Meet Kristal Sotomayor | Filmmaker and Founder of Sotomayor Productions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristal Sotomayor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristal, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Sotomayor Productions emerged from my deep-rooted passion for filmmaking, nurtured over seven years of dedicated work in the industry. My vision is to establish a platform that not only facilitates the creation of my own projects but also extends a helping hand to fellow filmmakers aspiring to bring their visions to life. I started Sotomayor Productions because it grants me the autonomy to pursue projects close to my heart.

Operating as a structured entity enables me to curate a diverse portfolio of films, while also providing services to others in the industry. Central to my mission is the ethos of fostering a supportive ecosystem for filmmakers, particularly those from Latinx, immigrant, and queer communities, as well as advocating for vital environmental issues.

By establishing Sotomayor Productions, my aim is twofold: to establish a sustainable avenue for realizing my cinematic endeavors and to serve as a catalyst for the creative ambitions of fellow filmmakers, both locally in Pennsylvania and on a global scale.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to working as a filmmaker and launching my production company hasn’t always been easy. My connection to filmmaking runs deep, rooted in my personal experiences as a child of immigrants. Growing up, I seldom saw stories that authentically portrayed immigrant and Latinx experiences; instead, they were often riddled with stereotypes and misconceptions. This void in representation fueled my determination to craft narratives that challenge such limiting portrayals and, this year, I formally launched Sotomayor Productions, which had been established many years already.

One of the most biggest challenges I face today is fundraising for my projects and striving to elevate the voices of Latinx and immigrant communities. Disparities persist between mainstream media and broadcasters in showcasing these narratives, which propelled me to establish my production company. Through dedicated efforts, I aim to amplify stories that have long been overlooked.

Currently, my focus lies on a robust slate of films centered around Latinx, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities, highlighting their stories and voices. I know that, for me, growing up and having been able to see these stories would have made all of the difference in feeling accurately represented and in feeling like I could do anything. My work is not only a quest for social justice but also a testament to the diverse fabric of our society—a multiracial democracy in the making.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I’m in LA, my favorite places to visit are the Academy of Motion Science Museum and the beach. I love that I can experience so much of the film industry but also tan by the sea.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I really wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of numerous women of color and, in particular Black women, that have served as my mentors over the years. A few of those people include my college professor Shiamin Kwa, my internship coordinator Nikki Heyman, my previous co-workers and mentors Marangeli Mejia Rabell and Nikki Harmon, and the many filmmakers that have helped me get to where I am today, like Nadine Patterson, Sabrina Schmidt Gordon, and Neyda Martinez. If it wasn’t for the mentorship of women of color, I wouldn’t be able to do the work that I love to do today.

Website: www.kristalsotomayor.com / www.sotomayorproductions.com

Instagram: @sotomayor.productions / @kristalsotomayor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sotomayor-productions | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksotomayor/

Twitter: @kristalsotomayr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristalasotomayor/

Image Credits
BTS Photos:
Photo by: Ireashia M. Bennett | Courtesy of Sotomayor Productions

Headshot:
Photo by: Becca Haydu | Courtesy of Sotomayor Productions

Film stills:
Courtesy of Sotomayor Productions