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#SOMA

“Though we each have our own individual journeys—to finding our voice, our place in the world—as women, we all have a shared lived experience, too.” – Sonia Malfa, Director

Come behind the scenes with @sonsoll and the talented team that brought ‘The Work Continues’ to life. The film is a bold, raw celebration of the modern female experience—of women unapologetically stepping into their power and facing the challenges ahead.

#TheWorkContinues

Director: @sonsoll
1st AD: mayersteins
DP: @flaviamtz
Sound: @ini_vazquez
Production: @goodcopix, @buena_noche_st
Executive Producer: @heffism
Producer: @nikknikknikknikk
Post: ralphie_romance, @bethfitzpatrick
Creative Director/Writer: @jeffreygoodby
Account Manager: @maryford
BTS: marionsvelarde
Sound Design & Mix: @audioniche_nyc
Editor: @jerrychia31
Assistant Editor: Pete Valenti
Colorist: @matteo_belletta
Composer: @sensei_bueno
Production Designer: @cynthiaxcervantes
Art Director: @josechugarrido
Casting Director: @bastiandelrio
Stylist: @itsrobertojohnson
Makeup: @liz_jardonmua
Hair: @aldo.ek
Talent: @fransesantoya
Talent: @luluginer
Talent: @sietecuervos
Talent: @nukhisoz
Talent: Mateo Jaques
Voiceover: @uzoaduba

LA SANGRE LLAMA
“A poet with writer’s block journeys to the Caribbean, where uncovering a mystical family lineage leads her to reclaim her voice and ancestral magic.” 

Photo by @camilafalquez
Poster Design by @patricia.encarnacion.c
Costume Design by @itsrobertojohnson
Makeup Department Head @byalexarivera
Hair Department @magdalenaco01 @teresa.mendosa

gracias @nalip_org @netflix for the opportunity! Stay tuned to meet the team that made this film possible and follow our journey❤️‍🔥

Losing my mother was not only the loss of a parent, but also the loss of an ancestral connection to Puerto Rico through her - the freedom and joy of being in her beautiful yet distant homeland. My childhood memories of playing with mi familia on the beach, of parandas and Three Kings Day celebrations, and of the loving embrace of mis abuelos all live through her. In making this work, I relived the shock of learning of her passing, and the memories near and far that blended into a cacophony of deep sadness and longing.Excerpt from THE UNDERTOW full link in bio.

Losing my mother was not only the loss of a parent, but also the loss of an ancestral connection to Puerto Rico through her - the freedom and joy of being in her beautiful yet distant homeland. My childhood memories of playing with mi familia on the beach, of parandas and Three Kings Day celebrations, and of the loving embrace of mis abuelos all live through her. In making this work, I relived the shock of learning of her passing, and the memories near and far that blended into a cacophony of deep sadness and longing.Excerpt from THE UNDERTOW full link in bio.

Losing my mother was not only the loss of a parent, but also the loss of an ancestral connection to Puerto Rico through her - the freedom and joy of being in her beautiful yet distant homeland. My childhood memories of playing with mi familia on the beach, of parandas and Three Kings Day celebrations, and of the loving embrace of mis abuelos all live through her. In making this work, I relived the shock of learning of her passing, and the memories near and far that blended into a cacophony of deep sadness and longing.Excerpt from THE UNDERTOW full link in bio.

Losing my mother was not only the loss of a parent, but also the loss of an ancestral connection to Puerto Rico through her - the freedom and joy of being in her beautiful yet distant homeland. My childhood memories of playing with mi familia on the beach, of parandas and Three Kings Day celebrations, and of the loving embrace of mis abuelos all live through her. In making this work, I relived the shock of learning of her passing, and the memories near and far that blended into a cacophony of deep sadness and longing.Excerpt from THE UNDERTOW full link in bio.

Ten years ago today, my beautiful mother, Sonia Malfa Sr., passed away. I feel deeply blessed to have been graced with her love, support, intelligence, adventure, courage, determination, joy, and wisdom. I am proud to carry her name.

THE UNDERTOW is a visual poem I directed the year after losing her. The title refers to the current of grief, memory, and loss flowing just beneath the surface of my calm, stoic exterior, like the hidden pull of the ocean tugging at your feet as the waves recede.The film was created as an improvisation - felt rather than written, raw instead of structured. I created it as both a reflection of the grief and memory that consumed me during that time, and as an offering to her spirit. In every frame I tried to hold the weight of absence alongside the radiance she carried in her laughter, her wonder, and her fierce joy for life. In making this work, I came to understand that she would not want me to remain submerged in grief. She would want me to find my own joy again, to carry her light forward, and, in that act, to release her lovingly into spirit.

For many years I kept the film private. It felt like a journal entry meant only for my mother and me. But today, on the tenth anniversary of her passing, I feel compelled to honor her memory by sharing it.

Love you Mom.
Link to full video in bio.

And thank you to my inspiring creative collaborators for stepping into the sandbox with me, and for helping me shape grief into memory, and memory into light.

Muse and Actress: @nrg.healix
Spirit: @florenceblakemourad

Writer, Director, Editor: @sonsoll
Cinematographer: @lisarinzler
Stedicam Operator: @lucasmcgowen
Asstant camera and Still Photogrpaher: @smallmediumlee
Assiatnat Camera: Richard Francis Martin
Sound Operator: Brian N. Joseph
Markup Artist: @makeupbygeeta
Jewelry by: @l_enchanteur
Sequence Dress by: @jeromelamaar
Color Grade: @natachaikoli
Composer: @amandacomposer

Ten years ago today, my beautiful mother, Sonia Malfa Sr., passed away. I feel deeply blessed to have been graced with her love, support, intelligence, adventure, courage, determination, joy, and wisdom. I am proud to carry her name.

THE UNDERTOW is a visual poem I directed the year after losing her. The title refers to the current of grief, memory, and loss flowing just beneath the surface of my calm, stoic exterior, like the hidden pull of the ocean tugging at your feet as the waves recede.The film was created as an improvisation - felt rather than written, raw instead of structured. I created it as both a reflection of the grief and memory that consumed me during that time, and as an offering to her spirit. In every frame I tried to hold the weight of absence alongside the radiance she carried in her laughter, her wonder, and her fierce joy for life. In making this work, I came to understand that she would not want me to remain submerged in grief. She would want me to find my own joy again, to carry her light forward, and, in that act, to release her lovingly into spirit.

For many years I kept the film private. It felt like a journal entry meant only for my mother and me. But today, on the tenth anniversary of her passing, I feel compelled to honor her memory by sharing it.

Love you Mom.
Link to full video in bio.

And thank you to my inspiring creative collaborators for stepping into the sandbox with me, and for helping me shape grief into memory, and memory into light.

Muse and Actress: @nrg.healix
Spirit: @florenceblakemourad

Writer, Director, Editor: @sonsoll
Cinematographer: @lisarinzler
Stedicam Operator: @lucasmcgowen
Asstant camera and Still Photogrpaher: @smallmediumlee
Assiatnat Camera: Richard Francis Martin
Sound Operator: Brian N. Joseph
Markup Artist: @makeupbygeeta
Jewelry by: @l_enchanteur
Sequence Dress by: @jeromelamaar
Color Grade: @natachaikoli
Composer: @amandacomposer

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

Congratulations to the Women of Color Incubator fellows! Last week we hosted a special screening of the short films in the fourth cycle at the Netflix headquarters. Proud is an understatement. We are so excited to continue supporting them on their journeys!

Check out our amazing fellows!

Carolina Costa (“The Feels – Or The Debilitated Condition Of The Reproductive System”)
@lunvamor (“Statelines”)
@sonsoll (“La Sangre Llama”)
@albogold (“Greetings From St. Helena”)
@sallyphuongtran (“Love Cycle”).

Thank you to @netflix for supporting the program and uplifting women directors!

📸: @jcolivera

#WomenOfColorIncubator #NALIP #Netflix

La Sangre Llama — Directed By Sonia Malfa

Photo x @camilafalquez

👋 Let’s give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member Sonia Malfa!

🇵🇷 Inspired by nature and myth, @SonSoll is a writer/director who creates visually poetic films that draw from her Puerto Rican roots.

🎬 From music video and commercials to documentary and narrative film, her directing work has been featured in Tribeca Festival, AdAge, Vogue Italia, and won both Webby and Clio Awards.

🎥 Sonia is currently in development on her narrative feature debut, It’s Always Sunni, which was selected for the Gotham Project Market and Film Independent’s Fast Track.

🎞️ Most recently, Sonia was selected for the NALIP/Netflix Woman of Color Film Incubator and the Actors Studio Directors Unit.

🌱 In our interview, Sonia discusses her deep connection to nature, commercial projects, the importance of creative community, and her road trip film – with a twist!

Read her full conversation with @darylthebrightestclay at the 🔗 in our bio!

👋 Let’s give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member Sonia Malfa!

🇵🇷 Inspired by nature and myth, @SonSoll is a writer/director who creates visually poetic films that draw from her Puerto Rican roots.

🎬 From music video and commercials to documentary and narrative film, her directing work has been featured in Tribeca Festival, AdAge, Vogue Italia, and won both Webby and Clio Awards.

🎥 Sonia is currently in development on her narrative feature debut, It’s Always Sunni, which was selected for the Gotham Project Market and Film Independent’s Fast Track.

🎞️ Most recently, Sonia was selected for the NALIP/Netflix Woman of Color Film Incubator and the Actors Studio Directors Unit.

🌱 In our interview, Sonia discusses her deep connection to nature, commercial projects, the importance of creative community, and her road trip film – with a twist!

Read her full conversation with @darylthebrightestclay at the 🔗 in our bio!

👋 Let’s give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member Sonia Malfa!

🇵🇷 Inspired by nature and myth, @SonSoll is a writer/director who creates visually poetic films that draw from her Puerto Rican roots.

🎬 From music video and commercials to documentary and narrative film, her directing work has been featured in Tribeca Festival, AdAge, Vogue Italia, and won both Webby and Clio Awards.

🎥 Sonia is currently in development on her narrative feature debut, It’s Always Sunni, which was selected for the Gotham Project Market and Film Independent’s Fast Track.

🎞️ Most recently, Sonia was selected for the NALIP/Netflix Woman of Color Film Incubator and the Actors Studio Directors Unit.

🌱 In our interview, Sonia discusses her deep connection to nature, commercial projects, the importance of creative community, and her road trip film – with a twist!

Read her full conversation with @darylthebrightestclay at the 🔗 in our bio!

👋 Let’s give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member Sonia Malfa!

🇵🇷 Inspired by nature and myth, @SonSoll is a writer/director who creates visually poetic films that draw from her Puerto Rican roots.

🎬 From music video and commercials to documentary and narrative film, her directing work has been featured in Tribeca Festival, AdAge, Vogue Italia, and won both Webby and Clio Awards.

🎥 Sonia is currently in development on her narrative feature debut, It’s Always Sunni, which was selected for the Gotham Project Market and Film Independent’s Fast Track.

🎞️ Most recently, Sonia was selected for the NALIP/Netflix Woman of Color Film Incubator and the Actors Studio Directors Unit.

🌱 In our interview, Sonia discusses her deep connection to nature, commercial projects, the importance of creative community, and her road trip film – with a twist!

Read her full conversation with @darylthebrightestclay at the 🔗 in our bio!

Thanks @adage!! Congrats to our @goodcopix team and @goodby_silverstein & @argent partners!!

In a time when many women are feeling the exhaustion, heartbreak, isolation, and anger around our current political affairs, we were inspired to create a film that carries a message of inspiration and empowerment. I was honored to direct this film for @argent celebrating women’s history month in an effort to motivate women worldwide. #intetnationalwomensday

In partnership with Jeff Goodby @jeffgoodby, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Goodby Silverstein Partners, Director Sonia Malfa @sonsol, and production company Good Company @goodco.tv, we’re excited to bring this spot to life and take a stand while everyone else seems to be taking a seat. We’re so fortunate to have award-winning Uzo Aduba @uzoaduba lend her voice to our film.

Talent: 
Woman 1: @sietecuervos
Woman 2: @luluginer
Woman 3: @fransesantoya
Woman 4: @nukhisoz
VO Actor: @uzoaduba

Production Company: @goodcopix 
Mexico Production Company: @buenasnochesproductions

Director: me
Executive Producer: @heffism
Producer: @nikknikknikknikk
DP: @flaviamtz
1st AD: @mayersteins
Gaffer: Mauricio Reys
Sound: @ini_vazquez
Production Designer: @cynthiaxcervantes
Art Director: @josechugarrido
Wardrobe Stylist: @itsrobertojohnson
MUA: @liz_jardonmua
Post Supervisor: @ralphie_romance, @bethfitzpatrick
Editor: @jerrychia31
Color: @matteo_belletta
Music Score: @sensei_bueno

Agency: @goodby_silverstein
Creative Director: @jeffreygoodby
Account Manager: @maryford

Argent:
Dave Christeson @ohheydave
Sali Christeson @salichristeson#empower #women #womensday #argent #soniamalfa

Deeply grateful this Christmas for the opportunity to direct “La Sangre Lllama”, a new short with my dear friend writer/actor @shamikahchristina. I feel so blessed and thankful to @nalip_org & @netflixfilm for the opportunity and to all of my creative partners on this production, my heart is full💚. La Sangre Lllama, coming soon…

In “La Sangre Llama” (The Blood Calls), my collaboration with writer and actress Shamikah Christina Martinez, we explore the universal diasporic experience of returning to one’s homeland, reconnecting with ancestors, and celebrating cultural resilience and healing. Our film speaks to the deep-rooted ties that bind us across generations and the powerful call to reclaim and honor our heritage.

I am incredibly grateful to the NALIP/Netflix WOC Incubator for their unwavering commitment to empowering diverse women directors and amplifying our creative voices. By investing in our growth, they not only empower us as storytellers, but pave the way for our authentic and vibrant narratives to be seen, heard, and valued.”

Mil gracias @nalip_org and @netflix for this opportunity. Congrats to my fellow cohort filmmakers. Thank you @variety and @jazzt21 for the article.Thank you @goodcopix, @gisell.c_, @priestesseset. Headshot 📸 by @1800_i_luv_youTeam headshot 📸 by @totheppl

In “La Sangre Llama” (The Blood Calls), my collaboration with writer and actress Shamikah Christina Martinez, we explore the universal diasporic experience of returning to one’s homeland, reconnecting with ancestors, and celebrating cultural resilience and healing. Our film speaks to the deep-rooted ties that bind us across generations and the powerful call to reclaim and honor our heritage.

I am incredibly grateful to the NALIP/Netflix WOC Incubator for their unwavering commitment to empowering diverse women directors and amplifying our creative voices. By investing in our growth, they not only empower us as storytellers, but pave the way for our authentic and vibrant narratives to be seen, heard, and valued.”

Mil gracias @nalip_org and @netflix for this opportunity. Congrats to my fellow cohort filmmakers. Thank you @variety and @jazzt21 for the article.Thank you @goodcopix, @gisell.c_, @priestesseset. Headshot 📸 by @1800_i_luv_youTeam headshot 📸 by @totheppl

In “La Sangre Llama” (The Blood Calls), my collaboration with writer and actress Shamikah Christina Martinez, we explore the universal diasporic experience of returning to one’s homeland, reconnecting with ancestors, and celebrating cultural resilience and healing. Our film speaks to the deep-rooted ties that bind us across generations and the powerful call to reclaim and honor our heritage.

I am incredibly grateful to the NALIP/Netflix WOC Incubator for their unwavering commitment to empowering diverse women directors and amplifying our creative voices. By investing in our growth, they not only empower us as storytellers, but pave the way for our authentic and vibrant narratives to be seen, heard, and valued.”

Mil gracias @nalip_org and @netflix for this opportunity. Congrats to my fellow cohort filmmakers. Thank you @variety and @jazzt21 for the article.Thank you @goodcopix, @gisell.c_, @priestesseset. Headshot 📸 by @1800_i_luv_youTeam headshot 📸 by @totheppl