By Catherine Woo
Welcome to NYWIFT, Melisa Ramos!
Melisa is a filmmaker and professor from Puerto Rico, bringing 14 years of post-production and motion graphics experience to New York. Her first production, Puerto Rican Voices, is a docu-series about the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Following Puerto Rican Voices, Melisa continued to share Puerto Rican and Latin American stories. In 2020, she directed and produced From Performers to Spectators, a doc-series showcasing New York City performers during lockdown. She is currently in production on Hoop Warrior, her first feature film.
Read all about Melisa’s journey as an editor and artist here!
NYWIFT Member Melisa Ramos
What brings you to NYWIFT?
I wanted to join a community that supports other women in film. And to have the opportunity to foster relationships with talented women. I have attended NYWIFT events and find it a great opportunity to join!
What is a day in your life as an editor and motion graphic artist like? What drew you to this role?
As an editor my day is about telling other people’s stories, and as a motion graphics artist my job is to give life to still elements. At a very young age I have been an artist and designer with a passion for storytelling. Editing and motion graphics allows me to integrate both.
An animation illustration by Melisa Ramos
What sorts of stories are the most exciting to you?
I’m excited by stories that depict our deepest human qualities and that show wisdom in seamless ways.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to just go for it and never hesitate. When great art masters began, they didn’t know what they were doing.
Melisa Ramos behind the scenes filming From Performers to Spectators on PBS
Where do you hope to be in five years?
I hope to have my post-production studio and to be directing Latinx animation stories and documentaries as well.
Do you have any projects currently in the works that we should keep an eye out for? What can you tell us about them?
Currently I am working on my first feature film Hoop Warrior, an immersive feature documentary delving into the profound significance and transformative power of basketball in Puerto Rico, as seen through the eyes of professional player Jorge Matos.
Behind the scenes of Hoop Warrior
You can keep up with Melisa Ramos on her website www.justbekreative.com, on Instagram at @melisaramos123, and Facebook at @melisaramos.
Catherine Woo
Catherine Woo is an intern at NYWIFT and an aspiring screenwriter. She will graduate from NYU Tisch with a BFA in Dramatic Writing in 2024. She has interned at Rattlestick Theater and Protozoa Pictures. She has done production photography for PrideFest 2023 at The Tank and Broke People Spring 2023 Play Festival at NYU.
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