Nuevos Comienzos
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Family
A young mother-to-be leaves Mexico for Los Angeles, facing the struggles of starting over while navigating family bonds and confronting her past. A powerful tale of strength, identity, and the profound sacrifices of motherhood.
Nuevos Comienzos
Los Angeles, California | Film Short
Drama, Family

1 Campaigns | California, United States
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A young mother-to-be leaves Mexico for Los Angeles, facing the struggles of starting over while navigating family bonds and confronting her past. A powerful tale of strength, identity, and the profound sacrifices of motherhood.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Nuevos Comienzos
Sarah, a pregnant young woman leaves her home in Mexico and arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of building a better future for her unborn son. She is welcomed by her sister Marisol, who becomes her support system as they navigate the challenges of their new life together. As Sarah adjusts to her new reality, she begins to explore what it means to start over. Meanwhile, her ex-partner, Jose, reappears in her life, seeking a second chance to reconcile and prove he’s ready to be a part of her and their child’s future. Though hesitant, Sarah agrees to meet with him, leading to a series of emotional encounters where the past collides with the present. As Sarah’s journey unfolds, she must decide what kind of future she wants to build—not just for her child, but for herself. Will she let Jose back into her life, or will she choose a path that prioritizes her independence and self-worth?
Why this Film Matters
From the very beginning of my journey as a filmmaker, I knew I wanted to tell stories that leave a lasting impact—stories that reflect real life, resonate with people, and stay with them long after the credits roll. When I created my first short film, I drew inspiration from the struggles and realities faced by the Latino community, particularly the harsh untold stories that are often experienced from Immigrants. That project allowed me to take pieces of my mother’s experience, along with the experiences of countless others, and craft a story that sheds light on a difficult yet important truth.
Now, with Nuevos Comienzos, I am taking that vision even further. This is not just another film—it’s a reflection of a reality that too many live but too few truly understand. We are diving deeper into the sacrifices, fears, and hopes of an immigrant mother fighting for a better future for her child. The challenges Sarah faces are ones that many have lived through, yet their stories often go unheard. This film is a voice for them.
More than ever, I feel the responsibility to tell this story, because these stories matter. They need to be seen, felt, and understood. This film is for the people who have fought for a new beginning, for the families who have endured separation, and for the mothers who would do anything for their children.
I dedicate Nuevos Comienzos to my mother and to all the mothers around the world—because no love is stronger than the one that drives them to sacrifice everything for their children.
Nuevos Comienzos is inspired by films that resonate with me deeply, especially those that explore the immigrant experience and the sacrifices mothers make for their children. One such film is La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon), which tells the story of a mother and son separated by the border. This film deeply influenced the way I wanted to tell Sarah’s story—an undocumented mother fighting for a better future for her child.
Visually, I want the film to feel warm and nostalgic, with colors that nod to Mexico and Chicano culture in Los Angeles. Earthy tones, warm reds, oranges, and yellows will represent both the strength and struggle of the immigrant experience. Los Angeles is a character in itself, shaping the story through its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant communities.
I also wanted to connect Nuevos Comienzos to my first short, Mientras Espero, which tells the story of Sarah’s 6-year-old son, Benito. This film is the second half of their journey, showing the emotional weight of Sarah’s sacrifices and how they affect him.
At its core, Nuevos Comienzos is a story about family, resilience, and the immigrant journey. The warmth of the visuals, the cultural elements, and the streets of LA all play a role in bringing this deeply personal and universal story to life.
Sarah, 20s (Main Character)
Sarah, a young woman in her mid-20s is an expectant mother who leaves her home in Mexico to start a new life in Los Angeles for the sake of her unborn son. Though she’s brave and hopeful, Sarah is not without her struggles. She carries the weight of her past, including the pain of being abandoned by Jose, her ex-partner and the father of her child. She navigates the complexities of motherhood, survival, and cultural adaptation in a foreign city.
Marisol, 20s (Supporting Character)
Marisol, Sarah’s younger sister, is a strong-willed and independent woman in her 20s. Having lived in Los Angeles for years before Sarah, she has carved out a life as a hardworking vendor, balancing the pressures of her own responsibilities with her deep loyalty to her family. Her character represents the strength and sacrifices of immigrant women who take on multiple roles in their families and communities.
Jose, 20s (Supporting Character)
A complex man in his late 20s, grappling with the consequences of his past mistakes. Once overwhelmed by the news of Sarah’s pregnancy, he made the painful decision to leave, but now, years later, he’s determined to make amends and be part of the family he walked away from. While he yearns for redemption, Jose also serves as a reflection of the emotional complexity of relationships.
By supporting Nuevos Comienzos, you're becoming an essential part of bringing this vision to life and helping us tell Sarah’s story. Together, we can spark meaningful conversations and make something truly special. We are working to raise $5,000 to fund the project, and in order to unlock the funding through Seed & Spark, we must reach 80% of our goal within the next 30 days. If we don’t meet that target, we won't receive any of the funds raised.
With your help, these funds will be used to cover essential production costs, ensuring that we provide a smooth, safe, and creative space for everyone involved in bringing this project to life. These costs include:
- Gear & Equipment Rentals
- Cast Compensation
- Transportation and logistics
- Craft services
- Production Design
- Other essential production expenses
Your pledge will help us prioritize the well-being of our team and maintain the quality of the film, ensuring we can dedicate ourselves fully to telling this story! If we reach 100% funding, our stretch goal is $7,000 to ease the financial strain on personal funds and support the continued success of the project!
Each contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to creating a film that most importantly, resonates and educates. We truly can’t do it without you.
Please help spread the word by sharing our campaign with anyone and everyone!
You can follow our journey on Instagram at @nuevoscomienzosfilm and share our posts using the message: Support independent Latino filmmakers by getting the word out about @nuevoscomienzosfilm and #nuevoscomienzosfilm on @seedandspark! You can join the movement here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/nuevos-comienzos-1
Next Steps
Nuevos Comienzos has just completed the pre-production phase and is set to begin filming in mid-March 2025, with post-production expected to wrap up by May 2025. Be sure to follow our project on Seed&Spark for the latest updates, exclusive perks, and more! In the meantime, we invite you to explore Mientras Espero, the second half of the story, to immerse yourself in the world we're building and get to know the characters you'll soon see on screen.
Watch it here! : https://youtu.be/X4vfjZdJxAg?si=ylOl316lcRm4XqDw
We sincerely thank you for visiting our page. We hope this story inspires you to share or pledge, just as much as it has inspired us to tell it.
- Con amor,
Bryan Garcia & the Nuevos Comienzos Team.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sarah's Baby Bump
Costs $200
We are in need of a full, 8-month sized belly for Sarah. Thank you so much for those who can pledge.
Meals
Costs $1,000
Filming is hard work, and we know that keeping the cast and crew fueled is key to a successful shoot through healthy and delicious meals.
Transportation
Costs $500
Help us provide transportation for our cast and crew, making it easier to get to set and keep the production running smoothly!
Gear & Equipment
Costs $1,300
Help us secure the gear and equipment needed to bring the visual and aural elements of Nuevos Comienzos to life.
Composer Fee
Costs $250
Support our music composer to create a powerful score for Nuevos Comienzos
Cast
Costs $1,000
We’re gathering a skilled cast to help tell this story with depth and authenticity. Help us support them!
Production Design
Costs $250
We’re working with a modest budget of $250 for set design, focusing on gathering the essential items needed to create an authentic space.
Contingency Fund
Costs $500
Unexpected challenges can arise. Your support helps us build a contingency fund, ensuring we're prepared for any unforeseen expenses.
About This Team
Bryan Manuel Garcia Ruiz
Writer/Director
Bryan Garcia is a 21-year-old Latino filmmaker and writer based in Koreatown, Los Angeles, dedicated to bringing impactful and authentic stories to life. With a passion for storytelling, Bryan has spent years crafting narratives through creative music videos before making his directorial debut with his short film "Mientras Espero" (2024). This project allowed him to explore real-life themes and establish his voice as a filmmaker. Bryan continues to build a community of storytellers who share his vision of bringing meaningful stories to the world. Now, with an even greater drive to push his craft further, he is making his feature film debut as the writer and director of "Nuevos Comienzos," a film that delves deep into the experiences of immigrant mothers seeking a better future. Bryan’s work is a testament to his belief that storytelling has the power to inspire, create change, and give a voice to those who need to be heard.
Rachel Robles
Creative Producer & 1st Assistant Director
Rachel Robles is a 20-year-old Chicana filmmaker and storyteller from South Central LA, driven by a love for the everyday and a passion for finding beauty in the mundane. She brings a unique perspective to every project, crafting indie films and heartfelt narratives with intention and amor. Recently, she made her directorial debut with the short film "Para Siempre" (2024) in collaboration with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. With internships at NBCUniversal and the Academy Museum, she continues to grow as a filmmaker, now taking on the role of assistant director and creative producer for the inspiring project "Nuevos Comienzos."
Joie Littleton
Line Producer
Joie Littleton is a 23-year-old African-American filmmaker, editor, and script supervisor based in Los Angeles, with a passion for storytelling, particularly BIPOC narratives within the diaspora. In 2024, she made her directorial debut with the experimental short film "Reflections in My Garden" (2024) created during the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ Promise Workshops. The film reflects her personal experiences growing up with a learning disability and how that has shaped her artistic vision. Joie believes in the power of media to educate and inspire change, especially through stories of marginalized groups, and is excited to join the Nuevos Comienzos family, a project that she deeply respects and cares for. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals from the Promise Workshops and looks forward to creating impactful stories that promote education and support.
Jose Ubaya
Director of Photography
José Esteban Ubaya is a 24 year old Mexican filmmaker, photographer, writer, and overall documentarian. Whether it’s motion pictures or still photography, his underlying mission is to authentically portray the many intricacies of life & the stories it holds. His films deal with personal conflict, often highlighting themes such as the importance of family, understanding one’s identity, and the power of hopes and dreams. In his still photography, he is set out to take the everyday & spotlight it’s golden moments. His most recent project "Tono" (2024) is a project he wrote and directed for The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Promise Workshops that was screened to a full house at the Ted Mann Theater. His newest endeavor is founding a collective for digital creatives such as filmmakers, photographers, and digital visual artists. The goal is to uplift and aid in producing underrepresented stories and highlight independent artists. He is beyond excited to once again work alongside this wonderful crew, and continue to tell stories from, about, and by the undocumented community.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Nuevos Comienzos
Sarah, a pregnant young woman leaves her home in Mexico and arrives in Los Angeles with dreams of building a better future for her unborn son. She is welcomed by her sister Marisol, who becomes her support system as they navigate the challenges of their new life together. As Sarah adjusts to her new reality, she begins to explore what it means to start over. Meanwhile, her ex-partner, Jose, reappears in her life, seeking a second chance to reconcile and prove he’s ready to be a part of her and their child’s future. Though hesitant, Sarah agrees to meet with him, leading to a series of emotional encounters where the past collides with the present. As Sarah’s journey unfolds, she must decide what kind of future she wants to build—not just for her child, but for herself. Will she let Jose back into her life, or will she choose a path that prioritizes her independence and self-worth?
Why this Film Matters
From the very beginning of my journey as a filmmaker, I knew I wanted to tell stories that leave a lasting impact—stories that reflect real life, resonate with people, and stay with them long after the credits roll. When I created my first short film, I drew inspiration from the struggles and realities faced by the Latino community, particularly the harsh untold stories that are often experienced from Immigrants. That project allowed me to take pieces of my mother’s experience, along with the experiences of countless others, and craft a story that sheds light on a difficult yet important truth.
Now, with Nuevos Comienzos, I am taking that vision even further. This is not just another film—it’s a reflection of a reality that too many live but too few truly understand. We are diving deeper into the sacrifices, fears, and hopes of an immigrant mother fighting for a better future for her child. The challenges Sarah faces are ones that many have lived through, yet their stories often go unheard. This film is a voice for them.
More than ever, I feel the responsibility to tell this story, because these stories matter. They need to be seen, felt, and understood. This film is for the people who have fought for a new beginning, for the families who have endured separation, and for the mothers who would do anything for their children.
I dedicate Nuevos Comienzos to my mother and to all the mothers around the world—because no love is stronger than the one that drives them to sacrifice everything for their children.
Nuevos Comienzos is inspired by films that resonate with me deeply, especially those that explore the immigrant experience and the sacrifices mothers make for their children. One such film is La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon), which tells the story of a mother and son separated by the border. This film deeply influenced the way I wanted to tell Sarah’s story—an undocumented mother fighting for a better future for her child.
Visually, I want the film to feel warm and nostalgic, with colors that nod to Mexico and Chicano culture in Los Angeles. Earthy tones, warm reds, oranges, and yellows will represent both the strength and struggle of the immigrant experience. Los Angeles is a character in itself, shaping the story through its diverse neighborhoods and vibrant communities.
I also wanted to connect Nuevos Comienzos to my first short, Mientras Espero, which tells the story of Sarah’s 6-year-old son, Benito. This film is the second half of their journey, showing the emotional weight of Sarah’s sacrifices and how they affect him.
At its core, Nuevos Comienzos is a story about family, resilience, and the immigrant journey. The warmth of the visuals, the cultural elements, and the streets of LA all play a role in bringing this deeply personal and universal story to life.
Sarah, 20s (Main Character)
Sarah, a young woman in her mid-20s is an expectant mother who leaves her home in Mexico to start a new life in Los Angeles for the sake of her unborn son. Though she’s brave and hopeful, Sarah is not without her struggles. She carries the weight of her past, including the pain of being abandoned by Jose, her ex-partner and the father of her child. She navigates the complexities of motherhood, survival, and cultural adaptation in a foreign city.
Marisol, 20s (Supporting Character)
Marisol, Sarah’s younger sister, is a strong-willed and independent woman in her 20s. Having lived in Los Angeles for years before Sarah, she has carved out a life as a hardworking vendor, balancing the pressures of her own responsibilities with her deep loyalty to her family. Her character represents the strength and sacrifices of immigrant women who take on multiple roles in their families and communities.
Jose, 20s (Supporting Character)
A complex man in his late 20s, grappling with the consequences of his past mistakes. Once overwhelmed by the news of Sarah’s pregnancy, he made the painful decision to leave, but now, years later, he’s determined to make amends and be part of the family he walked away from. While he yearns for redemption, Jose also serves as a reflection of the emotional complexity of relationships.
By supporting Nuevos Comienzos, you're becoming an essential part of bringing this vision to life and helping us tell Sarah’s story. Together, we can spark meaningful conversations and make something truly special. We are working to raise $5,000 to fund the project, and in order to unlock the funding through Seed & Spark, we must reach 80% of our goal within the next 30 days. If we don’t meet that target, we won't receive any of the funds raised.
With your help, these funds will be used to cover essential production costs, ensuring that we provide a smooth, safe, and creative space for everyone involved in bringing this project to life. These costs include:
- Gear & Equipment Rentals
- Cast Compensation
- Transportation and logistics
- Craft services
- Production Design
- Other essential production expenses
Your pledge will help us prioritize the well-being of our team and maintain the quality of the film, ensuring we can dedicate ourselves fully to telling this story! If we reach 100% funding, our stretch goal is $7,000 to ease the financial strain on personal funds and support the continued success of the project!
Each contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to creating a film that most importantly, resonates and educates. We truly can’t do it without you.
Please help spread the word by sharing our campaign with anyone and everyone!
You can follow our journey on Instagram at @nuevoscomienzosfilm and share our posts using the message: Support independent Latino filmmakers by getting the word out about @nuevoscomienzosfilm and #nuevoscomienzosfilm on @seedandspark! You can join the movement here: https://seedandspark.com/fund/nuevos-comienzos-1
Next Steps
Nuevos Comienzos has just completed the pre-production phase and is set to begin filming in mid-March 2025, with post-production expected to wrap up by May 2025. Be sure to follow our project on Seed&Spark for the latest updates, exclusive perks, and more! In the meantime, we invite you to explore Mientras Espero, the second half of the story, to immerse yourself in the world we're building and get to know the characters you'll soon see on screen.
Watch it here! : https://youtu.be/X4vfjZdJxAg?si=ylOl316lcRm4XqDw
We sincerely thank you for visiting our page. We hope this story inspires you to share or pledge, just as much as it has inspired us to tell it.
- Con amor,
Bryan Garcia & the Nuevos Comienzos Team.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Sarah's Baby Bump
Costs $200
We are in need of a full, 8-month sized belly for Sarah. Thank you so much for those who can pledge.
Meals
Costs $1,000
Filming is hard work, and we know that keeping the cast and crew fueled is key to a successful shoot through healthy and delicious meals.
Transportation
Costs $500
Help us provide transportation for our cast and crew, making it easier to get to set and keep the production running smoothly!
Gear & Equipment
Costs $1,300
Help us secure the gear and equipment needed to bring the visual and aural elements of Nuevos Comienzos to life.
Composer Fee
Costs $250
Support our music composer to create a powerful score for Nuevos Comienzos
Cast
Costs $1,000
We’re gathering a skilled cast to help tell this story with depth and authenticity. Help us support them!
Production Design
Costs $250
We’re working with a modest budget of $250 for set design, focusing on gathering the essential items needed to create an authentic space.
Contingency Fund
Costs $500
Unexpected challenges can arise. Your support helps us build a contingency fund, ensuring we're prepared for any unforeseen expenses.
About This Team
Bryan Manuel Garcia Ruiz
Writer/Director
Bryan Garcia is a 21-year-old Latino filmmaker and writer based in Koreatown, Los Angeles, dedicated to bringing impactful and authentic stories to life. With a passion for storytelling, Bryan has spent years crafting narratives through creative music videos before making his directorial debut with his short film "Mientras Espero" (2024). This project allowed him to explore real-life themes and establish his voice as a filmmaker. Bryan continues to build a community of storytellers who share his vision of bringing meaningful stories to the world. Now, with an even greater drive to push his craft further, he is making his feature film debut as the writer and director of "Nuevos Comienzos," a film that delves deep into the experiences of immigrant mothers seeking a better future. Bryan’s work is a testament to his belief that storytelling has the power to inspire, create change, and give a voice to those who need to be heard.
Rachel Robles
Creative Producer & 1st Assistant Director
Rachel Robles is a 20-year-old Chicana filmmaker and storyteller from South Central LA, driven by a love for the everyday and a passion for finding beauty in the mundane. She brings a unique perspective to every project, crafting indie films and heartfelt narratives with intention and amor. Recently, she made her directorial debut with the short film "Para Siempre" (2024) in collaboration with the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. With internships at NBCUniversal and the Academy Museum, she continues to grow as a filmmaker, now taking on the role of assistant director and creative producer for the inspiring project "Nuevos Comienzos."
Joie Littleton
Line Producer
Joie Littleton is a 23-year-old African-American filmmaker, editor, and script supervisor based in Los Angeles, with a passion for storytelling, particularly BIPOC narratives within the diaspora. In 2024, she made her directorial debut with the experimental short film "Reflections in My Garden" (2024) created during the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ Promise Workshops. The film reflects her personal experiences growing up with a learning disability and how that has shaped her artistic vision. Joie believes in the power of media to educate and inspire change, especially through stories of marginalized groups, and is excited to join the Nuevos Comienzos family, a project that she deeply respects and cares for. She is grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals from the Promise Workshops and looks forward to creating impactful stories that promote education and support.
Jose Ubaya
Director of Photography
José Esteban Ubaya is a 24 year old Mexican filmmaker, photographer, writer, and overall documentarian. Whether it’s motion pictures or still photography, his underlying mission is to authentically portray the many intricacies of life & the stories it holds. His films deal with personal conflict, often highlighting themes such as the importance of family, understanding one’s identity, and the power of hopes and dreams. In his still photography, he is set out to take the everyday & spotlight it’s golden moments. His most recent project "Tono" (2024) is a project he wrote and directed for The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Promise Workshops that was screened to a full house at the Ted Mann Theater. His newest endeavor is founding a collective for digital creatives such as filmmakers, photographers, and digital visual artists. The goal is to uplift and aid in producing underrepresented stories and highlight independent artists. He is beyond excited to once again work alongside this wonderful crew, and continue to tell stories from, about, and by the undocumented community.