In her latest short film *Trust the Process*, Cuban filmmaker Sisy Gómez Peña presents a compelling narrative that navigates the tension between the curated, glamorous world of digital fame and the harsh, isolating realities of immigrant life. Through the story of Zoe, an immigrant actress and social media influencer, the film explores how the quest for validation in two contrasting worlds leaves individuals in an emotional void. Zoe’s life is a continuous pursuit of happiness that seems just out of reach, split between a carefully crafted online image and the raw truths of her daily existence.
The Virtual World vs. Reality: Zoe’s Dual Existence
At the center of *Trust the Process* is Zoe, a character who shines in the virtual world as a popular influencer, yet struggles with isolation and existential questions in the real world. This duality reflects a broader cultural phenomenon, where many feel pressure to maintain a flawless online persona while hiding their true challenges.
Speaking about Zoe’s journey, Sisy explains, “I wanted to capture the emotional dissonance that many immigrants face when they live in two worlds—one of perceived success and one of internal struggles. Zoe is constantly navigating these two realities, and the film reflects how easy it is to lose yourself in the process.”
Zoe’s online success is a facade that contrasts with her deeper reality as an immigrant actress trying to make a name for herself in a foreign land. While she enjoys admiration online, in real life, she faces loneliness and self-doubt. The film highlights this inner conflict, where external validation doesn’t necessarily lead to true fulfillment or happiness.
Isolation and Emotional Conflict
Sisy’s decision to keep many of the supporting characters, like Zoe’s casting director and best friend, off-screen underscores the isolation Zoe feels. Though these characters are pivotal in her life, their absence from the screen mirrors the emotional detachment that Zoe experiences in her personal relationships. This creative choice allows viewers to focus solely on Zoe’s internal struggles, drawing them deeper into her emotional world. Commenting on this choice, Sisy notes, “I wanted the audience to feel Zoe’s isolation, even in scenes where she’s interacting with others. By keeping these key characters off-screen, we are left with just Zoe and her thoughts, emphasizing her internal conflict.”
Through this minimalist storytelling, *Trust the Process* becomes more than just a film about an immigrant actress; it’s a broader reflection on how people, especially women and immigrants, wrestle with the pressure to succeed in environments that often leave them feeling unseen or unheard.
Feminist Undertones and Empowerment
Despite the challenges Zoe faces, she is far from being a victim. Sisy’s feminist vision ensures that Zoe remains a strong, multidimensional character who refuses to let circumstances define her. The film does not merely highlight her struggles but also celebrates her resilience. “Zoe’s journey isn’t about being saved or rescued,” Sisy explains. “It’s about her realizing that her strength comes from within. She is in control of her story, and even in the darkest moments, she chooses to move forward.”
This feminist approach challenges the stereotypical portrayals of immigrant women, presenting Zoe as someone who navigates adversity with both strength and grace. Her resilience serves as a powerful message for viewers, particularly women, who may face similar struggles in their own lives.
Overcoming Challenges in Filmmaking: The Process Behind the Scenes
What adds an extra layer of significance to *Trust the Process* is the difficulty of its production. Like Zoe, Sisy Gómez Peña faced numerous obstacles as an immigrant filmmaker working in the U.S. Creating a film without the support of a full production team or significant funding presented its own set of challenges. Much of the film’s production relied on the efforts of Sisy and her collaborator, Jay Serrano, who took on multiple roles to bring the project to life.
“At times, it was just the two of us—Jay and me—handling everything,” Sisy recalls. “With more funding, I could have hired a full crew, but we had to make do with what we had. Long days of filming in locations with strict time constraints forced us to be creative and resilient.”
Cinematic Choices: Minimalism Meets Depth
The minimalist aesthetic of *Trust the Process* works to the film’s advantage, allowing the emotional weight of each scene to take center stage. By choosing to focus on Zoe and her internal world, Sisy achieves a level of intimacy that might have been lost with a more elaborate production.
Sisy’s choice to keep the visuals simple yet effective reflects the film’s deeper themes. “The film isn’t about flashy visuals,” she explains. “It’s about Zoe’s emotional journey, and I wanted the audience to feel every moment of her struggle. Simplicity was key to letting those emotions shine.”
Sisy Gómez Peña: The Vision Behind the Film
Although *Trust the Process* centers on Zoe’s journey, the film is deeply personal for Sisy Gómez Peña. Her experiences as a Cuban immigrant in the U.S. have shaped her artistic vision, particularly her focus on stories about women and immigrants. Like Zoe, Sisy has faced her share of challenges in a new country, learning to adapt and persevere in an unfamiliar environment. “My own experiences as an immigrant have taught me so much about resilience and adaptation, which is why I connect so deeply with Zoe’s story,” she says. “I’ve had to learn how to push forward, even when things seem impossible.”
In addition to her work on *Trust the Process*, Sisy has made significant contributions to the independent Cuban film community through her festival, Jóvenes Frente al Espejo (Jofe). By elevating the voices of Cuban filmmakers in the U.S., Sisy continues to advocate for underrepresented stories in the film industry.
Conclusion
*Trust the Process* is a film that transcends the typical narrative of the immigrant experience, offering a nuanced exploration of the emotional complexities that accompany life in two contrasting worlds. Through Zoe’s journey, Sisy Gómez Peña captures the universal struggle for identity, belonging, and emotional fulfillment, all while highlighting the resilience required to navigate these challenges.
With its minimalist style, feminist undertones, and emotionally charged storytelling, *Trust the Process* serves as both a personal reflection of Sisy’s own journey and a powerful commentary on the immigrant experience. The film’s authenticity and depth make it a standout work, one that resonates long after the credits roll.
