Melissa Montero, a New York documentary filmmaker and Hofstra graduate.
Melissa Montero is a Latina filmmaker living in Queens, New York, of Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian decent. She has co-produced and directed a non-broadcast promotional video/documentary on Casa Atabex Ache, a non-profit organization that does healing and transformation work for women of color. Melissa has also taught video production classes at the Grand Street Settlement After school Beacon Program where she produced and directed a short video on the program’s services. She’s worked at NBC, The History Channel, Lifeskool/Sportskool, VOOM HD and is now at The Biography Channel as a Production Coordinator/Associate Producer. She is a graduate of the 2004 National Association of Latino Independent Producer a New York Documentary Mentoring Program where she began working on her documentary, Our Women, Our Struggle. In the fall of 2005, Melissa’s film became a fiscal sponsored project of Women Make Movies and in August of 2007 she graduated from NALIP’s Latino Producer’s Academy held in Tucson, Arizona. Melissa has a Bachelor of Arts in TV/Video from the Hofstra University’s School of Communications. In addition, she is a recipient of the 2008 Roy W. Dean NYC video grant.
“Our Women, Our Struggle” is a compelling hour-long documentary that chronicles the lives of three Puerto Rican revolutionary women, Isabel Rosado, Lolita Lebron and Dylcia Pagan, who dedicated their lives to the Puerto Rican Independence movement.
As a result, they were subjected to FBI surveillance and each spent many years in prison. The women spoke about their persecution, incarceration and involvement in the historical struggle for independence on the island and in the Diaspora. Collectively, these three women served over 50 years in federal prison, as a consequence of their radical political activism. Isabel was sentenced to 17 years in prison, and served 13. Lolita was originally sentenced to death, but had her sentence reduced to 56 years. She eventually served 25 years in prison. Dylcia was sentenced to 55 years and served 19.
Q&A With Melissa Montero
By Hector Flores
Q: What made you choose to become a documentary filmmaker instead of a feature filmmaker?
A: I chose to become a documentary filmmaker for several reasons. First, as a political activist, I found documentary filmmaking a perfect vehicle for social change. I also always wanted to combine this artwork with social justice to educate the masses and inspire others. Second, documentaries are always telling a true story or remain true to a character's experience. Third, as a Latina in the United States, I think it's important for us to share and tell our own stories instead of having others tell it for us. And last, I find that most documentary filmmakers share a bit about themselves through their documentaries and to a certain extent our films are a reflection of who we are. So for me in making this film I am sharing a piece of myself with others.
Q: Who are your role models, in film and out?
A: Most of my role models are those who have been here before us, revolutionaries and just average people from our everyday lives. These are the people that touch and inspire me. But first, of course, are my parents who have always passed on valuable lessons to me and my siblings, and did everything they could to provide us with a good life. I also admire the women from my film and my community. One of my closest mentors is Esperanza Martell, a life long political activist who always lives in the possibility. I also admire Don Pedro Albizu Campos and El Che Guevara, and then there are those people I might meet once on the train and will never see again. You know everyday experiences move me, people who choose to live powerfully move me, and people in action move me.
Q: What do you want to impart on your audience through your film?
A: I want my audience to learn about untold stories and unknown history. I want them to feel inspired and to walk away with the feeling that life is so much bigger than what we think it is. I want to teach them something they have never known before. I also want to play my part in standing for social justice by giving a voice to the voiceless and being that channel.
Q: What is your ultimate goal as a documentary filmmaker?
A: When I think of the words “ultimate goal,” it makes me think of an end; therefore I don't know what my ultimate goal would be because, for me, I’m thinking of the present moment. I can say, however, that I'd love to move on to other projects, inspire others with my work, and continue to grow and learn from those who have been mentoring me in documentary filmmaking.
Q: What inspired you to make “Our Women our Struggle?”
A: This title is a working title, so hopefully in a few months I will have a new one. And also, the film has changed a bit from its original concept, and will focus more on one woman, Dona Isabelita [Rosado]. Of course the other women will be highlighted, but we will talk more about Dona Isabelita's life. What inspired me to make the film was the story of these women, especially Dona Isabelita who at the age of 101 continues to stand for what she believes in and never backs down. Her energy and love of life inspires me.
Q: I know that Isabel Rosado, Lolita Lebron and Dylcia Pagan suffered tremendously in their effort to liberate Puerto Rico. How were they able to cope and finally pull through their ordeal?
A: I do not want to speak for anyone, but I know it takes a whole village to support someone. When these women came out of prison, they had the support of and were embraced by their communities. I also think family helps you pull through anything and I know that these women were blessed to have had very special people in their lives. I cannot imagine how it would feel to be in prison for 25, 19 or even 12 years and then to have to adapt to life outside? But thank goodness they are doing fine today.
Q: What is your next project?
A I have several ideas, but would rather share them later on. Thank you for your questions and interest in my documentary. To be able to share and talk about something I am very passionate about is great and always a wonderful experience.
By Hector Flores for LILIFF 09. This event will take place at the Charles B. Wang Center, at Stony Brook University, from November 6th to 8th. A taste of some of the best in today’s Latino Cinema
Chatelin Bruno 
