The Nevada Women’s Film Festival opens tomorrow! As a Latina and participant in this year’s NWFF, I am delighted to see such strong representation from Latin American and local filmmakers among the 47 films, by and about women, scheduled for screenings at UNLV Department of Film on June 19-22, 2025. The inclusion of a wide array of Latinx filmmakers adds a sense of Latin pride and community that is “la guinda del pastel” or “the icing on the cake” of this 11th Anniversary festival. As with any cake, it is best shared in celebration with friends and family. To that end, I’ve contributed a curated festival guide and forthcoming filmmaker interview to El Nuevo Mundo newspaper.
2025 NWFF Trailer
Stories are a great way to empathize with others and get a peek into another world. I think film is a fabulous medium for that.
Rose Donahue
Additionally, I interviewed the creative team behind the short film “Frosting”, screening Friday, June 20th at 1:15pm, and nominated for Outstanding LGBTQ+ Representation. Co-producers Guillermo Barahona and Rose Donahue come from different backgrounds, born in different countries and cultures, yet they both have the shared experiences of living in Los Angeles and Las Vegas at different times, and their love of storytelling and filmmaking unite them. We discussed what they each brought to the making of “Frosting”.
Gigi Guizado: What is your film about?
Rose Donahue: When Holly plans a “girls night” for her cousin Jessica things do not go according to plan and she has to reflect on the meaning of maturity, identity, and family.
GG: What inspired you to make this film?
RD: I was inspired to make this film because there is a trans youth in my life who I absolutely love and adore but am not immediately related to. It was a unique experience watching the ups and downs of the coming out process from a distance and seeing the different perspectives of each person involved. In the end it’s a story about family and love – which are things anyone can connect with – but it’s explored through a queer narrative.
GG: NVFF’s mission is “to celebrate and support the fair representation of women in film, and to provide a platform for historically marginalized voices.“ How do you believe your film coincides with this mission?
RD: I think “Frosting” aligns with the NWFF’s mission “to celebrate and support the fair representation of women in film, and to provide a platform for historically marginalized voices” because it centers on queer characters and does so in a very loving, honest, and sympathetic way. The characters in this story are not perfect. They are miscommunicating, misunderstanding, and figuring things out as they go – the queer community is not a monolith and I think this project touches on the complexities that all humans experience.
GG: What inspired you to go into filmmaking?
RD: I have a deep love of storytelling and performance. Entertaining others and making them laugh on stage always brought me so much joy. It wasn’t until I moved to Las Vegas that I really had the opportunity to learn about filmmaking and develop my skills in the field as an actor (on screen compared to stage) and producer. Stories are a great way to empathize with others and get a peek into another world. I think film is a fabulous medium for that.
Guillermo Barahona: I have loved stories since I was a kid, and began writing little stories and tales growing up. When I had a chance to hop on my first gig at a game show a decade ago, I went full in looking to learn and see how to make a story come to life. 4 years ago it really became a reality when Rose and I brought a wonderful team together to make our short “Moe”.
GG: How did you learn your craft?
RD: I have learned by doing. If you’re interested in the film industry my number one recommendation is to get on a film set. See how it works. Ask questions. Find mentors and collaborators. Also, take classes. I think acting classes are very helpful for talent. Also, if you want to specialize, definitely take classes. Some people love doing stunts – but, it’s important to do them safely – hit the gym, get trained, do cool stuff.
GB: Writing has been a lifetime work to learn, but producing during my first couple of shows in Downtown Las Vegas, and I have been learning a little on how to do different roles since then.
I want for people to take a moment to hug their loved ones, and listen to what they have to say. Life is full of surprises and sometimes lending a moment to listen can make all the difference to someone.
Guillermo Barahona
GG: You both wear many hats: Rose – producer, screenwriter, actor; Guillermo – producer, script supervisor, etc. Why is that? Which is your favorite?
RD: If you want to get a movie made sometimes you need to do it yourself…to start. That’s why I work as a producer in addition to my work as an actor – in this position I know who needs to be there, when they’re showing up, what safety parameters are in order, etc. Someone needs to get things started. After that, you’re not working by yourself because filmmaking is such a team sport. Also, as an actor you don’t have a lot of control over the projects you get cast for, etc. So, by producing I get to make work that is interesting to me under conditions that are safe.
GB: When one is learning… and has to work with smaller budgets, one has to learn different roles to be able to pull a project through. And I love doing a bit of everything whether behind or in front of a camera. But producing is so much fun because you have to think of what obstacles could be in the way, and you have to plan in order to ensure filming goes smoothly and that those obstacles are less likely to happen.
GG: One criterion for inclusion in NVFF is passing the Bechdel Test: a film must have at least 2 female characters, who talk to each other, about something other than a man. Did you consciously strive to pass the Bechdel Test while writing the screenplay?
RD: Luckily for me this film doesn’t have much to do with straight, cis males. So, it was pretty easy to pass the Bechdel test! As a queer woman I was really excited to depict a lesbian couple on screen and to provide an opportunity to explore Trans* experiences.
GG: What do you want the audience to take away from watching your film?
RD: I hope after watching “Frosting” the audience feels comforted by the constant potential for growth that we have as human beings.
GB: I want for people to take a moment to hug their loved ones, and listen to what they have to say. Life is full of surprises and sometimes lending a moment to listen can make all the difference to someone.
GG: Congratulations on your nomination for Outstanding LGBTQ+ Representation! What would it mean to you, or for your career, to win the Femmy Award for Outstanding LGBTQ+ Representation, or the Audience Favorite Award at this year’s festival?
RD: It’s always lovely to win an award but my goal in getting “Frosting” into festivals is to have people see it. If it gets additional acknowledgement that’s a lovely and unexpected bonus. Congrats to all who were nominated!
For tickets and more information visit https://www.nwffest.com/. Stay tuned for more posts from the festival!