Inspired by Raquel M. Ortiz’s book When Julia Danced Bomba (Arte Publico Press, 2019), director Christopher Santiago presents the short film Julia’s Dance: A Bomba Flamenco Bedtime Tale. Presented by Tally Two Pictures, in association with Contempo Ballet, Julia’s Dance will be screened at the Cleveland Latino International Film Festival and the San Diego Short Film Festival on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Description: Julia, a rambunctious little girl, goes to bed one night after reading her favorite bedtime story, When Julia Danced Bomba. On this night, we venture into Julia’s dream and are treated to the magical musical fantasies of one imaginative little girl.
Puerto Rican filmmaker, author, and educator Raquel M. Ortiz explains, “Julia’s Dance: A Bomba Flamenco Bedtime Tale is my first short film project and am grateful that director Christopher Santiago and I shared the same vision in capturing the magic of bomba and flamenco. It was wonderful to compose an original score with Latin Grammy nominee William Cepeda, and feature original choreography by Jose Costas, former principal dancer of Ballet Hispanico.”
Co-starring Roman Broussard and Lucy Cellar
Featuring Arleen Hurtado and Emma Manzanares
Original Music by William Cepeda
Choreography by Jose Costas
Makeup and Costumes by Vanessa Cuellar
Hair Stylist Tina Pershing
Director of Photography Michael Tang
Edited by Christopher Santiago
Translator Gualesca Rodriguez
Executive Producers Raquel M. Ortiz and Christopher Santiago
Co-Producers Ugo Carlos, Jose Costas, and Brooke Gothrick
Written, Produced, and Directed by Christopher Santiago
See trailer and read about director, Christopher Santiago, at https://filmfreeway.com/JuliasDanceABombaFlamencoBedtimeTale
For more about Raquel M. Ortiz, see https://drraquelmortiz.com/about-me/