Through the Lens of Legacy: Vanessa Cruz's Award Winning Documentary "The Making of a Matriarch"
Winner of the Best Documentary Film award at the 2024 Reel Works Film Festival, Vanessa Cruz's "The Making of a Matriarch" centers on the stories and experiences of three generations of Dominican women: her grandmother, her mother, and herself. Created through our inaugural Dual Language Doc Lab program, Cruz's bilingual documentary recounts her family’s influence with authenticity.
The Impact of Recognition
Winning Best Documentary Film has reinforced Cruz's confidence in her storytelling abilities. "This award means everything to me," she shares. "It confirms my belief that I am a filmmaker who can create something people can relate to." The response to her film has proved this true, with viewers connecting to its universal themes of family and inherited traits.
The award ceremony proved to be an emotionally charged moment for Cruz. "Initially, I had to stop myself from crying when I went up to accept the award," she recalls. Sharing this achievement with her father made it especially meaningful, as the film represents more than just a personal accomplishment—it's a celebration of those before her.
Among the festival highlights, one moment stands out: "Walking the red carpet with my grandma was my favorite moment," Cruz recalls. "Everyone called her a star! It was an incredible sight for me and my family—almost surreal." This celebration of her grandmother exemplifies the documentary's mission to honor matriarchal legacy.
Looking Forward
Cruz's creative ambitions continue to grow. She's currently developing "Gloria," a dramedy TV series set in 1980s Queens Village, New York, that pays homage to Dominican culture and coming-of-age experiences. Additionally, she plans to create more documentaries about New York's diverse communities and their stories.
Acknowledgments
Vanessa extends special thanks to her mentors Tania and Maria, student mentors Aldo and Ian and her close friends. She’d also like to thank her parents, brothers Isaac and Jonathan, partner Jy, and most importantly, her grandmother, who made it all possible.
"The Making of a Matriarch" debuted at the 2024 Reel Works Film Festival, where it received the Best Documentary Film award. The film was created through the Dual Language Doc Lab program, made possible by the generous support of NBA star, Karl-Anthony Towns.