We recently connected with Melisa Ramos and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melisa, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most recent projects are all independent and are deeply rooted in my cultural heritage, personal experiences, and commitment to social impact. They exemplify how filmmaking can be a powerful tool for advocacy, education, and artistic expression. They have allowed me to expand my skills, enhance all my abilities and strengthen my connection with my communities.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Melisa Ramos, a post-production artist and film professor originally from Puerto Rico, has been a vibrant part of New York City’s film scene for the past 11 years. Growing up in a family of writers and artisans, she discovered her passion for film as a means to merge her artistic heritage with her love for storytelling. Her academic journey led her to earn an MFA in Film, where she mastered the art of post-production and transitioned into a role as a film professor, teaching at prestigious institutions like Pratt Institute and engaging in community outreach at NYCHA. This commitment to education has not only enriched her own growth but has also kept her deeply connected to her community.

Ramos’ background in arts and crafts has profoundly influenced her approach to film editing, allowing her to view the process as a form of assembling a narrative mosaic. This artistic inclination ignited her desire to tell stories from her own cultural heritage. Her debut production, a docu-series for CUNY TV that explored the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, was a pivotal moment that underscored the importance of amplifying Puerto Rican and Latin American voices.

In 2020, amid the global pandemic, Ramos produced and directed **From Performers to Spectators**, a docu-series that highlighted the experiences of New York City performers navigating the lockdown. This project marked her first independent production and was subsequently picked up by PBS and the All Arts Channel. Currently, Ramos is working on her first feature film, **Hoop Warrior**, a testament to her ongoing dedication to storytelling and cultural representation.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative journey as a filmmaker is driven by a profound commitment to storytelling that empowers and elevates underrepresented voices. My mission is to craft narratives that not only captivate and entertain but also provoke thought and inspire change. I strive to explore and illuminate the complexities of identity, culture, and social justice through my films, seeking to challenge prevailing narratives and shed light on overlooked perspectives.

At the core of my work is a dedication to authenticity and empathy. I aim to build bridges between diverse communities by sharing their stories with honesty and respect. By highlighting the human experiences that often go unheard, I hope to foster greater understanding and dialogue among audiences. My ultimate goal is to use the power of cinema to advocate for social change, celebrate cultural diversity, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world.

Through each project, I endeavor to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, experimenting with form and content to create impactful and transformative experiences. My mission is not just to tell stories, but to spark conversations, ignite passions, and inspire action towards a more just and compassionate society.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom of mind that comes with it. Allowing one to grow with others and how we create art while art creates us.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.justbekreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melisaramos123/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisaramos/

Image Credits
Illustration and animation by Melisa Ramos. Still from her documentary Hoop Warrior. Poster of docuseries From Performers to Spectators