Season 10

Eydie

Marissa Velez

A young woman goes out one night to a social club to connect to her Puerto Rican roots.

Live Action

Difference

Comforting

Why we chose this film.

This subtle snapshot of a night out at a Puerto Rican Social Club in New York City explores important questions of community, identity, and belonging. In our favorite scene, a shared musical moment creates a beautifully unexpected sense of connection.

Filmmaker

Inspiration

I am Puerto Rican. Both my parents and all of my family are from Puerto Rico. I was born in Miami and my first language was Spanish. Raised in the US, I have always existed somewhere in the middle of Spanish and American culture. I identify as Puerto Rican, but I am questioned at every chance because of my light skin, my hair color, and my American accent. Eydie is about being in the middle of two cultures and the happiness, the loneliness, the insecurity, and ultimately the acceptance that exists. I made this film for me and for those on a similar journey–for those of us desire to connect and be seen. The images in the film are from my childhood and the time I spent on the island of Puerto Rico with my family.