New Wave: A See Change Project for Film Streams’ See Change Initiative
In this episode Artistic Director Diana Martinez talks to Gabriela Watson-Burkett, Kristal Sotomayor & Melissa Beatriz, the co-founders of ¡Presente! Media, a Philadelphia-based collective led by Latinx filmmakers and journalists focused on social justice.
Philadelphia filmmaker hopes short film has lasting impact on immigration by 6ABC
Coverage of the rough cut community screening of Expanding Sanctuary at City Hall as part of the Office of Immigrant Affair’s Hispanic Heritage Month programming. Read More
Faces of Change in Immigration Reform by Visions 6ABC
Kristal Sotomayor is producing and directing a documentary film called Expanding Sanctuary. The film follows immigrant rights organization Juntos as they campaigned against the continuation of PARS. Read More
Philly Rising: Documenting the power of community in ‘Expanding Sanctuary’ by KYW Newsradio
When Kristal Sotomayor began filming her documentary “Expanding Sanctuary” last year, she had no idea that she would be recording history. Read More
Celebración de herencia latina en festival de películas by Telemundo 62
Regresa el “Philadelphia Film Festival” a Center City. Este festival de películas celebra la herencia latina y se llevará a cabo del jueves, 30 de mayo hasta el domingo, 2 de junio. Read More
Five LGBTQ Filmmakers Who Make Philly Proud by Sarah Mueller, CineSPEAK
When so much of Pride looks like rainbow capitalism and whitewashing LGBTQ history, let’s bring it back to the queer and trans creators who are challenging these narratives every day. Read More
Documentaries to Watch for National Hispanic Heritage Month by Jessica Rodriguez, IDA
Between September and October 15, we celebrate the culture and contributions of the vast and diverse Hispanic communities that call the US their home, while honoring their stories. Read More
10 Latinx Filmmakers You Should Know About by Shayne Rodriguez Thompson, HipLatina
Kristal Sotomayor is a talented young documentary filmmaker who draws inspiration from her heritage to create films that highlight Latinidad and tackle tough issues like immigration. Read More
IF/Then Shorts Announces Finalists for First Program Under Field of Vision Umbrella — Exclusive by Chris Lindahl, IndieWire
Six teams of diverse nonfiction filmmakers are receiving grants and mentorship to tell their stories focused on the Northeast U.S. and Puerto Rico. Read More
These Philadelphia-area Latinos had significant achievements in 2020 by Jesenia De Moya Correa, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Gabriela Watson-Burkett, 36, Kristal Sotomayor, 25, and Melissa Beatriz, 32, are the Latinx filmmakers behind ¡Presente! Media — a journalism collective created in March to produce bilingual features and documentaries on social justice. Read More
‘When I win, I uplift’: Kristal Sotomayor on finding support for media makers of color by Michael Butler, Technical.ly Philadelphia
The ¡Presente! Media cofounder has a mission to empower Latinx and other communities of color via storytelling. But first, they’ve had to navigate their own professional path, finding access via mentorship and other resources. Read More
Fundraiser launches for ‘Expanding Sanctuary’ documentary by Emily Neil, AL DÍA
“It was ‘fate’ that it happened to be the perfect moment for the beginning of a partnership that would eventually produce ‘Expanding Sanctuary.’/ Fue el ‘destino’ que hubiese sido el momento perfecto para iniciar una sociedad que más tarde produjo ‘Expanding Sanctuary’” Read More
Documentary shows Latinx activism on film — and behind the lens by Gary Kramer, Philadelphia Gay News
“I have privilege with the camera of telling this story and being responsible to this community to decolonize the ways documentary takes a story from community.” Read More
Applauding Oscar Diversity, Philly Filmmakers Say It’s Just A Start by Ximena Conde, WHYY
Kristal Sotomayor, another Philadelphia filmmaker and programming coordinator for the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival, said the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences still has a long way to go, calling the institution classist and elitist. Read More
More Press
‘Expanding Sanctuary’ documents Latinx role in Philly’s campaign to end PARS access by Jesenia De Moya Correa, The Philadelphia Inquirer
What 10 Black and Latinx entrepreneurs say they need to succeed in Philadelphia by Michael Butler, Technical.ly Philadelphia
How Jennifer Lopez Paved the Way for a Generation of Latinas by Irina Gonzalez, The Oprah Magazine
Alum Spotlight: Kristal Sotomayor ’17, Comparative Lit Major with a Minor in Film Studies by Bryn Mawr College
What’s New At This Year’s Philadelphia Latino Film Festival? by Jesenia De Moya Correa, The Philadelphia Inquirer
International Documentary Association Awards 15 Film Projects With $245,000 in Grants — Exclusive by Chris Lindahl, IndieWire
Philadelphia Latino Film Festival goes virtual by Gary Kramer, Philadelphia Gay News
Fund This Project: ‘Expanding Sanctuary’ Explores Philadelphia’s Grassroots Immigration Advocacy by Monique Jones, Just Add Color
Interview with 2019 Philadelphia Latino Film Festival Programmers by Gretjen Clausing, PhillyCAM Radio
To Call It Home: Kristal Sotomayor ’17 brings “the tradition of Bryn Mawr fearlessness” to her filmmaking by Bryn Mawr College Alumnae Bulletin
The Citizen Recommends: Good Pitch Local by Emily Neil, The Philadelphia Citizen
A Conversation with Kristal Sotomayor by Allison Torres, Haverford College
Kristal Sotomayor, a Documentary Filmmaker on Her Film, ‘Expanding Sanctuary,’ and Being a First Generation American by Michael Butler, City Wide Stories
Valuing Living Experiences: An Interview with the Expanding Sanctuary film crew by Laurel McLaughlin, Title Magazine
Decolonizing stories, reimagining space by Alex Smith, Philadelphia Gay News
Showcase Filmmaker Spotlight: Kristal Sotomayor by Travis Trew, Philadelphia Film Society
Where to find a taste of Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean in Philly by Alisha Miranda, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Introducing cinéSPEAK: Meet the Team Behind Our New Publication by Sarah Mueller, CineSPEAK
Predictions for nonprofits 2021 by Sabrina Vourvoulias, Generocity
Recolección de fondos continúa para el documental ‘Expanding Sanctuary’ by Emily Neil, AL DÍA
Interview with 2020 Philadelphia Latino Film Festival Programmers by Gretjen Clausing, PhillyCAM Radio
What do millennials worry about? by Hayley Goodrich, WBAI 99.5
Sign up for the mailing list to get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Kristal Sotomayor 