First Generation Flop: Embracing Dreams Against the Odds

First Generation Flop tells the story of Lucia, a first-generation Mexican-American, caught between her passion for dance and her father’s insistence on a “realistic” career. Inspired by my own experiences and the pressures many first-gens feel, this short film dives into the courage it takes to pursue what you truly love.

Created for my Filmmaking 1 class in Spring 2023, First Generation Flop was my first college film. The project was a collaboration: I directed, while Michelle Ruiz and I handled lighting and camera work. Starring my talented cousin Itai (now at Rider University, following her own dream of dance) and featuring support from Antojos restaurant, this story was a team effort from start to finish.