Today we’d like to introduce you to Liznett Rivera
Hi Liznett, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Growing up, I always loved to watch films and read books. I remember every time I would watch a movie, I would sit and search online the ‘behind the scenes’ of that film. I loved it.
The years passed, and I still was in awe of the film industry. So, when it was time to apply for college, I sat with both of my parents and told them that I wanted to cross the water and study in the U.S. At first, they were sad because I was the oldest – their first daughter – and would be moving far from home. But, they supported it.
In a blink of an eye, I was with two suitcases by my side as I boarded my flight to new beginnings. I was scared, but excited for what was to come. When the plane took off, tears ran down my cheeks as I saw my dad waving at the plane ‘goodbye.’
Rhode Island became my home for four years, and I loved every second of it. I majored in Media and Communications which focused on film and tv. Throughout those years, I learned how to bring a story to life which included writing, photographing and working on sets.
I graduated in May 2024 and even if I didn’t have a straight answer of what I was going to do “after college,” I knew one thing for sure. Moving to California. I packed my car with all my belongings and drove here, to California. It took me four days. It was long and tiring, but it felt amazing! I knew this is what little me had wanted, especially after all those years watching ‘behind the scenes’ in my room, while film scripts, clapboards and a Hollywood Sign poster covered my room.
Now, it hasn’t really been easy. I started from zero, yet again. And, it was very hard adapting to everything Post-College, specifically not having a job. I would sit on my empty apartment thinking of what to do. And that’s when it clicked me. Write.
I didn’t mention this earlier, but during college, I would have dreams about things that I want to bring to life, stories. With the busy time I had, I would just write those ideas on a piece of paper. I grabbed one of them and knew that I had to create a story. So I did. I wrote my first debut novel.
It’s in the works right now, but writing a book just made everything in my life click together. I fell in love with it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I wasn’t just starting over—I was doing it with no job and no family around me. The drastic change was terrifying. Fortunately, I had saved money before moving to California, but I watched it slowly decrease, unsure of what would come next.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional filmmaker, writer, and photographer. College gave me the opportunity to strengthen my skills and deepen my passion for storytelling. While I’ve explored various aspects of filmmaking, my current focus is on writing. My debut novel is set to be released in 2025, and I’m also working on the screenplays for two upcoming short films. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the storytelling process in any form.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Communicating, networking, and staying positive are essential! I’ve been living here for less than a year, and networking has played a huge role in getting me to where I am today. In the beginning, I searched for small gigs on social media, which helped me connect with other filmmakers and writers. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to never be afraid to ask or speak up—people know people, and we can all help each other grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://liznetttorres.wixsite.com/my-site-1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liznettorres/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liznettrivera
