Malcriada Short Film
An NYU thesis short film about girlhood, community, and the ties that shape us.
Malcriada NYU Thesis Film
The daughter of a pastor in a rural Puerto Rican town faces the fear and loneliness of a hidden pregnancy, while her mother struggles to protect her from the relentless judgement of her own community.
San Juan, PR, US
- $7,728 raised of $30,000 goal
- 16 donations
- 66 days left
Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas
Description:
In April 2026, I will be returning to Puerto Rico to film my thesis project, Malcriada. I’ll be collaborating with local actors and crew to bring this story to life, hoping to fuse everything I’ve learned during my four years at NYU with the creative energy of the place I call home.
About the Film:
The daughter of a pastor in a rural Puerto Rican town faces the fear and loneliness of a hidden pregnancy, while her mother struggles to protect her from the relentless judgment of her own faith and community.
Synopsis:
In a small, deeply religious town in rural Puerto Rico, sixteen-year-old Jimena, the daughter of a respected pastor, lives under the constant gaze of her community. Praised as a symbol of purity and discipline, she hides a secret that threatens to destroy everything her family stands for .
When her mother, Inés, discovers that Jimena is pregnant, their lives begin to fall apart. Terrified of her husband and the judgment of their church, Inés decides to hide the truth, forcing both mother and daughter to live in silence. As Jimena faces her growing fear and isolation, she begins to question the faith and authority that have always controlled her.
Malcriada is a story about the pressure of purity, the fear of sin, and the bond between a mother and daughter trapped in a world ruled by appearances and faith.
Why I’m Raising Funds:
This project means a lot to me. Not only is this my thesis film, it is a way for me to bring cinema home and involve my community that has meant so much to me growing up.
Your support will go toward:
Equipment and production costs
Travel and lodging for cast & crew
Lighting, art direction, and costumes
Working with local Puertorrican actors
Meals and safety for the crew during the shoot
Every contribution — big or small — helps us tell this story with care and authenticity.
Join Us:
By supporting Malcriada, you’re helping amplify a Puerto Rican story told by Puerto Rican artists, investing in local talent, and contributing to a film that explores identity, girlhood, and the quiet struggles so often overlooked. Your support directly empowers emerging filmmakers and brings authentic representation to the screen.
Thank you for helping us make this film possible.
— Alexandra Sosa Ruiz
NYU Tisch | Shooting April 2026 | Puerto Rico
In April 2026, I will be returning to Puerto Rico to film my thesis project, Malcriada. I’ll be collaborating with local actors and crew to bring this story to life, hoping to fuse everything I’ve learned during my four years at NYU with the creative energy of the place I call home.
About the Film:
The daughter of a pastor in a rural Puerto Rican town faces the fear and loneliness of a hidden pregnancy, while her mother struggles to protect her from the relentless judgment of her own faith and community.
Synopsis:
In a small, deeply religious town in rural Puerto Rico, sixteen-year-old Jimena, the daughter of a respected pastor, lives under the constant gaze of her community. Praised as a symbol of purity and discipline, she hides a secret that threatens to destroy everything her family stands for .
When her mother, Inés, discovers that Jimena is pregnant, their lives begin to fall apart. Terrified of her husband and the judgment of their church, Inés decides to hide the truth, forcing both mother and daughter to live in silence. As Jimena faces her growing fear and isolation, she begins to question the faith and authority that have always controlled her.
Malcriada is a story about the pressure of purity, the fear of sin, and the bond between a mother and daughter trapped in a world ruled by appearances and faith.
Why I’m Raising Funds:
This project means a lot to me. Not only is this my thesis film, it is a way for me to bring cinema home and involve my community that has meant so much to me growing up.
Your support will go toward:
Equipment and production costs
Travel and lodging for cast & crew
Lighting, art direction, and costumes
Working with local Puertorrican actors
Meals and safety for the crew during the shoot
Every contribution — big or small — helps us tell this story with care and authenticity.
Join Us:
By supporting Malcriada, you’re helping amplify a Puerto Rican story told by Puerto Rican artists, investing in local talent, and contributing to a film that explores identity, girlhood, and the quiet struggles so often overlooked. Your support directly empowers emerging filmmakers and brings authentic representation to the screen.
Thank you for helping us make this film possible.
— Alexandra Sosa Ruiz
NYU Tisch | Shooting April 2026 | Puerto Rico
Rewards
Executive Producer Credit
Donate $1,000.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Join the Executive Producer Circle/guardians of a story about care, girlhood, and quiet resistance.
A guardian of the story, with the following perks:
- All previous perks
- Executive Producer Credit
- Invitation to set visit
- Private coffee or dinner with the team (PR or NYC)
- Lifetime invitations to future screenings
5 claimed
Circle of Care
Donate $10.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Join the Circle of Care: a community of supporters helping bring a tender story of girlhood, faith, and resilience to the screen.
This gesture of solidarity with Jimena’s story comes with the following perks:
This gesture of solidarity with Jimena’s story comes with the following perks:
- Public thank-you on the Malcriada website
- Name listed on our digital supporter wall
- Exclusive production updates
2 claimed
Letter from Jimena's World
Donate $25.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Receive a quiet moment from Jimena’s world: a digital postcard and a personal note reflecting on the emotional heart of Malcriada.
This quiet window into her reality comes with the following perks:
- All Circle of Care perks
- Downloadable digital postcard with a still or location image
- A short thank-you note from the director reflecting on girlhood and silence
0 claimed
Early Access Screening
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Be among the first to experience Malcriada and join an intimate conversation about faith, secrecy, and mother-daughter bonds.
Witness her story before anyone else with these additional perks:
Witness her story before anyone else with these additional perks:
- All previous perks plus:
- Private early-access streaming link
- Invitation to a virtual Q&A with the director and creative team
1 claimed
Behind the Silence
Donate $75.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
A behind-the-scenes look at how Malcriada was crafted with sensitivity, intention, and deep respect for its themes.
Supporting the making of a tender story comes with the following perks:
Supporting the making of a tender story comes with the following perks:
- All previous tier's perks
- Downloadable BTS mini-book, including:
- stills
- rural Puerto Rico locations
- director’s notes
- reflections on care-centered filmmaking
0 claimed
Special Thanks Credit
Donate $100.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Become part of Malcriada’s legacy with a Special Thanks credit honoring your support of this intimate Puerto Rican story.
Your name in her story comes with
Your name in her story comes with
- All previous perks
- “Special Thanks” credit in the film
- Name listed on IMDb
2 claimed
A Glimpse into the Director's Internal World
Donate $150.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
A reflective letter from the director on why Malcriada exists and what it means to tell stories about girlhood and faith with compassion.
Comes with the following perks
Comes with the following perks
- All previous perks.
- A personal essay or letter from the director.
4 claimed
Community Screening
Donate $250.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Join a collective viewing of Malcriada and engage in conversation about faith, secrecy, and maternal protection.
Experience Malcriada together with the following perks:
Experience Malcriada together with the following perks:
- All previous perks.
- Invitation to a festival or community screening
- Virtual or in-person meet-and-greet with the director
0 claimed
Associate Producer Credit
Donate $500.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Help shepherd Malcriada into the world as an Associate Producer and receive recognition for your essential support.
Support with lasting impact with the following perks:
Support with lasting impact with the following perks:
- All previous perks
- Associate Producer credit
- Signed digital script
- Personal thank-you note from the director
2 claimed