Check Out Jennifer Santiago’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Santiago.

Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming a filmmaker wasn’t a straight path—it was a winding road filled with risks, sacrifices, and a relentless belief in something bigger. I didn’t grow up in Florida, but it was the place I called home before I took a leap of faith toward my dreams. When I first shared my goal of becoming a filmmaker, I was met with doubt. Pursuing a creative career wasn’t considered practical, and the support I hoped for wasn’t always there. But deep down, I knew there was more waiting for me beyond what I’d always known.

When COVID-19 hit and the world seemed to slow down, I saw an unexpected opportunity. Prices were at their lowest, and the chance to finally chase my dream in California felt within reach. With nothing but a plan and a determination that outweighed my fears, I packed my life and drove across the country, alone but hopeful.

Los Angeles was everything and nothing like I imagined. I found myself on the sets of music videos, watching directors command the chaos, studying how they brought stories to life. I connected with other creatives—dreamers, outcasts, and fellow black sheep—each one a reminder that I wasn’t alone in my ambition. I watched aspiring filmmakers bring their visions to life on a shoestring budget, and each experience lit a spark in me. Slowly, my passion transformed from a distant dream into a tangible path.

But it wasn’t always easy. There were moments when I questioned everything—losing apartments, losing jobs, even losing my car. Each setback felt like a push back home, back to the comfort and safety I’d left behind. Yet, even at my lowest, something in me refused to give up. It was that same stubborn spark that led me to create my own film, “Camp Wicca.” What began as an idea has become a fully realized project, one that I now have the privilege of bringing to life with a cast and crew who share my vision.

If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that dreams rarely unfold the way you expect. They test you, push you to your limits, and sometimes make you question everything. But if you keep moving forward—no matter how many times life tries to turn you around—you’ll find a way. For me, that way led to California, to the friends and collaborators who inspire me, and to “Camp Wicca,” a film that is just the beginning of my story.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve faced moments that could have broken me—losing apartments, struggling to pay rent, and dealing with the devastation of losing jobs that seemed like lifelines. At one point, I even lost my car twice, a blow that felt like the universe telling me to turn back. I was walking miles to set, borrowing rides, and navigating a city where everything seemed out of reach. Every time life seemed to push me back, I had a choice: give up and return to the safety of the familiar, or keep pushing forward. And I chose to push forward.

What got me through wasn’t just stubbornness—it was the belief that these struggles were part of my story, not the end of it. I leaned on the creative community I’d built—fellow dreamers who understood the hustle. I learned to find opportunities even when they weren’t obvious, working as a background dancer, joining indie sets, and eventually writing and directing my own projects. Each setback became a chapter, each challenge a lesson.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a filmmaker, I specialize in horror storytelling, but my work goes beyond just creating scares—it’s about creating a space for voices that are often overlooked. My latest project, Camp Wicca, is a perfect example of that. Camp Wicca is more than just a horror film—it’s a platform for Latino representation in a genre where our stories are too often left out. Growing up, I rarely saw people who looked like me in the stories I loved, especially in horror, where diverse voices are often sidelined. With Camp Wicca, I want to change that. I want young Latino viewers to see themselves not just as the background characters but as heroes, survivors, and even complex villains in the stories they love.

But my passion doesn’t stop with just telling my own stories. I’m proud of the community of creators I’ve found here in Los Angeles—the dreamers, the outcasts, the so-called black sheep who inspire me every day. These are the people who have struggled, just like I have, but who continue to create, to push boundaries, and to uplift each other. With Camp Wicca and the projects I have planned for the future, I’m not just telling my story—I’m building a platform for others to tell theirs. I want to continue lifting up those who have inspired me, providing opportunities for talented creators from underrepresented backgrounds, and proving that our stories deserve to be told.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to this vision. I don’t just want to be a filmmaker; I want to be a voice for my community and a bridge for others who have something important to say. Camp Wicca is just the beginning—an opportunity to tell a thrilling, chilling story while also making space for those who have too often been left out of the conversation. And for that, I am incredibly proud.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I learned that you don’t make it alone. The community of creatives I’ve met—fellow dreamers and black sheep who understand the hustle—became my support system. They showed me that while resilience is vital, so is surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself. Even when your family doubts you ! Those connections helped me turn my struggles into strength, and they are the reason I’m here today, creating films like Camp Wicca and making space for voices that deserve to be heard.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://igg.me/at/CampWicca/x/38460203#/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen.ergy_/

Image Credits
Joseph stellanto
Miguel gamino