Life & Work with Martina Tucker of Pomona

Today we’d like to introduce you to Martina Tucker.

Hi Martina, 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?
I definitely feel like I’ve lived about three lives since I was born. There’s been so much that has shaped me into who I am, and all of it has led to this hard-won turning point today. I’m a survivor of domestic violence, a mother who rebuilt her life from the ground up, and a Midwestern girl who found her way to California with a dream that I’ve never let go of.

Growing up, movies and television were my escape. They brought my family together and gave me a glimpse into worlds where healing and transformation were possible. I didn’t have much access to creative outlets back then, but I was endlessly curious about the world of film and TV. I’d watch behind-the-scenes features and fantasize about creating something powerful enough to bring harmony into other people’s homes.

It took years to get here. I had to raise my kids, face a long road of personal growth, and finish my education. The path wasn’t linear or always clear, but the dream never left me. Finally, though, I reached a place where I felt ready to step into the career I’d always imagined.

While pursuing my education, I landed the role of producer on the short film “Natural Selection.” That project was pivotal because it gave me my first real taste of what it truly means to bring a story to life. It was also the first project I saw through from beginning to end. But I’ve come to realize that the deeper lessons came after the class, as I pushed the film through the festival circuit and used that momentum to launch the next project.

That journey led me to “The Dove,” a short film I’m currently producing with Amanda D’Ambrosio, the incredible writer and director behind “Natural Selection.” Amanda’s writing is emotionally layered. She uses comedy not to distract from pain, but to move through it. “The Dove” explores the loss of Amanda’s mother to cancer when she was just a child. It’s a story about grief, of course, but also about healing, and the power of love to transcend death.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. The road has been full of detours. I’ve had to navigate trauma and rebuild my life a couple of times. Through that journey, though, I’ve learned how to protect my energy so I can still show up for others. There were years where survival was the priority, not creativity. But every challenge taught me something about resilience, about boundaries, and about the kind of work I want to create.

Even now, producing “The Dove” has come with its own hurdles. Unlike my first university-backed project, this one requires strategic fundraising and a lot of community outreach with emotional clarity. It’s taught me how to advocate for a story that matters deeply, not just to me, but to anyone who’s ever faced grief and needed to feel less alone.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an independent filmmaker and an advocate for survivors rebuilding their lives. I aim to produce emotionally resonant stories that center healing, transformation, and, of course, human connection. I like creating films that don’t just entertain but help people feel seen.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve built my career with intention. Every project I take on is rooted in care and emotional truth. What sets me apart is my ability to lead with empathy while still holding strong boundaries. I vet collaborations carefully. One of my main goals in collaborating is being able to protect my team’s energy and make sure our work reflects the values we live by.

“The Dove” is a perfect example of that. It’s not just a film, it’s an invitation to anyone navigating loss. My team and I want to make this film so that anyone facing grief feels less alone. Even more, maybe someone will feel inspired to heal.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is that clarity is kindness. Whether it’s in relationships or collaborations, being clear about your intentions, boundaries, and values is the most loving thing you can do for yourself and for others.

I’ve learned to say “yes” only when it aligns with love and self-respect. I’ve learned to walk away from misaligned partnerships, even when it’s hard. And I’ve learned that healing isn’t linear, but storytelling can be a powerful part of the process.

Most of all, I’ve come to understand that growth isn’t a destination. It’s a lifelong journey. I’m always learning and evolving. And I’m forever finding new ways to show up for myself and the communities I care about.

Pricing:

• At this time, I’m focused on fundraising for “The Dove.” If readers feel moved to support the project, I invite them to donate to the GoFundMe. Each donation goes directly toward production costs and are deeply appreciated:
• • https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-amandas-next-film-the-dove

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martina.ann?igsh=eDNzMGE0YzRodXBi&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/namezmartina
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinatucker/
• Other: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fund-amandas-next-film-the-dove

Image Credits
For the first photo the photographer is Ariana Deleon. Her Instagram handle is @arideleoness