Stephanie Martino has been a leader in the nonprofit sector since 1989, bringing decades of experience in film education, program development, and production. Her expertise in pre-production, production, and post-production provides students with a strong foundation in the filmmaking process while preparing them for careers in Florida’s growing film industry.
Under her leadership, CINEMA’s programs are taught by accomplished local and national film professionals who provide students with hands-on training. This combination of industry expertise and practical experience equips aspiring filmmakers with the creative, technical, and business skills needed to succeed.
"CINEMA is designed to empower aspiring filmmakers by combining the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking with real-world industry knowledge. Our goal is to prepare students for successful careers in the film industry, with a focus on opportunities throughout Florida."
Meagan has been involved in the entertainment business for over 25 years. Prior to moving to South Florida, Meagan was in Los Angeles where she garnered casting and pre/post production experience while working on numerous TV shows and short films. Once she arrived in Miami, Meagan got very involved with the local film community. She has co-produced short film and music video contests and has coordinated many entertainment networking events, including film based seminars and screen writing workshops. Meagan's prior job before working with the Florida Film Institute was at a local talent agency where she loved being a Film/TV agent for actors.
Thomas, a native of Miami, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lynn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Film & Television and a minor in Theater. He developed a love for movies at an early age and is an alumnus of the Florida Film Institute, where he attended for four years. He has directed and produced music videos, photography, short films, and other video-related projects throughout his career as a creative director. He has furthermore worked for CASW, a nonprofit organization with offices in New York City, as a high school Career Service Specialist. Thomas is an avid gamer, streamer, and cosplayer.
Patrick Doval is a songwriter and recording artist whose work blends emotion-driven lyrics with cinematic soundscapes. He has released six albums and numerous singles, including collaborations featuring former The Offspring drummer Pete Parada, and has created over 25-music videos. He has been featured in Screamer Magazine, and his song “Crush” is set to appear in an upcoming Hollywood feature film.
My name is Flavia Ramirez, and currently I am the Media Specialist at William H. Turner Tech. I have been at Turner Tech for 9 years; eight as an Intensive Reading/SAT/ACT teacher and one as the Media Specialist. I am also the English/Reading Department Chair and Class of 2026 Sponsor. I am super excited to be working with FFI and the CINEMA program at my school!
Lester is a Florida native who graduated from the University of Miami with a BS in Journalism and a BA in English. His love for television led him to work the last 28 years in the industry. He has worked at NBC, FOX, Telemundo and KUVN 23 in Dallas Texas. Lester is now a full time Television Production and Theater instructor at Miami Lakes Educational Center where he teaches his passion to students. Aside from filming and editing Lester has a great passion for Photography. He has been a photographer for pageants such as Miss Hispanic USA, Miss Hispanic International and Miss Grand Florida.
After serving time in the military, Arturo Sande earned a B.A. in Mass Communications and quickly immersed himself in the broadcasting world. A director, producer and writer, Arturo has worked with landmark-industry networks and studios such as Mundos, Univision, VH-1, Telemundo and PBS. His credits include "VH-1 Behind the Music", "Despierta América", "Decisiones", "The Snitch's Cartel" and "The Reaping", amongst others. He has worked in TV Commercials for McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Sears and General Motors. In 2007, Arturo was selected to participate in the 'Creative Summit with Nickelodeon', a workshop designed to train new talents in the art of creative writing and of transforming ideas and concepts into production. Arturo also completed a Master's Degree in Creative Writing and has served as a member of the Jury for the Miami International Film Festival. Arturo recently directed the Documentary I Am Like You, a film that showcases the efforts and accomplishments of a group of talented young bakers. His most recent credits include the Indie movie Modicum, as well as the PBS Documentary Haunting Florida. Arturo is currently pursuing a PHD in Communications and is developing several film and TV scripts.
Adrian Garcia is an Associate Professor, a Fulbright Scholar, and the Daniel K. Gill Endowed Teaching Chair at Miami Dade College. Translating years of industry experience and leading theory into applicable filmmaking and screenwriting wisdom, he has taught generations of students a new way of seeing.
He hosts the Women Above the Line and Actor’s Spotlight interview series, which have earned a Golden Communicator Award and a Suncoast Emmy nomination. These events have connected his students with industry icons, including Oscar winner Nicolas Cage, five-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke, Oscar nominees Julie Cohen and Josh Fox, Golden Globe winner Tom Hiddleston, and two-time Golden Globe nominee Jason Isaacs. He has taught pioneering filmmaking classes to incarcerated populations at Everglades Correctional Institution, developed the first-of-its-kind Telemundo Academy, and launched study abroad programs in Prague and Vancouver.
When he is not teaching or serving on the Miami Film Festival Screening Committee, he enjoys traveling the world. He has visited 53 countries, including recent trips to Japan, Uzbekistan, and Jordan. He is also a tennis enthusiast and a foodie with a soft spot for Brazilian and Indian cuisines.
Arturo "Enrique" Trujillo is a film producer with a remarkable portfolio, including the creation of four internationally recognized short films. Notably, "No Ai," one of his productions, achieved the prestigious distinction of winning Best Short Film at the Venezuela Film Festival. He's made significant contributions to the television industry, working on the production staff for "Esplendida," a lifestyle show broadcast in Miami and throughout Latin America. Enrique's creative talents extend to music video and fashion video production, resulting in visually stunning and engaging content. As a film instructor he's passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of filmmakers, shaping the future of the cinematic arts.
Venezuelan-born, Claudio received his B.F.A. in Communications from Emerson College in Boston and his M.F.A in Film Production from the Miami International University of Art and Design. Parallel to his freelance work as producer and director of feature and independent films, he worked with Venevisión Continental, producing and directing broadcast content. Claudio has over 12 years of experience as aerial cinematographer and filmmaker, building and flying his own radio-controlled (RC) helicopters. He likes integrating aerial footage into his commercial video productions, which include real state, music business and marketing clients. He taught Film Production and other courses at Miami Dade College for five years. Claudio has also collaborated with Miami-based choreographer Pioneer Winter, spoken word artist Oscar Fuentes and theater director Jose Manuel Dominguez, mixing film with other genres. Biscayne Blues, Claudio's most recent short film, combines aerial and underwater cinematography.
Studying both Music and Music Business at Miami Dade College, Khaleel is earning his name as a sound engineer, practicing the different aspects of recording, editing and mixing. While working as a studio assistant at the college, he works for independent films as a location sound recorder and post-production sound mixer. After performing in the Emmy Award-winning ”video game concert” in 2016, he focused on working behind the scenes. In the following video game and anime concert (2017), Khaleel worked as stage manager and one of the post-production engineers.
Jose Raul Acosta has been an actor and coach for over 10 years, teaching Acting in several schools and academies in Latin America and the U.S. including iMater Academy, Zion Films Academy, ASC Company, Cumbres International School, and AVA Acting Studio. As an actor, he has performed the main character roles like MacBeth, Hamlet, The Passion of the Christ, and Death in the Forest, among others. He has received multiple international honors, including As Miamense as Possible, Florida, U.S. (2022); Royal Court Theater Award, London, U.K. (2017); Research University Award, Havana, Cuba (2016). He holds a master’s degree in Acting and Theater Education from the University of Arts, accredited by The Juilliard School in New York.
Amanda Gonzalez is a performer, director, screenwriter, and acting coach with credits across the theatre, film, and commercial industries. A professional actor since age 16, she has performed nationwide and appeared in plays, musicals, movies, and commercials. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Florida State University. As an educator, she has served as a music director, Shakespeare instructor, and acting coach for programs across South Florida, bringing a passion for storytelling to every space she leads.
Rayquan Blake is a filmmaker from Miami Gardens, Florida. He started pursuing film at his high school, Miami Lakes Educational Center, which led him to The Florida Film Institute. During his time in The Florida Film Institute, Rayquan co-wrote, directed, and produced silent films, narrative films and TV Spots. He also won two screenplay awards through this institute as well. Rayquan graduated from Miami Dade College in 2021 obtaining his AS degree in Film, and would then obtain his Bachelor's degree from Emerson College in 2023.
Pamela Fuentes is an artist and aspiring filmmaker. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Pamela grew up making short films with whatever she could find. It wasn’t until she attended FFI’s summer film program when it became clear that film and storytelling was her calling. Pamela now attends SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) - and continues writing and creating short films with peers and friends. With her work she hopes to bridge the gap of film and art!
Juan teaches Film Studies at John A. Ferguson Senior High School in West Kendall. The program consists of four years of study in the cinematic arts and International Baccalaureate Film Studies, a highly rigorous and advanced academic program. Juan is proud of Ferguson Film and graduates of the program have moved on to prestigious film schools as well as successful careers in the film industry. Many of his "kids" are also alumni of the Florida Film Institute! Juan earned his Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning from Florida International University in 2024. He thanks the Ferguson community and his colleagues at FFI for motivating, supporting, and celebrating this achievement!
Marlene Marcos is a performer, educator and coach. She earned her B.F.A. in Theatre from Florida International University and is a National Society of Arts & Letters Acting Award Recipient. She has appeared in numerous plays, improv festivals, national commercials, voice-overs, film and tv programs both in English and in Spanish. Marlene teaches courses and offers workshops in all areas of camera acting, audition techniques and improvisation to all ages. She is a facilitator and private coach to sales teams and executives for presentations and public speaking. She is currently an Acting Instructor for the New York Film Academy, South Beach Campus.
Phil has degrees in Music, Music Business, and Information Tech from Miami Dade College. His 25-year track record, however, is not limited to music production. Phil has worked on several films in the field recording and post-production department handling Dialog Editing, ADR, Sound Editing, and Mixing Surround Sound. One of his most rewarding tasks was to record, edit, and mix the audio for the film “For Once in My Life”, a true story of the lives of disabled workers at the Goodwill organization, and their healing path through music. On the musical side, Phil highlights the Grammy and Latin Grammy nominated CD from PALO!, Miami's prime Afro Cuban Funk band, and Latin Grammy winning CD Mamblue from Dr. Ed Calle. Phil also works with live sound and has teamed up with Miami Dade College to produce the 2-time Emmy Award-winning Video Game and Anime Concert. This live multimedia experience comprises a 60-piece live orchestra that plays synchronized to video game play and surround sound effects. Repertoire includes soundtracks from Mario, Naruto, Final Fantasy, Halo, Pokémon, and others. He loves to share his knowledge through teaching and is a great asset to the sound team.
