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Logline

A queer summer romance hits its expiration date but no one is ready to say goodbye.

Synopsis

On her last day in town, Aurora tries to savor every stolen moment with Amanda, the girl she was never supposed to fall for. With summer coming to an end and a strict religious family on their heels, the two young women confront what it means to be present, to be seen, and to love someone, even when you know it may not last forever. Equal parts rebellious, tender, and hopeful, Summer Thing captures the ache of goodbye, the thrill of first love, and the kind of summer that leaves a mark long after it’s gone.

Meet the Filmmakers

Christina Nieves — Writer/Director
Christina Nieves is a queer, Puerto Rican director, writer, and actor focused on Latine and LGBTQ+ driven content, across genre and medium. Born in Queens, New York and raised in South Florida, Christina’s TV writing credits include HBO Max’s Generation and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies for Paramount Plus, as well as Freeform’s Motherland: Fort Salem and Vida for Starz. She has developed projects with Showtime, Paramount Plus, NBC Universal, Universal Content Productions, and Working Title, among others. Christina holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from DePaul University and a Master of Fine Arts in TV and Screenwriting from Stephens College. She is a proud member of Writers’ Guild of America, SAG-AFTRA, Actors’ Equity Association and the Television Academy.

Genevieve Villarreal — Producer
Genevieve Villarreal is a first-generation, queer, Mexican-American filmmaker making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. Inspired by the resilient women who raised her, she is committed to amplifying the voices of women, Latine, and queer communities in her capacity as a producer. Genevieve has produced over five short films that have screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals such as Cinequest and LA Shorts. With a passion for coming-of-age narratives, complex family dynamics, and bold female protagonists, she is committed to telling stories that challenge stereotypes and expand representation. She earned her degree in Communications and Radio-Television-Film from San Jose State University, graduating cum laude.

Mariscela Mendez — Director of Photography
Mariscela Mendez is a Director of Photography from San Antonio, Texas, whose work is deeply informed by her Mexican-American heritage. She gravitates toward projects that explore Latine identity, center female perspectives, and incorporate elements of magical realism. Méndez is one of the honorees of the International Cinematographers Guild’s 2025 Emerging Cinematographer Awards for The Middle, written and directed by Sylvia Ray. She was nominated twice at the Mexican-American Film & TV Festival for “Best Cinematography,” ultimately winning for her work on the surreal vampire short Vivir, written and directed by Gerardo Maravilla. A proud member of ICG Local 600, Méndez works internationally and continues to bring her unique vision and voice to projects across narrative, documentary, and commercial spaces

JoAnne Yarrow — Editor
JoAnne Yarrow is a Film and TV Editor with twenty years of industry experience. She began her editing career under the mentorship of Academy Award-winning writer/director John Ridley, then went on to work on the critically acclaimed series Queen Sugar (OWN), Apple TV+ limited series, Five Days at Memorial, and Only Murders in the Building (Hulu). JoAnne earned an HPA Editing nomination for her work on Vida (Starz) as well as a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series for her work in Only Murders in the Building. She recently completed the much-anticipated Amazon series Scarpetta, starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis. Her films include Shirley, a historical drama based on the true story of Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to run for President, and The Persian Version, a vibrant, deeply personal film and 2023 Sundance Audience award winner directed by Maryam Keshavarz. JoAnne is a member of American Cinema Editors and the Television Academy.

Yazmine Ocampo — Casting Director
Yazmine Ocampo is a Mexican-American entertainment & casting professional. Her love for film, television, and theatre began with her family, gathering around the couch to watch everything from the newest releases to classic sitcoms like I Love Lucy and Bewitched. Now, she’s passionate about helping bring stories to life through a Latine lens—especially those rooted in comedy, coming-of-age journeys, female-driven narratives, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling that brings people together. Since graduating from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Communication Studies, Yazmine has held various positions in the industry ranging in development, representation, and production. Her first love of theater and performing, however, sparked her interest in bringing projects to life through the casting lens.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.