I sat down with Veronica Caicedo to find out about an incredible event called IPRHFF; International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival.

The mission of this festival is to recognize the Puerto Rican community and its place in the history of the New York City becoming the largest Spanish Speaking group to migrate and settle and opening the doors for other Spanish speaking cultures to do the same.

The IPRHFF wants to continue to encourage narrative and documentary film making among Puerto Ricans and contribute the Puerto Rican culture, traditions, and creative expressions to the entire community.

Veronica is an amazing woman who has done so much for the Hispanic culture and Puerto Rican community. It was an honor to sit down with her and see how a Puerto Rican woman could achieve such success simply by believing in oneself.

Veronica is an inspiration to me and should be too many others after reading what I have learned. I met Veronica a few months ago while she was directing the play; THEY CALL ME LA LUPE.

I learned that she is an amazing director, extremely dedicated to her craft with a huge heart and a phenomenal mother. Her dedication to her craft is something that she chooses to share with as many Latinos as possible.

This was something that caught my attention immediately. She is dedicated to making sure that all Latinos, especially her Puerto Rican community have the opportunity to experience the Arts. She cares immensely about her heritage and wants to see all Puerto Ricans succeed and be offered opportunities.

So when she contacted me and asked if I would like to sponsor the IPRHFF that she worked so hard to put together with Felix Campos, how could I say no? Being a Latino myself I was more than proud to be a part of what she stood for and wanted to help out in any way I could.

On November 19th, in Spanish Harlem the INTERNATIONAL PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE FILM FESTIVAL will be held. Come by and check it out it’s the first for this neighborhood.

We want to help Veronica and the film festival get lots of support so the Arts can be shared with our Latino children for future years to come.

We at writeaboutme.com just want to say Thank You to Veronica for putting together this event and helping to share your love for the Arts with all our Latino and the Puerto Rican communities. “When You Believe You Can Achieve”

VERONICAS INTERVIEW

1) Tell us about yourself?

I am the CEO, founder Caicedo Productions, I am a producer/director in Theater and Film. My most recent projects as a director are “They Call Me LA LUPE” (Starring Lauren Velez of “Dexter”), “The Colors of Love” episodic series for cable TV and as a producer The ONE festival.

Veronica was a filmmaker selected official for the 2008 SOL Dance Film Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah, 2008 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Hostos Community College and LaGuardia Community College featured Ms. Caicedo short films “Little Courage” and “Loss Of Innocence In Loisaida”, she was honored in 2007 by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Inc. for Puerto Rican Heritage Month, and in 2003 by the Latino College Expo for her work with youth in theater/film education, and in 2002.

The Department Of Justice-Federal Bureau of Investigation honored her for Hispanic Heritage Month.

I served as a guest panelist for such organizations as HBO, Latinos for Positive Images, Urban Magazine, Boys Club of New York, Association of Hispanic Arts (AHA) and Teatro Stage Fest 07 (Latinas at the Helm).


2) What drove you to put this event together?

The idea was presented to me by a colleague of mine Felix Leo Campos of AfterDark CATV Pro for Hispanic Heritage month. The location where we had originally thought of having the event had been booked and in a short period of time, I suggested instead of Hispanic Heritage month, Let’s do it for Puerto Rican Heritage Month!

It sounded so exciting that without hesitation Felix and I came up and founded 1st annual International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival.

3) What Latino inspires you in your life?

I have a strong family support. Without them, I am not sure if I would have continued in this field. Who inspires me? My Family!!!

4) Who gave you your first break in this business?

Wow, you are taking me back into time… LOL... After Graduating from SUNY College at Purchase with a Drama Studies Degree, I worked with different theater companies as a stage manager. But as a director, my first directorial debut was with Salt and Pepper Mime Company. It was my experimental production.

5) What would you tell other Latinos out there trying to do the same thing?

Don’t give up on any dreams. Dreams become realities. Have a strong mind set and get your education first. It is a competitive world; any field or job that they strive for will always be competitive…

6) What do you know about the writeaboutme website?

I met the founder directing the theater production of “They Call Me La Lupe”. When I was introduced to the website I immediately logged on and became a member.

I love the fact that the website is informative and touching with real stories. It gives people the freedom to express themselves and share to the world their heartfelt stories.

7) What is your philosophy towards life?

Live Life to the fullest by being an honest person. Life is too short to dwell on negativity. It’s a beautiful world!

8) What is your greatest strength?

I have a few...LOL … I am an easy going and honest person with a strong focus in my career.

9) What or who motivates you to do your best in life?

I am a new mom and my son motivates me to do my best in my life! I want my son to be proud of his mom.

10) What have you learned from mistakes in life?

Every mistake that I have done was a learning experience. Having made those mistakes made me a better and wiser person, not only in my business but personal relationships.

Everyone has to go through them in order to perfect who they are as a person.

Thank you very much Veronica for giving us your time in answering these questions. We wish you the best of luck from everybody at writeaboutme.com