000
This includes our trucks, camera, lighting, production, and art equipment!
Cast/ Actors
Costs $3,000
To secure a great cast, we need to be able to pay them. This will help us lock our actors so they can bring these characters to life.
Music/ Score
Costs $2,000
Music makes the world go round and helps set the tone for our film! Our composer is on standby ready to make the next blockbuster tune!
Festival Cost
Costs $1,000
This doesn't directly go into making the film, but it makes sure the film gets out there to theaters near you!
Production Insurance
Costs $1,500
Not the sexiest thing to donate to, but still very important to help us make this film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq | Director, Writer, Producer
Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq is a gay, Latino-Indigenous writer born in Quito, Ecuador and later raised in San Francisco. Adopted by a German-American Jewish family, and raised in a unique intersection between cultures, Reuben has spent much of his life understanding and defining his place within his communities. After dropping out of school and finding himself homeless at 17, Reuben took work in LGBTQ Latino-nightlife and as a caregiver for mentally disabled youth & elderly folk.
In 2017, Reuben put himself back through school to pursue filmmaking. He earned an Associates of Arts degree in Film & Video Production Class of 2019, from Portland Community College. While in Portland, Reuben had the privilege to be a Pre-Production Coordinator for the 2020 LGBTQ+ documentary, “WHO’S ON TOP?”, narrated by George Takei. Later that year, Reuben served as a TV Production Assistant on the 2020 Jim Henson project, FRAGGLE ROCK: ROCK ON for Apple TV+. In 2021 Reuben was featured as a Screenwriting Judge for The CineStory Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating new and emerging writing talent.
Most recently, Reuben graduated with honors from the American Film Institute as a Screenwriting Fellow, class of 2023. Finishing top of his class, Reuben was selected for AFI's prestigious Writers Room Ready cohort- where he was mentored by Rafe Judkins, showrunner of Amazon Studios' critically acclaimed fantasy TV show, THE WHEEL OF TIME. In 2024 writer/director Alvaro Rodriguez (MACHETE, SEIS MANOS, AMERICAN RUST, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN) brought on Reuben as a Story Consultant for IDW & Anima Studios' upcoming animated TV show adaptation of Meso-American themed comic book, BRUTAL NATURE.
Continued to be mentored by writer/director Darren Stein (JAWBREAKER, GBF, ALL ABOUT EVIL, DRAGULA)- Reuben maintains a sense of grit and stark realism throughout his writing, while forging a new path forward for Brown/Black lead genre storytelling and LGBTQ+ visibility. ESTA NOCHE will mark Reuben's directorial debut.
Gabriel Gutierrez, Executive Producer
Gabriel Gutiérrez is a Colombian-American producer currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. Gabriel’s career spans several award winning feature and short films. Most recently, Gabriel was the winner of the national McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado grant in 2023. A competition for Latino filmmakers with 3 finalists granted $75,000 to make a short film. This film had distribution from McDonalds where it played online for a world-wide and later the film was accepted into SXSW Film Festival in 2024. He also has been attached to several independent films over the past five years, most prominently A24’s A Ghost Story (2017).
Gabriel’s goal as a filmmaker is to bring people together to celebrate films about different cultures, familial dynamics, address social issues, and ultimately show us that we have more in common than what divides us. His passion for film led him to create ‘Cine-Más’, Fort Worth, TX’s first-ever Latin American film festival in 2018. A branch of the Lone Star Film Festival that brought the most accredited Latino films of the year and exhibited them for the city of Fort Worth. This line-up of films consisted of films from Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, United States, and Uruguay. Several of these films were also submitted by their countries for the Academy Awards that year.
In 2023 Gabriel graduated from the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory with an MFA in Producing. In his two-year tenure, he was at the helm of over 13 projects. His Thesis film (Dosh) has been a great success winning both the Slamdance Spirit award and the Audience’s award at the Oscar qualifying Tasveer Film Festival.
Paula Contreras, Production Coordinator
Paula Contreras is a first-generation Colombian-American film producer based in Los Angeles, California. Her recent work includes producing 'IF EVER', an AFI thesis short film shot on 16mm, which received the Alfred P. Sloan Production Grant ($35,000). Rooted in the impact of wildfires, IF EVER became a catalyst for local engagement as Paula brought together residents, environmental advocates, and artists to redirected attention and resources back into the community and environment the story sought to uplift.
Paula continues to work in the production department on several independent short films, including the 2025 FANTASPOA Brazil Finalist 'DRAINOMANIA', 2024 McDonald’s Spotlight and SXSW Finalist ‘CUANDO VOLVIMOS A LA TIERRA’, and the 2023 Student Academy Award Winning film ‘SKIN’ which was screened at over 50 festivals worldwide.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Paula spent three summers living in Bogotá, Colombia before relocating to the West Coast in 2013. She recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from California State University, Northridge, with a minor in Cinema and Television Arts, specializing in Entertainment Media Management. In 2024 Paula expanded her expertise by studying Media Creation and Management at the acclaimed Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart, Germany. During her eight months abroad, she built valuable industry connections and gained firsthand experience attending renowned festivals like Filmfest München and Berlinale.
As she continues to grow as a producer and collaborator, Paula is guided by the academic values of her education and the belief that “there is no life without language.” She is committed to ethical, inclusive storytelling and aims to uplift and support her creative community through every project she takes on.
Darren Stein, Associate Producer
Darren Stein was raised in a celluloid family with grandparents who started a boutique Hollywood film laboratory in 1961. The prolific output of childhood films he made on his Encino cul-de-sac would go on to become the subject of his 2003 documentary PUT THE CAMERA ON ME. After graduating from NYU’s Tisch Film School, Stein co-wrote and directed SPARKLER which premiered at the Hamptons Film Festival and featured Park Overall, Freddie Prinze Jr, Veronica Cartwright and Grace Zabriskie.
Stein went on to write and direct the dark teen comedy JAWBREAKER, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has gone on to become a cultural touchstone and cult classic.
Stein has written pilots for HBO, Freeform, The CW, ABC and E! In addition, he produced the cult horror film ALL ABOUT EVIL starring Natasha Lyonne and directed the cult teen comedy feature GBF, which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and is currently streaming on Peacock. Recently, he has served as a producer and guest judge on five seasons of THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA. He has also directed several music videos and fashion films, including a Clio Award-winning piece for designer Alexander Wang.
Stein has also been heavily involved with adapting his cult classic film, JAWBREAKER, into a stage musical entitled- JAWBREAKER: THE MUSICAL and will debut in Edinburgh this summer, 2025!
The LatinXorcists, Associate Producer
The LatinXorcists is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit group dedicated to nurturing Latine screenwriters. Founded by Jose Vicente Chavez, with Ricardo Martinez and Alfredo Hernandez as co-founders, the LatinXorcists are driven by a passion for horror and other genre-based screenplays.
The team works tirelessly to build a vibrant community, using their shared love for Latine led storytelling as a vehicle to unearth and highlight unique narratives that often go unnoticed within the larger film and Hollywood landscape. The LatinXorcists have made significant strides in the industry- notably, members have landed on the Black List and claimed top honors at other prestigious competitions.
The LatinXorcists host monthly meetings where they review submitted scripts, curate engaging social events, and organize Q&A sessions with industry professionals. In addition to these activities, they provide valuable resources to support filmmakers of all levels, helping them elevate their craft and gain recognition in the film industry.
The LatinXorcists are proud to be sponsored by Blackmagic Design, further empowering their mission to support Latine voices in cinema.
Reed Calder, Director of Photography
Reed received his first camera at 16, igniting a love for capturing people and places within their natural limits. Exploring his hometown of Whidbey Island, Washington, photography quickly evolved into a passion for filmmaking as he began shooting and editing videos the following year.
A decade later, Reed is based in Los Angeles, working full-time as a director and cinematographer. His work spans from poetic short films like THE OAK TREE and I’M FINE (starring Simmi Singh), to dark, grainy music videos like George Janko’s THE HEART OF DAVID. His documentary work includes WESLEY BANFORD, a portrait of skateboard filmmaking; FAT GOKU, about one of the top Super Smash Bros. players in the Pacific Northwest; and MY ISLAND’S A LITTLE STRANGE, a heartfelt ode to growing up on Whidbey.
With a personal, emotionally driven approach to visual storytelling, Reed blends poetic imagery with raw truth, elevating the soul of a story while pushing the way it’s told, and more importantly, how it’s felt.
Christina Oyelola, Casting Director
Christina Oyelola is a Yoruba-American writer and casting professional who is wholeheartedly dedicated to championing inclusion across all areas of television and film. Originally hailing from the Show-Me State, she ventured beyond its comforts in pursuit of a career in show business. With a strong desire to hone her craft in screenwriting, she earned a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory.
As her passion for telling inclusive stories deepened over time, Christina came to a significant realization: meaningful representation on screen requires having influence that extends beyond the script itself. This epiphany led her into the dynamic world of casting, where she could make a tangible impact. She gained valuable early experience as a casting intern with the Television Academy, which set the stage for her future endeavors.
Among her recent credits is the highly anticipated film directed by the incomparable Gina Prince-Bythewood, Children of Blood and Bone (Paramount Pictures, 2027). Christina was later honored by being selected as one of only two fellows for the CBS Casting Fellowship.
Through her dual work in both writing and casting, Christina remains steadfastly dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering inclusive storytelling throughout the entertainment industry.
Max Berlin, Composer
Whether performing, creating, or collaborating, Max Berlin believes that great stories deserve great music. Based in Los Angeles, Max works actively in the film music industry—having serviced the music of John Williams, Ludwig Göransson, and countless others for the recording stage. As a busy composer and arranger of media music, he recently made his TV composer debut for the NBC/Peacock miniseries THE WAREHOUSE PHASE (2025), highlighting social media creators in Los Angeles. He also joined composer Adam Schwartz in crafting the original score for the upcoming thriller THE UP AND COMER, and collaborated with Pierre Charles in creating music for Amazon Studios comedy series CLEAN SLATE (2025) and the CBS crime drama EAST NEW YORK (2023). Max also orchestrated the Netflix film THEY CLONED TYRONE (2023) and the Amazon Prime holiday romance SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY’S (2022).
Max has passion and experience in multiple musical styles, including jazz, R&B, contemporary orchestra, and indie pop—the latter showcased in his singer-songwriter project BERLIN W/ STRINGS. His orchestral work has reached millions through Pixel Playhouse: a YouTube and social media channel dedicated to original narrative music in a classical cinematic style. Max has also been honored to work with choreographer and activist Leah Zeiger on scoring several of her long-form dance pieces, including HYSTERIA (2024), YOU LIVE IN MY SPINE (2023), and the dance film BITTERSWEET (2022)- as commissioned by the National Hotline for Domestic Violence.
While studying at the Eastman School of Music, Max served as artistic and music director to the Empire Film and Media Ensemble (EFAME)—a nonprofit organization dedicated to the live performance of film music and innovative multimedia. His deep commitment to nonprofit arts continues today—he is the Associate Director of Development for the Unprecedented Music Association and partners with local organizations as a grant writer, development consultant, and advocate for accessible cultural experiences in Los Angeles.
Jaala Jones, Production Designer
Jaala Jones is a Los Angeles-based freelance Production Designer known for her emotionally driven, story-centered approach to design. With experience across film, festivals, and live events, she creates environments that feel honest, lived-in, and deeply connected to character.
Originally from the DMV area, Jaala moved to LA at 18 to pursue her passion for visual storytelling.
She's drawn to the richness of people's lived experiences and believes that every story-like every person-is layered, imperfect, and worth telling. Her work reflects that belief, blending thoughtful aesthetics with genuine emotional insight.
Notable credits include the acclaimed short film Jerome, the genre-leaning DarkEx, the stylish drama 1037, and the upcoming short Mad River. Her design work also spans Marionette and Dearly Departed, showcasing a wide visual range and a consistent commitment to narrative integrity.
As a big sister, wife, ally, and first-born daughter, Jaala brings her full self to each project. Every set she builds is a space shaped by empathy, intention, and heart.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
DIRECTORS STATEMENT
“At 17, I ran away from home, facing nights alone and scared, searching for safety and acceptance. I found both—and my first love—within San Francisco’s queer Latino drag community. Drag saved my life.
Though I no longer perform and the historic Esta Noche club lives only in memory, drag remains a vital part of my story, alongside the friends and mentors I lost along the way.”
- Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq | Writer/Director of ESTA NOCHE
ESTA NOCHE - Concept Trailer
THE STORY
ESTA NOCHE follows Benni, a young gay Latino runaway searching for love and a place to belong. When he falls for RJ, a slightly older Latino immigrant in the underground drag scene, their romance ignites—but soon leads them down a path neither one of them fully can control- where love tangles with ambition, and survival means risking more than they planned.
It’s a story of chosen family, cultural survival, and the legacy of Black and Brown trans women who shape and protect our communities. Drag here is more than performance—it’s armor, resistance, and remembrance.
At its heart, ESTA NOCHE is about what we all crave: to belong, to be loved, to be seen.
THE CHARACTERS
BENNI, 17, is a gay Latin-American runaway caught between worlds—born in Ecuador, adopted by a white American family, and feeling like a stranger in his own skin. Seeking acceptance and cultural belonging, he dives into the Latin drag community, hoping to be seen, to be worthy, and, above all, to love himself.
RJ, a 25-year-old gay Latino immigrant, works by day as a caregiver and by night as a drag queen. He’s searching for his place in the world and sees Benni as his chance to be a hero—whether for love or for himself, only time will tell.
ITATI, a transgender Latina in her 30s, is a drag queen and emcee at Esta Noche. As RJ’s drag mother and best friend, she’s a spirited, devoted auntie who cheers everyone on—but fears RJ’s relationship with Benni could be risky for them both.
MARLEN HERNANDEZ, a transgender Latina in her 60s, is a veteran drag queen and community elder. Fierce yet graceful, she commands respect and cares deeply for Benni’s need for family and worth. Marlen is the heart of Esta Noche nightclub.
THE HISTORY
ESTA NOCHE takes its name from San Francisco’s first gay Latino bar, a refuge for queer Brown and Black communities from 1979 until its closure in 2014. It was born from exclusion in white-dominated gay bars, where LGBTQ+ people of color often faced slurs, fetishization, and were even asked for extra ID to enter.
Esta Noche became a place where LGBTQ+ people of color could gather without fear, celebrate their culture, and find belonging.
WHY NOW?
Why now? Because celebrating diversity and unity matters more than ever. ESTA NOCHE honors the full spectrum of queer Latino identity and the shared histories that connect us all.
Inspired by pioneers like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, ESTA NOCHE highlights Latin Drag as a powerful way to preserve culture, honor immigrant stories, and celebrate resilience.
Storytelling has always passed down culture—and drag keeps that tradition alive for everyone to appreciate.
Anti-LGBT Victimization in the United States | Results from the National Crime Victimization Survey (2022-2023)
For the second year in a row, more than 1 in 5 of any type of hate crime is now motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias.
In the last 12 Months:
7 in 10 (75%) victims were people of color
7 in 10 (77.8%) of all victims were transgender women
6 in 10 (61.1%) of all victims were transgender women of color
Half (50.0%) were Black trans women
TONE & STYLE
ESTA NOCHE uses a gritty yet empathetic visual style, blending vérité cinematography with a rich, evolving color palette that mirrors the emotional journey of its world.
The film contrasts harsh urban realities with the vibrant artistry of Latin drag, turning nighttime cityscapes into spaces of both struggle and sanctuary.
Inspired by films like Moonlight and Pose, it aims for cinematic richness and emotional authenticity, using bold color and poetic realism to capture resilience and beauty.
LONG TERM
Our goal is for ESTA NOCHE to grow from this short proof of concept into a full-length feature, reaching wide audiences through theatrical release and support from a company like A24.
In a time of rising attacks on queer, trans, and Latino communities, this film stands as both resistance and reminder: our stories matter and must be heard.
Thank you for your support. Please follow, share, and help us spread the word—every share brings us closer to making this dream real <3
INSTAGRAM: @estanoche.shortfilm
Follow us on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and news about our fundraising events.
Thank you to everyone supporting ESTA NOCHE—whether you’re new or have been with us from the start. Your time, encouragement, and support mean the world.
With love & gratitude,
The Esta Noche Team
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Food for the cast and crew
Costs $2,000
We want to make sure we treat everyone well on set, and a big part of that is the food they eat.
Locations
Costs $2,500
To shoot at local businesses we would need to buy them out for the night. This ensures that our film does not stop business for them.
Equipment
Costs $3,000
This includes our trucks, camera, lighting, production, and art equipment!
Cast/ Actors
Costs $3,000
To secure a great cast, we need to be able to pay them. This will help us lock our actors so they can bring these characters to life.
Music/ Score
Costs $2,000
Music makes the world go round and helps set the tone for our film! Our composer is on standby ready to make the next blockbuster tune!
Festival Cost
Costs $1,000
This doesn't directly go into making the film, but it makes sure the film gets out there to theaters near you!
Production Insurance
Costs $1,500
Not the sexiest thing to donate to, but still very important to help us make this film!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq | Director, Writer, Producer
Reuben Bernardo Qhapaq is a gay, Latino-Indigenous writer born in Quito, Ecuador and later raised in San Francisco. Adopted by a German-American Jewish family, and raised in a unique intersection between cultures, Reuben has spent much of his life understanding and defining his place within his communities. After dropping out of school and finding himself homeless at 17, Reuben took work in LGBTQ Latino-nightlife and as a caregiver for mentally disabled youth & elderly folk.
In 2017, Reuben put himself back through school to pursue filmmaking. He earned an Associates of Arts degree in Film & Video Production Class of 2019, from Portland Community College. While in Portland, Reuben had the privilege to be a Pre-Production Coordinator for the 2020 LGBTQ+ documentary, “WHO’S ON TOP?”, narrated by George Takei. Later that year, Reuben served as a TV Production Assistant on the 2020 Jim Henson project, FRAGGLE ROCK: ROCK ON for Apple TV+. In 2021 Reuben was featured as a Screenwriting Judge for The CineStory Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating new and emerging writing talent.
Most recently, Reuben graduated with honors from the American Film Institute as a Screenwriting Fellow, class of 2023. Finishing top of his class, Reuben was selected for AFI's prestigious Writers Room Ready cohort- where he was mentored by Rafe Judkins, showrunner of Amazon Studios' critically acclaimed fantasy TV show, THE WHEEL OF TIME. In 2024 writer/director Alvaro Rodriguez (MACHETE, SEIS MANOS, AMERICAN RUST, FROM DUSK TILL DAWN) brought on Reuben as a Story Consultant for IDW & Anima Studios' upcoming animated TV show adaptation of Meso-American themed comic book, BRUTAL NATURE.
Continued to be mentored by writer/director Darren Stein (JAWBREAKER, GBF, ALL ABOUT EVIL, DRAGULA)- Reuben maintains a sense of grit and stark realism throughout his writing, while forging a new path forward for Brown/Black lead genre storytelling and LGBTQ+ visibility. ESTA NOCHE will mark Reuben's directorial debut.
Gabriel Gutierrez, Executive Producer
Gabriel Gutiérrez is a Colombian-American producer currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. Gabriel’s career spans several award winning feature and short films. Most recently, Gabriel was the winner of the national McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado grant in 2023. A competition for Latino filmmakers with 3 finalists granted $75,000 to make a short film. This film had distribution from McDonalds where it played online for a world-wide and later the film was accepted into SXSW Film Festival in 2024. He also has been attached to several independent films over the past five years, most prominently A24’s A Ghost Story (2017).
Gabriel’s goal as a filmmaker is to bring people together to celebrate films about different cultures, familial dynamics, address social issues, and ultimately show us that we have more in common than what divides us. His passion for film led him to create ‘Cine-Más’, Fort Worth, TX’s first-ever Latin American film festival in 2018. A branch of the Lone Star Film Festival that brought the most accredited Latino films of the year and exhibited them for the city of Fort Worth. This line-up of films consisted of films from Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, United States, and Uruguay. Several of these films were also submitted by their countries for the Academy Awards that year.
In 2023 Gabriel graduated from the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory with an MFA in Producing. In his two-year tenure, he was at the helm of over 13 projects. His Thesis film (Dosh) has been a great success winning both the Slamdance Spirit award and the Audience’s award at the Oscar qualifying Tasveer Film Festival.
Paula Contreras, Production Coordinator
Paula Contreras is a first-generation Colombian-American film producer based in Los Angeles, California. Her recent work includes producing 'IF EVER', an AFI thesis short film shot on 16mm, which received the Alfred P. Sloan Production Grant ($35,000). Rooted in the impact of wildfires, IF EVER became a catalyst for local engagement as Paula brought together residents, environmental advocates, and artists to redirected attention and resources back into the community and environment the story sought to uplift.
Paula continues to work in the production department on several independent short films, including the 2025 FANTASPOA Brazil Finalist 'DRAINOMANIA', 2024 McDonald’s Spotlight and SXSW Finalist ‘CUANDO VOLVIMOS A LA TIERRA’, and the 2023 Student Academy Award Winning film ‘SKIN’ which was screened at over 50 festivals worldwide.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Paula spent three summers living in Bogotá, Colombia before relocating to the West Coast in 2013. She recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from California State University, Northridge, with a minor in Cinema and Television Arts, specializing in Entertainment Media Management. In 2024 Paula expanded her expertise by studying Media Creation and Management at the acclaimed Hochschule der Medien in Stuttgart, Germany. During her eight months abroad, she built valuable industry connections and gained firsthand experience attending renowned festivals like Filmfest München and Berlinale.
As she continues to grow as a producer and collaborator, Paula is guided by the academic values of her education and the belief that “there is no life without language.” She is committed to ethical, inclusive storytelling and aims to uplift and support her creative community through every project she takes on.
Darren Stein, Associate Producer
Darren Stein was raised in a celluloid family with grandparents who started a boutique Hollywood film laboratory in 1961. The prolific output of childhood films he made on his Encino cul-de-sac would go on to become the subject of his 2003 documentary PUT THE CAMERA ON ME. After graduating from NYU’s Tisch Film School, Stein co-wrote and directed SPARKLER which premiered at the Hamptons Film Festival and featured Park Overall, Freddie Prinze Jr, Veronica Cartwright and Grace Zabriskie.
Stein went on to write and direct the dark teen comedy JAWBREAKER, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and has gone on to become a cultural touchstone and cult classic.
Stein has written pilots for HBO, Freeform, The CW, ABC and E! In addition, he produced the cult horror film ALL ABOUT EVIL starring Natasha Lyonne and directed the cult teen comedy feature GBF, which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival and is currently streaming on Peacock. Recently, he has served as a producer and guest judge on five seasons of THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA. He has also directed several music videos and fashion films, including a Clio Award-winning piece for designer Alexander Wang.
Stein has also been heavily involved with adapting his cult classic film, JAWBREAKER, into a stage musical entitled- JAWBREAKER: THE MUSICAL and will debut in Edinburgh this summer, 2025!
The LatinXorcists, Associate Producer
The LatinXorcists is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit group dedicated to nurturing Latine screenwriters. Founded by Jose Vicente Chavez, with Ricardo Martinez and Alfredo Hernandez as co-founders, the LatinXorcists are driven by a passion for horror and other genre-based screenplays.
The team works tirelessly to build a vibrant community, using their shared love for Latine led storytelling as a vehicle to unearth and highlight unique narratives that often go unnoticed within the larger film and Hollywood landscape. The LatinXorcists have made significant strides in the industry- notably, members have landed on the Black List and claimed top honors at other prestigious competitions.
The LatinXorcists host monthly meetings where they review submitted scripts, curate engaging social events, and organize Q&A sessions with industry professionals. In addition to these activities, they provide valuable resources to support filmmakers of all levels, helping them elevate their craft and gain recognition in the film industry.
The LatinXorcists are proud to be sponsored by Blackmagic Design, further empowering their mission to support Latine voices in cinema.
Reed Calder, Director of Photography
Reed received his first camera at 16, igniting a love for capturing people and places within their natural limits. Exploring his hometown of Whidbey Island, Washington, photography quickly evolved into a passion for filmmaking as he began shooting and editing videos the following year.
A decade later, Reed is based in Los Angeles, working full-time as a director and cinematographer. His work spans from poetic short films like THE OAK TREE and I’M FINE (starring Simmi Singh), to dark, grainy music videos like George Janko’s THE HEART OF DAVID. His documentary work includes WESLEY BANFORD, a portrait of skateboard filmmaking; FAT GOKU, about one of the top Super Smash Bros. players in the Pacific Northwest; and MY ISLAND’S A LITTLE STRANGE, a heartfelt ode to growing up on Whidbey.
With a personal, emotionally driven approach to visual storytelling, Reed blends poetic imagery with raw truth, elevating the soul of a story while pushing the way it’s told, and more importantly, how it’s felt.
Christina Oyelola, Casting Director
Christina Oyelola is a Yoruba-American writer and casting professional who is wholeheartedly dedicated to championing inclusion across all areas of television and film. Originally hailing from the Show-Me State, she ventured beyond its comforts in pursuit of a career in show business. With a strong desire to hone her craft in screenwriting, she earned a Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious American Film Institute Conservatory.
As her passion for telling inclusive stories deepened over time, Christina came to a significant realization: meaningful representation on screen requires having influence that extends beyond the script itself. This epiphany led her into the dynamic world of casting, where she could make a tangible impact. She gained valuable early experience as a casting intern with the Television Academy, which set the stage for her future endeavors.
Among her recent credits is the highly anticipated film directed by the incomparable Gina Prince-Bythewood, Children of Blood and Bone (Paramount Pictures, 2027). Christina was later honored by being selected as one of only two fellows for the CBS Casting Fellowship.
Through her dual work in both writing and casting, Christina remains steadfastly dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering inclusive storytelling throughout the entertainment industry.
Max Berlin, Composer
Whether performing, creating, or collaborating, Max Berlin believes that great stories deserve great music. Based in Los Angeles, Max works actively in the film music industry—having serviced the music of John Williams, Ludwig Göransson, and countless others for the recording stage. As a busy composer and arranger of media music, he recently made his TV composer debut for the NBC/Peacock miniseries THE WAREHOUSE PHASE (2025), highlighting social media creators in Los Angeles. He also joined composer Adam Schwartz in crafting the original score for the upcoming thriller THE UP AND COMER, and collaborated with Pierre Charles in creating music for Amazon Studios comedy series CLEAN SLATE (2025) and the CBS crime drama EAST NEW YORK (2023). Max also orchestrated the Netflix film THEY CLONED TYRONE (2023) and the Amazon Prime holiday romance SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY’S (2022).
Max has passion and experience in multiple musical styles, including jazz, R&B, contemporary orchestra, and indie pop—the latter showcased in his singer-songwriter project BERLIN W/ STRINGS. His orchestral work has reached millions through Pixel Playhouse: a YouTube and social media channel dedicated to original narrative music in a classical cinematic style. Max has also been honored to work with choreographer and activist Leah Zeiger on scoring several of her long-form dance pieces, including HYSTERIA (2024), YOU LIVE IN MY SPINE (2023), and the dance film BITTERSWEET (2022)- as commissioned by the National Hotline for Domestic Violence.
While studying at the Eastman School of Music, Max served as artistic and music director to the Empire Film and Media Ensemble (EFAME)—a nonprofit organization dedicated to the live performance of film music and innovative multimedia. His deep commitment to nonprofit arts continues today—he is the Associate Director of Development for the Unprecedented Music Association and partners with local organizations as a grant writer, development consultant, and advocate for accessible cultural experiences in Los Angeles.
Jaala Jones, Production Designer
Jaala Jones is a Los Angeles-based freelance Production Designer known for her emotionally driven, story-centered approach to design. With experience across film, festivals, and live events, she creates environments that feel honest, lived-in, and deeply connected to character.
Originally from the DMV area, Jaala moved to LA at 18 to pursue her passion for visual storytelling.
She's drawn to the richness of people's lived experiences and believes that every story-like every person-is layered, imperfect, and worth telling. Her work reflects that belief, blending thoughtful aesthetics with genuine emotional insight.
Notable credits include the acclaimed short film Jerome, the genre-leaning DarkEx, the stylish drama 1037, and the upcoming short Mad River. Her design work also spans Marionette and Dearly Departed, showcasing a wide visual range and a consistent commitment to narrative integrity.
As a big sister, wife, ally, and first-born daughter, Jaala brings her full self to each project. Every set she builds is a space shaped by empathy, intention, and heart.