My name is Briana Rivera; an actor, filmmaker and writer, but most of all, a dreamer. My story starts at the age of four when my sister was sick in the hospital. In an effort to cheer my family up, I started making jokes, dancing and performing short plays. The doctor whispered to my dad that one day I would be a little entertainer. And ever since, I never looked back. From middle school talent shows to musicals in high school, I always found myself encompassed with the art of storytelling. I dived into many different forms of art growing up, from graphic design to music and choir. Yet, nothing could really compare to the feeling I got when I saw all of those art forms come together in a one film. My dad used to hang up a white sheet and set up a few black chairs in our patio to resemble a theatre, and even though it may not have seemed like much, to me it was like watching magic on a silver screen. 

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I've always loved the art of filmmaking, but it was not until half way through college and many major changes that I decided to follow the feeling that my upbringing so undeniably forthtold. What started as small increments of time to dedicate for auditions grew into making movie posters, marketing, screenwriting and evidentially directing for student film productions. Pretty soon, almost every realm of my student involvement related to film. In less than a year, I found myself starring in The University of Florida's first feature film and becoming the marketing executive for a renowned film club on campus. For the first time in college, I was surrounded by like-minded people who shared the same passions as I did, and with their support, I continued exploring new interests and testing my limits. Now, I was somehow able to find an even stronger love for film through writing, directing and composing my own independent production and starting my own film club specifically representing Hispanic student filmmakers. I cannot wait to see what lies ahead as I finish my studies in both Marketing and Film Production this year.

 

I started as a dreamer, a visionary of imagination, wonder and color life has to offer. Through various forms of expression I became a maker, accomplishing goals in the industry I never thought about upon entering college. And now, I'm a leader, hoping to continue not only receiving knowledge and love from the filmmaking world but give it back to others who may have just started listening to that childhood feeling. My story started very at a very young age, evolved throughout my childhood and blossomed in recent years, but it is far from over yet. I appreciate your time listening to my story and hope to continue gaining your support and love. 

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And as always — stay humble, stay passionate and stay inspired...

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Briana Rivera.