Support Tres Vidas: A Film About the Strength We Inherit

The Spark: From Blockbuster to the Director’s Chair

Hola! My name is Melinda Elise, and I am an aspiring film director. My journey started when I was just seven years old, the moment my mom let us rent Night at the Museum from Blockbuster. While most kids were focused on the movie itself, I was captivated by the Bonus Features on the main menu. Seeing the storyboards, the CGI magic, and the behind the scenes process revealed my true calling. In that moment, I knew I didn’t just want to watch stories; I wanted to build them.

From that point on, I was inseparable from my camera. Between the ages of 7 and 18, I filmed everything from music videos and Get Ready With Me vlogs to my very first short horror film during my senior year. After graduation, I committed to a career in videography and cinematography, and now I am finally creating a project that is very close to home for me.

The Inspiration: Seeing Myself on Screen

Growing up, I searched for stories that felt like home. The first time I truly felt seen was watching Real Women Have Curves. Its rich storytelling and unique cinematography captured my Hispanic heritage in a way that moved me deeply. It taught me that our stories, Latina stories, are powerful, necessary, and beautiful.

That is the exact energy I am bringing into Tres Vidas. Just as that film gave me a sense of belonging, I want this project to serve as a mirror for others, celebrating the depth and resilience of our culture.

Art as a Voice in Difficult Times

As a proud Latina, I feel the weight of the difficult and political times we are living through. Now more than ever, I believe it is vital to use our creativity to bring awareness to the beauty and strength of Hispanic culture. I want to show the world that our history is not just one of struggle, but one of immense power, courage, and grace. My goal is to use this film as a platform to uplift our community and prove that no matter what your background is or what obstacles you face, you have the power to create a beautiful story.

The Film: Tres Vidas (Three Lives)

Tres Vidas is a surreal, visually driven story that explores the invisible threads connecting three generations of women. The film follows Mia, a twenty year old at a breaking point, feeling lost and overwhelmed by the pressures of her own creative dreams. In a dreamlike in between space, she is reunited with the women who came before her: Lucia, her grandmother, and Camila, her mother.

Instead of a typical linear story, Tres Vidas uses the mystery of the deep ocean to explore themes of identity and the inner strength that carries us through our darkest moments. This project stands as a testament to the fact that we carry the bravery of our ancestors within us, and that our lineage is a source of light even when we feel submerged by the world.

Why Your Support Matters

To bring the magical realism of Tres Vidas to life, I need your help. Your donations will go directly toward the high end equipment needed for our specialized underwater cinematography and the artistic production design that ensures every detail of this story authentically honors our heritage.

Every contribution helps me bridge the gap between that seven-year-old girl with a Canon camera and the director I am today. By supporting this film, you are helping to ensure that strong Hispanic stories are seen and heard during a time when they matter most. Thank you for helping me tell a story about bravery, culture, and the three lives that make us who we are.

With love, Melinda Elise