Today we’d like to introduce you to Margarita Reyes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a mom, actor, producer, director, documentarian and educator. I didn’t have the traditional educational path of most others in my field. However, I am proud of my story.
At 19, I was modeling and was hired to work on a few music videos. I had always wanted to be an actor so getting to be on any set was a huge deal for me. I networked with crew and soon I was signed up and working on my first ultra low-budget film. Eventually, I was referred to an agent who agreed to represent me. And a few years later, I was working as an actress. It had taken at least 5 years to get to this point. Eventually, I guest starred opposite one of my favorite actors, Alfre Woodard, in the primetime series The Practice. I had the privilege of working with Alfre and our Director Christina Musrey, I was inspired by these two, talented, strong, confident, accomplished women. I wanted to be a part of that. Since then I’ve acted in feature films, primetime series, commercials and everything in between.
I’ve been an actor for almost 20 years. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with some inspirational actors, directors, & producers whom I have learned a great deal from. For that I am grateful.
13 years ago, I decided I would finish my college education. I enrolled in a local community college, Santa Monica College, and prepared to transfer to my dream school. I was accepted to UCLA in 2007.
In 2007, as an undergraduate at UCLA, I started production of my first documentary. This would be my first venture into producing film.
I’ve produced or directed over 30 projects since. It was there that I met undocumented youth who inspired me to tell their stories. An Unfinished DREAM followed the lives of undocumented youth in the California university system. This documentary was screened across the country by undocumented student groups, universities, and was utilized by Amnesty International in their undocumented student tool kit. From that point, and for the duration of my undergraduate time at UCLA, I started working on videos for several social justice causes such as the CLEAN Carwash Campaign. They were working on unionizing the carwash industry. This industry is highly exploited and my videos were utilized to raise awareness and educate others on the plight of the LA carwash industry. I eventually worked on various other short videos for local organizations.
I also directed and produced a series of industrial “how-to” videos for the California Labor Commissioner to educate low wage workers on their rights. I teamed up with Jeff MacIntyre who has won 11 Emmy awards for his work as a filmmaker. These videos are currently available online as well as in all the offices of the California Labor Commissioner. My videos are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Korean. When working on this series I was inspired by my own parents and their work in low wage industries. I’m proud to say that these videos have helped countless individuals navigate the wage claim process in California.
Although my work focuses mostly on documentary, I have also produced short films, music videos, and my latest project an independent feature film called RAISE YOUR HAND. In 2013, I acted in a music video produced by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.
This video, WAKE ME UP by Aloe Blacc, was directed by Alex Rivera (Sleep Dealer) and featured an undocumented woman (myself) attempting to reunite with her husband in the US. The subject matter was close to me because, like the 11 million other (un)documented stories, this was my family’s immigration story. To date, we have over 20 million views online. This is a perfect example of doing something I love and also raising awareness about issues that affect my community.
Currently, I’m producing several short films slated for production in 2018.
Has it been a smooth road?
I decided to go back to college when my daughter was 6 years old. I get asked a lot if being a single parent during this time made it more challenging. I’d say it made both of us stronger. Juggling parenting, work, & school definitely prepared me for producing.
I had always dreamed of going to UCLA but that dream was almost crushed when my counselor attempted to dissuade me from even applying. He stated that UCLA was highly competitive and that I would most likely not be accepted. This was a hurdle that was overcome with the help of my youngest sister Irene. I remember calling her after that meeting. She made it one of her goals to guide me through the process of applying to UCLA. I did get accepted.
I’d love to say that it’s been easy but the reality is this business is cutthroat. I’ve self-funded over half of my projects. This gives me a lot of creative control. This is important to me because I’ve stayed true to my creative vision.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have a small production company, ACantar Films, that produces films that, I hope, impact our communities positively. I am involved in every aspect of production from the inception of an “idea” to script development, casting, production, post production and marketing. I’ve been contracted to work on educational film projects, documentary, short film, commercials, industrials, & music videos.
In July 2016, I Produced and Executive Produced Director Jessica McMunn’s feature film “Raise Your Hand”. We were privileged to include the students from the Latino Film Institute’s Youth Cinema Project at Santa Ana High School. I was a mentor with the LFI YCP from 2015-2017 and this was a great opportunity to work with our youth on a “Hollywood” film. They worked as cast, crew and extras.
I’m constantly searching for projects that I believe can make a positive impact. Currently, I’m working on a project with a group of women filmmakers in response to current events. I’d love to include the youth voice which is why I’m also searching for younger filmmakers who may need mentorship at the start of their careers.
The plan is to share my knowledge with new generations of filmmakers, both women and men. Our goal is to produce documentary and film that will positively impact our communities.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acantarfilms/
- Other: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1437257/
Image Credit:
Gilbert Duran Photography
Sergio Jimenez Photography
Steven Lee
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
