DIRECTOR:

Abigail Torres Melendez, Eric Melendez

SYNOPSIS

Created by Abby Torres, #SOMOSSOCIETY: I Am Danny Torres is part of a series of short documentaries, highlighting the everyday people of Philadelphia's Puerto Rican community. I Am Danny Torres shows what it takes to keep our community beautiful while teaching Puerto Rico's rich culture in Philadelphia.

DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHY

Abigail Torres is a professional videographer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Born in Puerto Rico, she grew up in the Kensington section of Philadelphia and has a deep love for storytelling through video. At 16, she knew she wanted to capture and tell stories through film during the summer of 1998 while working on a documentary called Kensington Through Our Eyes. It focused on her changing neighborhood and won first place at the Auburn University Film Festival. She is passionate about shooting video and editing. She is dedicated to producing high-quality work that captivates and inspires her audience. With a lifelong love for videography, she is proud to have honed her skills and expertise over the years and is excited to continue telling captivating stories through her lens. Abigail was also a photojournalist in the local Spanish news channels. She has also freelanced with various organizations as well as produced videos in Puerto Rico, Ecuador and Mexico. Currently, she is working on a docu-series called #SomosSociety and I Am Danny Torres is the first in the series.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

As a documentary film director, my mission is to bring underrepresented stories and voices to the forefront and to shed light on important social, political, and cultural issues. I believe that documentaries have the power to inspire change, raise awareness, and create a more just and equitable world.

My approach to documentary filmmaking is rooted in research, authenticity, and a deep commitment to the subjects I am filming. I work closely with my subjects to ensure that their stories are told in a way that is respectful, accurate, and representative of their experiences. I also strive to make documentaries that are visually stunning and emotionally engaging, bringing audiences on a journey that is both informative and impactful.

I believe that documentaries have the power to spark important conversations and inspire action, and I am committed to using my films to shine a light on issues that matter. Whether I am exploring an underreported story or bringing attention to a pressing social issue, I approach each project with a sense of purpose and a deep commitment to making a positive impact.

Ultimately, my goal as a documentary film director is to create films that are both informative and transformative, inspiring audiences to think more deeply about the world around them and to take action to create positive change.