Today we’d like to introduce you to Palmira Muniz.
Hi Palmira, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a family who loved media, art, and pop culture so it’s no surprise that I’d love it too. For reasons I was too young to understand at the time, My Nuyorican parents had my baby Nuyorican self-move to Orange County, CA where “culture shock” was an understatement. As an adult, I’m able to appreciate the bicoastal upbringing I’ve had, but going through it in real time was tough as a child and I had a hard time coping with the change. This on top of all the things I would face as a fat brown neurodivergent child, I had so many questions, thoughts, and feelings that I had no idea how to express.
To help with this, I began writing poetry and short stories at a really young age and I was noticed by my teachers and peers, as they would share with me how my work resonated with them. Growing up as a sensitive kid, learning that people could connect to whatever the material I was creating made an impact on me; I had realized that in a society that did not and does not see little fat Black or Brown girls, writing felt like it was the only way I’d be seen.
Since then, I’ve expanded the ways in which I want to show up in the world as an entertainer, getting into acting, directing, and stand-up comedy in college (UC Davis, Go Aggies!). I did all that post – grad after moving to LA from OC in 2017 while working in corporate for CBS. in 2019, I moved on as a freelance writer / producer where I’ve helped with award shows, film festivals, ad campaigns, branded content, PA, and tons more.
In 2022 until now, I bounce back and forth between Los Angeles and Phoenix, doing PA and copywriting work out there as well. I decided to go back to school for the UCLA TFT Professional Program to work on my television writing skills and right in the middle of that, I was blessed with a job as a producer for the MaximumFun podcasts, “FANTI” and “We See Each Other: The Podcast.” Right now, I’m in my last days of school, working on my third short film and developing VivalapalmA Productions.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. 90% of the struggle is financial, 10% is mental stamina. I wasn’t lucky to have been born from money or connections, so I am building all that up as I’ve been going along in this industry. I’ve messed up a lot and made tons of mistakes that taught me how to navigate finding jobs that fulfill me artistically but also keep the lights on. At times, a job will do both or either and there’s nothing wrong with that, but I learned that there’s power in knowing when to say “no” to a project that isn’t right for you AND knowing that it’s okay to say “yes” to project just to make ends meet and it won’t take away from your artistry.
The mental stamina part…I definitely learned about myself as a person and what I was capable of in regard to my mental strength. I’ve spent many nights in pools of my own tears, learning and unlearning behaviors that held me back not only professionally but personally, and I don’t think that I would have had that kind of personal development working in any other industry, especially one that leaves me so visible to others. Along with this, I think many folks would agree with me on this, but the loneliness that comes with chasing your dreams. It can be the most isolated you’ll ever feel in your life, but I’ve learned that there is power in community and that *ESPECIALLY* artists need to keeping coming together to help one another.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Honestly, it’s hard to keep up with my own self because even when I’m not working, I STAY working. I love all types of storytelling, but I would say my “thing” is between horror stories about enraged maladjusted women, bisexual rom – coms, and period sports pieces. Currently, I’m more known for my social commentary, like the piece “7 Ways Non-Black POC Perpetuate Anti-Blackness in their Communities” which I’m proud to say is still in circulation years later. My most recent piece, “Beware Those Who Enter: The Unadjusted Girl & Exaggerated Societal Fear of Closeness” sums up the focus of my writing: the intersection of critical theory and horror.
I’m extremely proud of this part of my legacy and I’m hoping to gravitate towards being known for my writing in film and television. I love bringing new perspectives into familiar tropes and right now, I’m writing a horror anthology series that takes the “fat friend” and turns them into The Final Girl, The Villain, The Killer, and The Monster – I aim to create fat characters who are substantial to the story so fat actors can play them for fat audiences to enjoy. Unlike anything else in media over the last few decades, I want fat people to see themselves in my horror and comedy stories.
I also write stories for moody emo Black and Brown girls, and the fact that that’s been who’s shown me the most love throughout my career is something I’m proud of, too.
What’s next?
At the moment, I’m rooting for all the folks carrying on WGA strikes right now because without them I wouldn’t have a future to look forward to. Until that’s handled, I’m reevaluating future plans and thinking about my options if I have to pivot, career-wise. In any case, I plan on taking up acting classes, possibly getting back into stand-up comedy, and finding reps and PR, and I’m looking forward to all the projects I’ll get to work on, both small and large budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://palmiramuniz.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/vivalapalma
- Twitter: twitter.com/vivalpapalma
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ScwhE-VC4&list=PL_m6-oNxP10vPzdR44sVvP9rfWzgbnyTl
- Other: https://maximumfun.org/about/team/palmira-muniz/
