Luminiscencia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Film Short
LGBTQ, Drama
Luminiscencia is a short film about Janet’s journey to understand her identity while navigating her relationship with her mother. Through an unexpected friendship, she begins to discover herself. Our goal is to tell a real, relatable story about self-discovery and the complexities of growing up.
Luminiscencia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Film Short
LGBTQ, Drama
1 Campaigns | Pennsylvania, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $2,931 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
45 supporters | followers
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Luminiscencia is a short film about Janet’s journey to understand her identity while navigating her relationship with her mother. Through an unexpected friendship, she begins to discover herself. Our goal is to tell a real, relatable story about self-discovery and the complexities of growing up.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Luminiscencia is a reflective coming-of-age short film about coming to terms with your queer identity and the magic of a first crush. The story follows Janet, an 18-year-old wallflower, who works at her mom’s Dominican hair salon. One day, in the midst of an argument, while she attempts to do a blow dry, Lismar walks in. They don’t speak to each other, but they exchange glances. Leaving Janet with a lingering feeling of awe. Later that night, Janet attends a party and encounters herself trapped in an awkward situation, with the flirty Alvaro, who is trying to hit it off. Lismar notices her from the distance and takes her away from him. Once the two girls are by themselves, the chemistry is undeniable and both girls bond by talking about hair, family, and identity. Janet comes to the realization that she might be queer, accepting herself for who she is.
This is more than a film; it’s a reason to connect.
Growing up, I used to get very overwhelmed when looking for media that related to my experiences. Too many queer stories focus on suffering, rage, and vengeance, which, while important and valid, can be pretty exhausting. Luminiscencia, strives to change the narrative by shining a light on the joy of everyday moments, such as sharing laughter with friends or coming to terms with oneself. This project expresses hope and honors queer joy, focusing on love and courage. The story is inspired by my own journey of introspection, trying to figure out who I am. I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt out of place or longed for the freedom to be their true self.
Visual Style/Tone
Why now?
Now is the right time to tell Luminiscencia because stories about identity and self-discovery need to be heard. In a world where acceptance is still a work in progress, this film can help people connect and understand each other by showing the joy, courage, and love in LGBTQ+ experiences. Janet’s journey is one so many of us can relate to—figuring out who you are while feeling the weight of expectations.
What makes Luminiscencia special is its focus on happiness and resilience, not just the challenges. It’s a story that celebrates the beauty of being yourself and reminds us all that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued. Now is the time to share stories like this, to inspire empathy and build bridges between communities.
Where the money goes
At the moment, we locked a script, locations and crew. We aim to have the rest of pre-production completed by the end of January 2025. Production (shooting the film) will happen on February 1, 2, 8 and 9. The Post-production process (editing, VFX, coloring and sound mixing) will be happening from February until May. Afterwards, we'll start the applying to festivals!
Anything you can give helps us out and goes straight toward paying our team fairly and covering what we need to make this film happen. Even just sharing our campaign link—"seedandspark.com/fund/luminiscencia"—on your socials would be a huge boost! If we go over our goal, we can submit to way more festivals, which would be amazing for getting the film out there!
Be part of something meaningful: help us bring this film to life.
Your support could be the most impactful holiday gift you give—and the most unforgettable one we receive. Together, we can share Janet’s story with audiences everywhere!
Thanks for considering us!
-Marial and the Luminiscencia Crew
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lens Rental
Costs $1,200
Renting lenses is key to capturing our vision, helping us frame shots perfectly and elevate the film's visual quality.
Meals for Cast and Crew
Costs $1,200
Being well-fed on set keeps everyone energized, focused, and in good spirits, ensuring the crew performs their best during long shoot days.
Props & Wardrobe
Costs $200
Props and wardrobe are vital for making the story feel real, helping to define the characters and set the mood.
Cast Fees
Costs $1,000
Paying our cast fairly shows respect for their work and motivates them to give their best performance.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Marial Moreno Gómez - Writer & Director
Marial Moreno Gómez is a filmmaker originally from the Dominican Republic and currently based in Philadelphia. She specializes in the camera and lighting departments, typically serving as Director of Photography, First Assistant Camera, or Gaffer. Additionally, she has gained valuable experience working in roles such as Prep Tech and Equipment Room Coordinator. She recently wrapped production as the Director of Photography for short film "Connection" and, currently, she's preparing for her directorial debut with the narrative short "Luminiscencia."
Alice Purinson - Producer
Alice Purinson is a Russian-Tatar filmmaker with a background in directing, acting, and event production. Currently studying Film and Television at Drexel University, she has worked on a range of student productions, including serving as Associate Producer for the Off-Campus Series. She has managing teams and keeping everything on track from start to finish. Alice loves bringing stories to the screen and making sure every detail is handled along the way.
Kayla Star Thompson - Director of Photography & Steadicam Operator
Kayla is a cinematographer with a passion for bringing people's unique visions to life. She love to collaborate and work closely with other creatives to push boundaries in order to craft visual stories and create impactful work. Her focus is in camera and lightning and she has acquired extensive experience and knowledge in cinema equipment.
Alex Sosa - Editor
Alexís López Sosa is a Seasonal Producer Workflow Specialist at NFL Films and a Class of 2024 Drexel University graduate. He was born in Moroleón, Guanajuato, México and emigrated to the United States at the age of seven. Alex became passionate about the arts and entertainment industry in high school and went to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Film & T elevision Production and a minor in Animation & Visual Effects at Drexel. Throughout college, he has been the 2022 Summer Post Production Intern at Sony Pictures Entertainment, a 2024 regional college student emmy nominee, and held a Production and Post Production Co-Op at Dream Machine Creative working for clients like H&M, Colgate, Le Meridien, SKYY Vodka, Johnnie Walker, 88 Rising, Conde Nast, and Vogue where he edited interviews for celebrities like Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Rosalia, and many more at the 2023 and 2024 Met Gala.
Ellie Wellington - Writer & Script Supervisor
Growing up as a dancer, an actor, and a writer, Ellie Wellington was immersed in the arts from the beginning. Ellie writes at the intersection of art and social justice. Her work explores what it is like to be queer, to be a woman, and to live outside of the heteropatriarchy through character-driven, visually captivating stories. Empathy is at the core of her work. Film is a bridge; the more we empathize with people who are different from us on screen, the better we treat others in life. Ellie aims to bring underrepresented groups to the big screen and reach as wide of an audience as possible, and put all the love and passion she can into her work.
Additional Crew:
Assistant Director
Evan Harris
Producers
Calista Stefanescu
Ethan Rodriguez
Fundraiser Coordinator
Skyla Jackson
Camera Operator
Rishi Chowdhary
1st Assistant Camera
Jillian Metzker
DIT
Alex Sosa
Mia Nagy
Gaffer
Tessa Martinko
Grips
Leta Armstrong
Emma Laragione
Sound Mixer
Miranda Avila
Boom Operator
Grayson DiRienzo
Production Designer
Piper Kelly
Art Director
Nina Valentine
Costume Designer
Carla Pierini
Assistant Editor
Stephanie Zubrow
Post Sound Mixer
Mia Nagy
Music Composer
Eduardo Moreno
Social Media Team
Shayla Marrow
Morgan Farre
Prashanna Subedi
BTS Photography
Morgan Farre
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Luminiscencia is a reflective coming-of-age short film about coming to terms with your queer identity and the magic of a first crush. The story follows Janet, an 18-year-old wallflower, who works at her mom’s Dominican hair salon. One day, in the midst of an argument, while she attempts to do a blow dry, Lismar walks in. They don’t speak to each other, but they exchange glances. Leaving Janet with a lingering feeling of awe. Later that night, Janet attends a party and encounters herself trapped in an awkward situation, with the flirty Alvaro, who is trying to hit it off. Lismar notices her from the distance and takes her away from him. Once the two girls are by themselves, the chemistry is undeniable and both girls bond by talking about hair, family, and identity. Janet comes to the realization that she might be queer, accepting herself for who she is.
This is more than a film; it’s a reason to connect.
Growing up, I used to get very overwhelmed when looking for media that related to my experiences. Too many queer stories focus on suffering, rage, and vengeance, which, while important and valid, can be pretty exhausting. Luminiscencia, strives to change the narrative by shining a light on the joy of everyday moments, such as sharing laughter with friends or coming to terms with oneself. This project expresses hope and honors queer joy, focusing on love and courage. The story is inspired by my own journey of introspection, trying to figure out who I am. I hope it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt out of place or longed for the freedom to be their true self.
Visual Style/Tone
Why now?
Now is the right time to tell Luminiscencia because stories about identity and self-discovery need to be heard. In a world where acceptance is still a work in progress, this film can help people connect and understand each other by showing the joy, courage, and love in LGBTQ+ experiences. Janet’s journey is one so many of us can relate to—figuring out who you are while feeling the weight of expectations.
What makes Luminiscencia special is its focus on happiness and resilience, not just the challenges. It’s a story that celebrates the beauty of being yourself and reminds us all that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued. Now is the time to share stories like this, to inspire empathy and build bridges between communities.
Where the money goes
At the moment, we locked a script, locations and crew. We aim to have the rest of pre-production completed by the end of January 2025. Production (shooting the film) will happen on February 1, 2, 8 and 9. The Post-production process (editing, VFX, coloring and sound mixing) will be happening from February until May. Afterwards, we'll start the applying to festivals!
Anything you can give helps us out and goes straight toward paying our team fairly and covering what we need to make this film happen. Even just sharing our campaign link—"seedandspark.com/fund/luminiscencia"—on your socials would be a huge boost! If we go over our goal, we can submit to way more festivals, which would be amazing for getting the film out there!
Be part of something meaningful: help us bring this film to life.
Your support could be the most impactful holiday gift you give—and the most unforgettable one we receive. Together, we can share Janet’s story with audiences everywhere!
Thanks for considering us!
-Marial and the Luminiscencia Crew
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Lens Rental
Costs $1,200
Renting lenses is key to capturing our vision, helping us frame shots perfectly and elevate the film's visual quality.
Meals for Cast and Crew
Costs $1,200
Being well-fed on set keeps everyone energized, focused, and in good spirits, ensuring the crew performs their best during long shoot days.
Props & Wardrobe
Costs $200
Props and wardrobe are vital for making the story feel real, helping to define the characters and set the mood.
Cast Fees
Costs $1,000
Paying our cast fairly shows respect for their work and motivates them to give their best performance.
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Marial Moreno Gómez - Writer & Director
Marial Moreno Gómez is a filmmaker originally from the Dominican Republic and currently based in Philadelphia. She specializes in the camera and lighting departments, typically serving as Director of Photography, First Assistant Camera, or Gaffer. Additionally, she has gained valuable experience working in roles such as Prep Tech and Equipment Room Coordinator. She recently wrapped production as the Director of Photography for short film "Connection" and, currently, she's preparing for her directorial debut with the narrative short "Luminiscencia."
Alice Purinson - Producer
Alice Purinson is a Russian-Tatar filmmaker with a background in directing, acting, and event production. Currently studying Film and Television at Drexel University, she has worked on a range of student productions, including serving as Associate Producer for the Off-Campus Series. She has managing teams and keeping everything on track from start to finish. Alice loves bringing stories to the screen and making sure every detail is handled along the way.
Kayla Star Thompson - Director of Photography & Steadicam Operator
Kayla is a cinematographer with a passion for bringing people's unique visions to life. She love to collaborate and work closely with other creatives to push boundaries in order to craft visual stories and create impactful work. Her focus is in camera and lightning and she has acquired extensive experience and knowledge in cinema equipment.
Alex Sosa - Editor
Alexís López Sosa is a Seasonal Producer Workflow Specialist at NFL Films and a Class of 2024 Drexel University graduate. He was born in Moroleón, Guanajuato, México and emigrated to the United States at the age of seven. Alex became passionate about the arts and entertainment industry in high school and went to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Film & T elevision Production and a minor in Animation & Visual Effects at Drexel. Throughout college, he has been the 2022 Summer Post Production Intern at Sony Pictures Entertainment, a 2024 regional college student emmy nominee, and held a Production and Post Production Co-Op at Dream Machine Creative working for clients like H&M, Colgate, Le Meridien, SKYY Vodka, Johnnie Walker, 88 Rising, Conde Nast, and Vogue where he edited interviews for celebrities like Cardi B, Jennifer Lopez, Rosalia, and many more at the 2023 and 2024 Met Gala.
Ellie Wellington - Writer & Script Supervisor
Growing up as a dancer, an actor, and a writer, Ellie Wellington was immersed in the arts from the beginning. Ellie writes at the intersection of art and social justice. Her work explores what it is like to be queer, to be a woman, and to live outside of the heteropatriarchy through character-driven, visually captivating stories. Empathy is at the core of her work. Film is a bridge; the more we empathize with people who are different from us on screen, the better we treat others in life. Ellie aims to bring underrepresented groups to the big screen and reach as wide of an audience as possible, and put all the love and passion she can into her work.
Additional Crew:
Assistant Director
Evan Harris
Producers
Calista Stefanescu
Ethan Rodriguez
Fundraiser Coordinator
Skyla Jackson
Camera Operator
Rishi Chowdhary
1st Assistant Camera
Jillian Metzker
DIT
Alex Sosa
Mia Nagy
Gaffer
Tessa Martinko
Grips
Leta Armstrong
Emma Laragione
Sound Mixer
Miranda Avila
Boom Operator
Grayson DiRienzo
Production Designer
Piper Kelly
Art Director
Nina Valentine
Costume Designer
Carla Pierini
Assistant Editor
Stephanie Zubrow
Post Sound Mixer
Mia Nagy
Music Composer
Eduardo Moreno
Social Media Team
Shayla Marrow
Morgan Farre
Prashanna Subedi
BTS Photography
Morgan Farre