About the Workshop
Presenters:
Erik Martinez Gonzalez (he/him/él) & LiliArlen Gomez (she/hers/they/elle)
Adult Led
Session: 1 & 2
Level: Intermediate
For: Both middle and high school students
Description:
The workshop ‘Finding Ourselves in Film: Queer Cine & Cultura’ features two short films from the Watsonville Film Festival that highlight themes of identity, family, and transformation. Through powerful storytelling and cinematic expression, the films offer insight into the lived experiences of queer communities and the ways cinema can illuminate culture and personal journeys. The session emphasizes the role of film as both art and reflection, showcasing how storytelling can shape our understanding of queer identity and the world around us.
the Presenters
Erik Martinez Gonzalez (he/him/él) grew up in Salinas, California, and is a proud Mexican-American filmmaker and media professional. He studied Radio-Television-Film Production at San José State University, where he earned his B.A. in 2022. During his undergraduate years, he interned with the Producers Guild of America and The Walt Disney Company, gaining experience in feature film development, short-form television production, and event management. He currently works with the Watsonville Film Festival as Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, where he develops campaigns, creates original content, and documents events.
Lilia Arlen Gomez (LiliArlen- she/her/they/elle) is a filmmaker and creative professional whose work is rooted in culture, community, and storytelling. Born in Monterey, California and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, she brings a unique bicultural perspective to her projects. A graduate of CSU Monterey Bay’s Cinematic Arts and Technology program, LiliArlen has collaborated on productions with brands such as Apple, Google, and 20th Century Studios. Her collaborative work in the camera department has been featured at Sundance, SXSW, and the Watsonville Film Festival. Currently, LiliArlen serves as Program Manager for the Watsonville Film Festival, and as Administrative Assistant for the Monterey County Film Commission.
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