Borinquen Holiday
San Juan, Puerto Rico | Film Short
Drama, Other
In the wake of her father's passing, a woman travels to his homeland of Puerto Rico to recreate a childhood memory.
Borinquen Holiday
San Juan, Puerto Rico | Film Short
Drama, Other
2 Campaigns | New Jersey, United States
14 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$1,690
Goal: $10,000 for production
In the wake of her father's passing, a woman travels to his homeland of Puerto Rico to recreate a childhood memory.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
TLDR - Quick Summary
When I lost my father, it sent me on a journey of self-discovery, especially as it pertained to my cultural identity. Going through his estate, I found a book that I'd written at 7 about my love for a home away from home, in Puerto Rico. This is a cinematic look at grief and cultural reclamation.
The Inspiration
About a month before my father passed, he told me to "write about us." No pressure, Dad. Thanks!
The truth is, grief is a never-ending journey and while I did start writing a book soon after he passed, it's been nearly four years and I still haven't been able to finish. However, I recently came across a "book" that I'd written in second grade and found the corresponding video footage of 7-year-old me reading that "book" at the Baron Arts Center.
My first thought was: "My god, I was adorable. What the hell happened?"
My second thought was: "This gives me an idea..."
That idea grew into this film. A new version of "writing about us," my father and I. It is a visual dive into cultural reclamation and loss, through the voice of a child.
The script pulls from my debut, self published novella (seen above) using the voice of Little Me to revisit moments from my childhood as a now adult. While largely inspired by my own lived experiences, artistic liberties will be taken for the sake of the art.
These are snapshots from our family trip to Old San Juan when I was about 4 years old. I will be revisiting and recreating moments like this.
As a grownup, you'll see the nods to my childhood in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
If you're not familiar with Puerto Rico, allow me to introduce you to the beauty of La Isla del Encanto. If you are familiar, see it through the eyes of a Diasporican (Diaspora + Puerto Rican) finding her way home.
And if you are wondering why you might want to support a stranger's story, consider the Martin Scorsese quote: "The most personal is the most creative."
It is much in line with the old storytelling adage, "the more specific, the more universal."
This may be my story but I am positive that so many others will relate.
Tone
The idea is to create beautiful visuals in line with that of a music video as we rely on voice over narration from young and older Gina.
Stretch Goals
Our current goal is the absolute minimum with which we can achieve the visual aesthetic that the island (and the story) deserves. If we are able to raise above that goal, we will be able to ensure better production value and higher crew wages for our hardworking team.
$15,000 Increased Production Design, Props, and Costume Budget - As elements of this film are set in 1994, that makes us a period piece. In order to make sure that we accurately represent that time period, we will require specific costume and props and scenic design.
$20,000 Extends to Post Production Assistance - This will help us to hire a skilled editor, composer, and audio fx artist. Sound means everything to making or breaking a film!
Production Timeline
August 2026 - We are actively in pre-production and will begin filming on the island in late August.
Late 2026 - We will move into post-production as soon as funding is solidified. If we reach our stretch goals, we will be able to do this immediately after production wraps. Once the film is complete, we will begin our festival run where we aim to share the film with audiences worldwide! The festival run will last no longer than one year and then we will aim to distribute the film publicly.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
In addition to contributing to our Seed&Spark, we would appreciate it if you would SHARE our campaign and show support on social media! Below are some examples that you are welcome to copy and paste or edit as you see fit :)
Join me in supporting BORINQUEN HOLIDAY, a journey of cultural reclamation in the latin/Puerto Rican diaspora!
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider in your own family because of a disconnect from your language or culture, BORINQUEN HOLIDAY may speak to you. Join me in supporting latinx stories!
"Puerto Ricans speak Spanish in English." If you've heard this or been on the receiving end of the no-sabo/gringo criticism, you may enjoy this film. Help me support latinx stories like BORINQUEN HOLIDAY!
Grief affects us all, one way or another. Whether it be loss of love, language, culture or whatever weighs on your soul, BORINQUEN HOLIDAY is the story for you. Help me support this independent film!
Hashtags:
#borinquenholiday #puertoricofilm #seedandspark #femalefilmmakers #latinfilmmakers #prcortometraje #grief #culturalreclamation
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
& Thank you for believing in the power of indie film
and for supporting #womeninfilm.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production
Costs $8,500
Camera crew, equipment, cast & contingency to make sure the money stays 'on the screen!'
Catering & Crafty
Costs $1,500
A well fed team is a happy team! Water included, especially if the water issues in San Juan are still ongoing.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director/Producer
Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, director, and actress based in NY/NJ. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Rose and Pearl Entertainment was born not long after, producing films about life, love and everything in between.
Gina is also a former festival founder and director. In 2013, she founded the Westfield International Film Festival (formerly the Rahway IFF) Under the non-profit umbrella of Big Dreams & Silver Screens, the organization also hosted the first and only film festival in New Jersey dedicated to films both by and for artists 18 years and younger - Big Dreams Youth Film Festival.
She currently works as an Arts Correspondent for Jersey Arts, doing her part to inform prospective audiences of new artistic ventures across her home state of New Jersey.
Producer
Camelia Muñiz Torres is a multi-disciplinary artist based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (2022), Camelia’s work spans multiple mediums as director, musician, actress and producer. With the Orquesta Filarmónica de Puerto Rico, she has produced and artistically directed over 10 sold out shows at Centro Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferre, as well as frequently performing with the orchestra as a singer. As an actress Camelia has worked on short films such as Mareas a la deriva (2026), which she co-produced with Camila Rodriguez Lopez as a project for their boutique production company Producciones Mundialista. Other actor credits include Las Cabritas (TeleOnce), Spring Awakening (Teatro Victoria Espinosa), and Los García (CBA).
Producer
Camila Rodríguez López is a Puerto Rican filmmaker, producer, and cultural worker based in San Juan. She holds a BFA in Film and Television Production and a BA in Social and Cultural Analysis from NYU, where she graduated with high honors, and is currently pursuing an MA in Interactive Media Arts. Her work explores Puerto Rican and Caribbean identity, memory, migration, and the meaning of home. She is the writer-director of the award-winning short film Mareas a la Deriva and co-founder of Producciones Mundialista, a women-led production company dedicated to supporting women-centered stories and Puerto Rican and Caribbean filmmakers.
Camila is thrilled to produce Borinquen Holiday, a film by a fellow Puerto Rican woman that engages with themes central to her own practice: grief, diaspora, belonging, and reconnecting with Puerto Rico.
Director of Photography
Jeannice Mustafá López is a Director of Photography and Camera Operator with 14 years of experience in the film industry. Based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she has worked on feature films, short films, documentaries, music videos, live events, and advertising projects in Puerto Rico, the United States, and internationally.
She studied Film and Literature at the University of Puerto Rico and completed a Master's
degree in Cinematography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
Throughout her career, she has collaborated with artists such as Bad Bunny, iLe, Ivy Queen,
Villano Antillano, Young Miko, and Rauw Alejandro, and has worked on projects for Spotify, Rolling Stone, Garnier, and Apple Music, among others. Her work has been presented at festivals such as LALIFF, PHLAFF, Tribeca, the Marché du Film at the Cannes International Film Festival, and the Guadalajara Film Market at the Guadalajara International Film Festival.
In 2023, she received the Best Cinematography award at the Puerto Rico European Film
Festival for the short film "Pan de la Esquina”, and in 2025, she won the Best
Cinematography award at the Puerto Rico Queer Film Festival for the short film "Capetillo."
In 2024, she lensed her first feature film as Director of Photography: "Hasta Que La Celda
Nos Separe”, followed by her second feature film "Extranjera”, a co-production between
Puerto Rico and Taiwan, currently participating in film festivals worldwide.
In 2025 she was invited to join the Society of Puerto Rican Cinematographers (SPC)
becoming the first woman to join the ranks. She is an active member of the Puerto Rican
film community becoming a mentor to the newer generation of filmmakers and actively
working to create more equal and inclusive work spaces.
Jeannice is distinguished by her artistic sensibility, technical skill, and commitment to
collaboration, inclusion, and visual excellence.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
TLDR - Quick Summary
When I lost my father, it sent me on a journey of self-discovery, especially as it pertained to my cultural identity. Going through his estate, I found a book that I'd written at 7 about my love for a home away from home, in Puerto Rico. This is a cinematic look at grief and cultural reclamation.
The Inspiration
About a month before my father passed, he told me to "write about us." No pressure, Dad. Thanks!
The truth is, grief is a never-ending journey and while I did start writing a book soon after he passed, it's been nearly four years and I still haven't been able to finish. However, I recently came across a "book" that I'd written in second grade and found the corresponding video footage of 7-year-old me reading that "book" at the Baron Arts Center.
My first thought was: "My god, I was adorable. What the hell happened?"
My second thought was: "This gives me an idea..."
That idea grew into this film. A new version of "writing about us," my father and I. It is a visual dive into cultural reclamation and loss, through the voice of a child.
The script pulls from my debut, self published novella (seen above) using the voice of Little Me to revisit moments from my childhood as a now adult. While largely inspired by my own lived experiences, artistic liberties will be taken for the sake of the art.
These are snapshots from our family trip to Old San Juan when I was about 4 years old. I will be revisiting and recreating moments like this.
As a grownup, you'll see the nods to my childhood in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.
If you're not familiar with Puerto Rico, allow me to introduce you to the beauty of La Isla del Encanto. If you are familiar, see it through the eyes of a Diasporican (Diaspora + Puerto Rican) finding her way home.
And if you are wondering why you might want to support a stranger's story, consider the Martin Scorsese quote: "The most personal is the most creative."
It is much in line with the old storytelling adage, "the more specific, the more universal."
This may be my story but I am positive that so many others will relate.
Tone
The idea is to create beautiful visuals in line with that of a music video as we rely on voice over narration from young and older Gina.
Stretch Goals
Our current goal is the absolute minimum with which we can achieve the visual aesthetic that the island (and the story) deserves. If we are able to raise above that goal, we will be able to ensure better production value and higher crew wages for our hardworking team.
$15,000 Increased Production Design, Props, and Costume Budget - As elements of this film are set in 1994, that makes us a period piece. In order to make sure that we accurately represent that time period, we will require specific costume and props and scenic design.
$20,000 Extends to Post Production Assistance - This will help us to hire a skilled editor, composer, and audio fx artist. Sound means everything to making or breaking a film!
Production Timeline
August 2026 - We are actively in pre-production and will begin filming on the island in late August.
Late 2026 - We will move into post-production as soon as funding is solidified. If we reach our stretch goals, we will be able to do this immediately after production wraps. Once the film is complete, we will begin our festival run where we aim to share the film with audiences worldwide! The festival run will last no longer than one year and then we will aim to distribute the film publicly.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
In addition to contributing to our Seed&Spark, we would appreciate it if you would SHARE our campaign and show support on social media! Below are some examples that you are welcome to copy and paste or edit as you see fit :)
Join me in supporting BORINQUEN HOLIDAY, a journey of cultural reclamation in the latin/Puerto Rican diaspora!
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider in your own family because of a disconnect from your language or culture, BORINQUEN HOLIDAY may speak to you. Join me in supporting latinx stories!
"Puerto Ricans speak Spanish in English." If you've heard this or been on the receiving end of the no-sabo/gringo criticism, you may enjoy this film. Help me support latinx stories like BORINQUEN HOLIDAY!
Grief affects us all, one way or another. Whether it be loss of love, language, culture or whatever weighs on your soul, BORINQUEN HOLIDAY is the story for you. Help me support this independent film!
Hashtags:
#borinquenholiday #puertoricofilm #seedandspark #femalefilmmakers #latinfilmmakers #prcortometraje #grief #culturalreclamation
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!
& Thank you for believing in the power of indie film
and for supporting #womeninfilm.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Production
Costs $8,500
Camera crew, equipment, cast & contingency to make sure the money stays 'on the screen!'
Catering & Crafty
Costs $1,500
A well fed team is a happy team! Water included, especially if the water issues in San Juan are still ongoing.
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Writer/Director/Producer
Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, director, and actress based in NY/NJ. Her foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school. From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds. Rose and Pearl Entertainment was born not long after, producing films about life, love and everything in between.
Gina is also a former festival founder and director. In 2013, she founded the Westfield International Film Festival (formerly the Rahway IFF) Under the non-profit umbrella of Big Dreams & Silver Screens, the organization also hosted the first and only film festival in New Jersey dedicated to films both by and for artists 18 years and younger - Big Dreams Youth Film Festival.
She currently works as an Arts Correspondent for Jersey Arts, doing her part to inform prospective audiences of new artistic ventures across her home state of New Jersey.
Producer
Camelia Muñiz Torres is a multi-disciplinary artist based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (2022), Camelia’s work spans multiple mediums as director, musician, actress and producer. With the Orquesta Filarmónica de Puerto Rico, she has produced and artistically directed over 10 sold out shows at Centro Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferre, as well as frequently performing with the orchestra as a singer. As an actress Camelia has worked on short films such as Mareas a la deriva (2026), which she co-produced with Camila Rodriguez Lopez as a project for their boutique production company Producciones Mundialista. Other actor credits include Las Cabritas (TeleOnce), Spring Awakening (Teatro Victoria Espinosa), and Los García (CBA).
Producer
Camila Rodríguez López is a Puerto Rican filmmaker, producer, and cultural worker based in San Juan. She holds a BFA in Film and Television Production and a BA in Social and Cultural Analysis from NYU, where she graduated with high honors, and is currently pursuing an MA in Interactive Media Arts. Her work explores Puerto Rican and Caribbean identity, memory, migration, and the meaning of home. She is the writer-director of the award-winning short film Mareas a la Deriva and co-founder of Producciones Mundialista, a women-led production company dedicated to supporting women-centered stories and Puerto Rican and Caribbean filmmakers.
Camila is thrilled to produce Borinquen Holiday, a film by a fellow Puerto Rican woman that engages with themes central to her own practice: grief, diaspora, belonging, and reconnecting with Puerto Rico.
Director of Photography
Jeannice Mustafá López is a Director of Photography and Camera Operator with 14 years of experience in the film industry. Based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she has worked on feature films, short films, documentaries, music videos, live events, and advertising projects in Puerto Rico, the United States, and internationally.
She studied Film and Literature at the University of Puerto Rico and completed a Master's
degree in Cinematography at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
Throughout her career, she has collaborated with artists such as Bad Bunny, iLe, Ivy Queen,
Villano Antillano, Young Miko, and Rauw Alejandro, and has worked on projects for Spotify, Rolling Stone, Garnier, and Apple Music, among others. Her work has been presented at festivals such as LALIFF, PHLAFF, Tribeca, the Marché du Film at the Cannes International Film Festival, and the Guadalajara Film Market at the Guadalajara International Film Festival.
In 2023, she received the Best Cinematography award at the Puerto Rico European Film
Festival for the short film "Pan de la Esquina”, and in 2025, she won the Best
Cinematography award at the Puerto Rico Queer Film Festival for the short film "Capetillo."
In 2024, she lensed her first feature film as Director of Photography: "Hasta Que La Celda
Nos Separe”, followed by her second feature film "Extranjera”, a co-production between
Puerto Rico and Taiwan, currently participating in film festivals worldwide.
In 2025 she was invited to join the Society of Puerto Rican Cinematographers (SPC)
becoming the first woman to join the ranks. She is an active member of the Puerto Rican
film community becoming a mentor to the newer generation of filmmakers and actively
working to create more equal and inclusive work spaces.
Jeannice is distinguished by her artistic sensibility, technical skill, and commitment to
collaboration, inclusion, and visual excellence.