Eunice Levis
Tell us about you and your work.
I am a first-generation Dominican American – based in Philadelphia but born and raised in The Bronx, New York. I got my start at a New York Spanish language daily newspaper called "El Diario/ La Prensa" Since then, I've juggled work as a corporate and creative writer. I've satisfied my passion for storytelling and public advocacy directing and producing public service announcements, short-form documentaries, and commercial projects throughout the years.
Currently, I'm developing several projects that combine my love of horror, sci-fi, thriller, and folklore - mainly through a diasporic lens. First up is a bilingual (English/Spanish) sci-fi episodic series titled “InVade.” The pilot script for “InVade” made the second round of the 2020 Sundance Episodic Lab selection process. My bilingual (English/Spanish) urban horror feature script "Keep" also made second-round consideration for the 2021 Sundance Feature Development program.
In late 2020 I was awarded a $20,000 grant from Independence Public Media Foundation to produce the short film version of “InVade.” The short is currently in post-production.
Spring 2021, in collaboration with the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival, I, along with fellow filmmaker Les Rivera, will coproduce and cohost “Café Negro con Genre,” a monthly podcast that will promote Latinx creatives, with a focus on creatives from the African diaspora.
What inspires you?
I find inspiration in art—all art, in all formats, mediums, spaces, and platforms.
What does community mean to you?
Before COVID, I would’ve said friends and family, but this year, I’ve expanded my community to include colleagues and other creatives. In this village of people, we educate, uplift, and celebrate each other. This new community has enriched my life in such a profound way. My journey in this industry means nothing if I travel alone. I’m standing on the shoulders of so many people who have poured into me, and I will gladly pay that forward.
Favorite film
Whew! This is an impossible question for me. I think I'll go with a contemporary fave - Remi Weekes "His House."
Favorite song
So many! I’m going to cheat and share two because I could listen to them every day and still get the same vibe “Chan Chan” by Buena Vista Social Club and “Siembra” by Willie Colon & Ruben Blades.