Today we’d like to introduce you to Melisa Ramos

Hi Melisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I was born in Puerto Rico, but my youth was a vibrant journey between my home island and Germany, all thanks to my father’s service in the U.S. Army. This unique experience instilled in me a fiery spirit shaped by the complexities of colonialism. Surrounded by teacher union leaders, poets, and social activists, I developed an unwavering commitment to challenge oppressive systems and fight for what’s right.

From a young age, I navigated the intricate landscape of identity and belonging, balancing my rich Puerto Rican heritage with life on a military base in Germany. At just four years old, I faced a significant challenge when I was diagnosed with grand mal epilepsy. As I entered puberty, my seizures became more frequent, presenting obstacles throughout my journey, especially during my time in Puerto Rico. Living with epilepsy limited my options in the media and electronic fields due to my photosensitivity, particularly in college. But I refused to be sidelined. I pivoted toward the world of post-production and storytelling, learning to harness my experiences into a powerful narrative. This journey has given me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those with disabilities, teaching me how to focus on my strengths and turn my weaknesses into fuel for my passion.

Driven by an unstoppable passion for storytelling and social justice, I earned my BA in Communications in Puerto Rico, then went on to earn an MFA in Film in Miami and an MA in Advertising in Spain. I immersed myself in post-production, motion graphics, and animation, honing my craft over 14 incredible years in New York City. These diverse educational experiences armed me with the tools to unleash my creativity as a filmmaker and educator.

Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to empowering others to find their voice and speak truth to power. My career has included producing impactful documentaries like From Performers to Spectators, aired by PBS 13. A docu-series set as a time capsule of inspiring performing artists during the closure of public arts venues when coronavirus struck their careers and lives. A tribute to adaptability in a pandemic by relentlessly pursuing and realizing passions.

I am currently producing and directing my first feature documentary Hoop Warrior. A film that sheds light on the sacrifices required to succeed in a highly competitive field through the lens of Jorge Matos’, FIBA 3×3 World Cup Gold Medalist in 2021. A basketball player who transitions from street basketball beyond national level in Puerto Rico, depicting the challenges, and rewards of Latinx athletes. As a passionate change agent for social awareness, I am committed to using my platform to spark critical dialogue and ignite transformative action in the relentless pursuit of justice and equality.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

I don’t believe anyone can make this journey without encountering bumps along the way. However, I firmly believe that the challenges we face shape and prepare us for the future. Living with uncontrolled epilepsy for over two decades has certainly been an obstacle, but it has also gifted me with invaluable patience. I learned early on that to achieve many of my ambitions, I first needed to heal and stabilize my health. This experience has cultivated a level of tolerance and patience that is often rare in the fast-paced media industry. I don’t seek instant gratification; I’ve always had to wait, and in that waiting, I’ve cultivated relationships and skills that have enriched my path.

As an emigrant from Puerto Rico to the U.S., I had advantages like a solid education and fluency in English, thanks to my upbringing in the Army while living in Germany. However, adapting to the hectic lifestyle of New York City was a challenge in itself. Transitioning from the tranquility of a Caribbean island to the bustling metropolis was unsettling. Entering a field like post-production, which is often gate kept by men, presented its own hurdles. To navigate these challenges, I chose to continue my teaching journey, which has been deeply fulfilling. Teaching at institutions like Pratt Institute and CUNY, and doing community outreach with youth at the New York City Housing Authority, has allowed me to build trust with my students. Once that trust is established, the road ahead becomes much smoother. Many of my former students have collaborated with me on projects, creating a robust community and network.

After nearly ten years of experience in teaching and post-production, I decided to become a producer to tell the stories that matter. I realized that traditional post-production houses would not position me as a producer, so I took matters into my own hands. My first production was a docu series titled “Puerto Rican Voices: Rebuild Puerto Rico,” which explored the aftermath of Hurricane Maria through 15 episodes. This experience taught me the importance of delegation and teamwork.

My first independent production, “From Performers to Spectators: COVID-19 NYC,” aired on PBS 13 and was created alongside my dear friend and former student, Miguel Miller. Producing during the pandemic was a monumental challenge in itself. I had to confront the effects of my photosensitivity again, as I hadn’t been on set for a while. The lights and flashes triggered migraines, forcing me to adapt my production style and place immense trust in my director of photography, Miguel. This experience opened my eyes to the possibility that I might not be the only one navigating these challenges. I hope to raise awareness about how we produce content and its impact on individuals with epilepsy, advocating for a more inclusive approach in the industry.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

As a child growing up in Puerto Rico, I was immersed in a world of creativity, surrounded by poets, artists, and artisans. My father’s side of the family, which included seamstresses and architects, instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and design. At the age of 10, I began learning the art of sewing, and by 17, I had taken up jewelry-making. I was always fascinated by textures, shapes, and colors—the way they interacted and told stories of their own. On my mother’s side, poetry and storytelling were deeply ingrained, which nurtured my desire to merge visual arts with narrative. This unique blend of influences from both sides of my family, coupled with the vibrant culture and rich history of Puerto Rico, shaped my artistic vision. To bring this vision to life, I found film to be the perfect medium—a natural bridge between storytelling and visual expression. After earning my MFA in film, I began my career as an editor, where I discovered the power of editing as a storytelling tool, while also expanding my skills into animation and motion graphics.

As a documentary filmmaker and multimedia artist, I specialize in creating immersive, multidimensional narratives that blend traditional documentary storytelling with animation and interactive media. My work often explores complex social, cultural, and environmental issues, many of which are deeply personal and resonate with my upbringing in Puerto Rico. I use a combination of live-action footage, animation, and graphic design to convey stories that engage both the intellect and the emotions. I’m known for my ability to seamlessly integrate documentary footage with visual storytelling techniques—like 2D animation, motion graphics, and 3D design—transforming abstract concepts or hard-to-represent ideas into something vivid, tangible, and deeply resonant.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and bring stories that might otherwise go untold into the spotlight. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I was keenly aware of how important it is to share local perspectives, especially those that often remain overlooked on the global stage. Animation, in particular, has given me a unique opportunity to take personal testimonies, archival materials, and historical narratives and turn them into visual poetry. This process allows me to bring nuance and humanity to issues often reduced to mere statistics or headlines. One of my proudest achievements is when my work sparks new levels of empathy or understanding in my audience, breaking down complex issues and offering a deeper connection to the subject matter.

What sets me apart from other filmmakers and multimedia artists is how I merge the artistic with the documentary. I don’t view animation as a mere stylistic choice, but as a core element of storytelling—whether it’s visualizing personal memories, interpreting abstract ideas, or translating raw emotion into motion. I aim not just to capture reality, but to reflect on it, reimagining the world in ways that give a richer, more layered perspective. My work bridges the factual foundation of documentary filmmaking with the boundless creative possibilities of animation and multimedia, creating a narrative experience that is both informative and visually transformative.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by talented, inspiring individuals throughout my journey. While some might view entering the industry later in life as a setback, I consider it a blessing. It gave me the privilege of becoming a film professor—a role that continually enriches my life and nourishes my spirit. Teaching not only allows me to share my knowledge and passion with the next generation, but it also keeps me engaged, challenged, and ever-evolving as both an artist and a storyteller. It’s a privilege to help shape the creative minds of tomorrow while learning from them in return, creating a dynamic, reciprocal flow of inspiration that constantly fuels my own work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.justbekreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melisaramos123/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=741223676
• Other: https://www.hoopwarrior.com/