“Scranton welcomed me and made me one of its own, and I made Scranton my own as well”
– Luz Cabrales, 2024
Immigrating to the United States at 12 years old, Luz Cabrales, Mexican American Filmmaker and founder of Scranton Films, had to quickly adapt to a new country, culture, and language. “One day I was in Mexico, the next I was in Richmond, California… [and] being an immigrant kid was very tough, and it’s still tough for a lot of immigrant kids today,” she reflects. Fortunately, Luz had a support system that helped her find her passion for film.
Initially attending the Art Institute of California for Media Arts and Animation, Luz discovered her love for film in a cinematography class where she learned about the history of film and how it connected with the arts. “I just fell in love,” she recalls. After receiving her bachelor’s in 2006, Luz moved to Scranton to pursue her graduate degree in Communications Arts at Marywood University, planning to enter New York’s film industry. However, Scranton’s community and art scene convinced her to plant roots in NEPA instead.
In 2017, after years of freelance work and collaborating on various film projects with independent filmmakers outside the area, Luz felt creating a space for local filmmakers to collaborate on projects and use local resources was essential. “There weren’t many filmmakers doing film, and if they were, they were doing their own thing, but no one was connected,” she explained. This realization led her to create Scranton Films to inspire others to see the power of collaboration.
Scranton Films’ first production was Nick & Ophelia, one of Luz’s most meaningful projects. To her, the movie marked the beginning of what Scranton Films was meant to be—a space for local filmmakers to collaborate. Filmed, edited, and produced entirely by Luz and a few friends, the hour-and-a-half-long movie took a year to complete, with the group working nights, weekends, and within any free time they had. Even though the film did not meet Luz’s standards, she notes, “What matters most to me is that we finished it, and the story came together seamlessly.”
Since then, Scranton Films has grown and produced more ambitious projects with larger casts. Their most recent anthology, Shadows of the Past, featured local attractions, small businesses, local crew members, and over 50 actors, which Luz is particularly proud of. “My number one priority is to utilize local talent…I had a lot of mentors in my life growing up that helped me hold my weight, and I want to give back to those trying to do something creative.” Luz’s support of local actors and filmmakers was reflected in the success of Shadows of the Past, which attracted 300 attendees at its sold-out premiere at The Ritz Theater on October 1, 2024 in Scranton. However, she credits the hard work of the cast and crew for making it all possible.
“I don’t need to be famous; I don’t strive for Hollywood,” Luz explains. “I strive to create meaningful art that uplifts my community.” She plans to continue helping local artists and ensuring Scranton’s art and film scene thrives, offering opportunities for the next generation of creatives. If you or someone you know would like to get involved with upcoming film projects, you can visit scrantonfilms.com to learn more.
Last modified: October 10, 2024
