In the ever-evolving landscape of cinematic storytelling, Botanica Pictures emerges as a captivating force, beautifully weaving transformational narratives through film. This Latina-owned storytelling house, founded by visionary filmmakers Alexis C. Garcia and Selina Morales, stands as a testament to the power of diverse voices and untold stories in the film industry.
We believe that stories have the power to heal and transform us, and we work to create environments that allow stories to come to life in the most impactful way possible. Our stories are grounded in the cultural knowledge of our people and capture the magic and creativity of everyday life.
At the core of Botanica Pictures is a mission that resonates with the soul of storytelling, committed to creating transformational stories through film. Diversity is not just a goal for Botanica Pictures; it’s an inherent part of their identity. As a Latina-owned company, they embrace a rich cultural tapestry that reflects the diversity of voices within their team. This inclusivity becomes the driving force behind their ability to tell stories that resonate across various backgrounds and experiences.
At the heart of Botanica Pictures is the vision of Alexis C. Garcia and Selina Morales, two trailblazers with a passion for storytelling that transcends traditional boundaries. Their unique perspective is reflected in each project, where storytelling becomes a medium to explore the human connection with nature and the world around us.
ALEXIS C. GARCIA is an award-winning writer / director / producer currently based in Los Angeles. She is a founding partner of Botánica Pictures, and in the past 6 months has worked as a Story Producer on MTV Networks docuseries, De La Calle for Paramount +, and as a Staff Writer on an animated series currently in development at Disney+. In 2022, she was selected to participate in the LALIFF Inclusion Fellowship sponsored by Netflix, where she wrote and directed the Oscar qualified short Daughter of the Sea, starring Princess Nokia. Previously, Alexis worked for Univision’s first fully bilingual digital platform, Flama, and most recently BuzzFeed’s Pero Like, where she won awards for championing and uplifting the Latine community through authentic & culturally relevant storytelling.
SELINA MORALES is a folklorist, writer and filmmaker committed to culturally-relevant, transformative storytelling. Selina consults nationally on arts and cultural projects that connect community aesthetics, heritage and social justice. She is a founding partner of Botánica Pictures, and an Executive Producer of Daughter of the Sea (2022). In 2022, Selina was awarded the Leeway Foundation Art and Change grant for her creative writing. Known as a visionary leader and cultural expert, Selina is committed to using her knowledge and experience to empower her community and preserve cultural traditions for future generations. She serves on the Advisory Council of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. In 2017, she was named one of Delaware Valley’s Most Influential Latinos.
The newest endeavor from the Latina-owned storytelling house is a narrative short film titled “Daughter of the Sea.” The story revolves around Yanise, whose ominous vision foretells the passing of her grandfather. Unable to return to Puerto Rico immediately, Yanise (portrayed by Princess Nokia) arrives three months later and is warmly welcomed by her family. During breakfast, she recounts a recurring dream of being cradled in the ocean. Recognizing this as a calling from Yemayá, her grandmother imparts a ritual that becomes the catalyst for Yanise’s profound spiritual awakening.
As Raw Femme celebrates the strength and creativity of women in the arts, Botanica Pictures stands as a shining example of a Latina-owned storytelling house that not only tells stories but cultivates narratives that have the power to transform minds and hearts. In a world hungry for authentic stories, Botanica Pictures is planting seeds of change, one transformative film at a time.
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All media and photos are courtesy of Botanica Pictures. All rights reserved.