Private Project

La Esperanza

The Navy left the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico in 2003 due to local protests. They left behind toxic waste from bombs tested for Vietnam and other wars. Today, only one-third of the island is habitable, and now residents face a new battleground: Gentrification.

  • Maria Fernanda Cestero
    Director
  • Maria Fernanda Cestero
    Writer
  • Maria Fernanda Cestero
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Historical, Human rights Violations, Reparations, emotional
  • Runtime:
    27 minutes 24 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 7, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    3,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Puerto Rico
  • Country of Filming:
    Puerto Rico
  • Language:
    Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony Fx3, 35mm, IPhone
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - New York University
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Maria Fernanda Cestero

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Maria Fernanda Cestero Muniz is an independent filmmaker based in NYC. Recognizing many human rights issues, she pursued a career in journalism and received a Bachelors degree in Journalism from Stony Brook University and a Masters Degree in News/Documentary from New York University. She is devoted to tell the stories of marginalized communities with an artistic form of expression.

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Director Statement

No story is too small to have a great impact. I am dedicated to tell the stories never been told before and give voice to marginalized communities and give back to my beautiful island of Puerto Rico.