ITZEL FERNANDEZ

Monday evening, I had the honor of screening my short film Echo at a truly special event: A Night of Latine Films with Cafecito Productions at the Plaza Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Presented by OyeFest and sponsored by Reel Friends, the evening brought together an inspiring community of Latine creatives. For me, it was a special milestone. Seeing Echo on the big screen for the first time was remarkable, but sharing the stage with other talented directors— Erika Miranda, Angelo Guevara-Malavé, Rich Perez, Kristina Arjona, Tony Guerrero, and Carlos Aviles— made it feel even more profound. Latinx was in the building! Being surrounded by other Latine creatives brought an elevated feeling of community, talent, and inspiration.

The journey of Echo itself was a labor of love and resourcefulness. This film began as a poem, a statement of healing, and an experimental project—all created with a modest budget of $300. Every frame was an exercise in ingenuity and passion. From the first concept boards to the continuous nights in post-production, I poured my heart into shaping a story that felt raw, vulnerable, and authentic. Along the way, I learned the limits and possibilities of creating art on a shoestring, and I’ve been reflecting on how much more art could flourish if it were properly funded. Truly, art needs more support, because its impact is immeasurable, and its value extends far beyond dollars.

During the screening, we enjoyed two hours of films celebrating our stories, cultures, and voices. Afterwards, during the Q&A, I had the chance to share why Echo is so important to me, and how it became a vessel of healing— a journey in itself, for me and, I hope, for anyone who experiences it. I’m incredibly proud of the team who brought it to life, including our lead actress, Jennifer Peña, and my DP, Chris A. Cerda.