Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Shine’s Sandra Varona

Sandra Varona has always had a deep connection to music. She started her career producing music videos, so it seems fitting that she’s making her feature film debut as a producer for the indie film, Shine. The movie tells the story of two brothers, Ralphi and Jr., who are caught on opposing sides of gentrification, but reunite through the power of song and dance.

PC: Tell us about Shine and what attracted you to this story.
Sandra: Shine is a movie about gentrification, specifically in East Harlem, New York, and it’s infused with dance and salsa music. I was attracted to this project because I’ve always wanted to explore other cultures on the East Coast. I’m from Los Angeles and I loved that the filming was going to take place in New York—I love it there! Another thing that I loved was that it was music-driven. I started my career off producing music videos, so there’s a natural connection there. All of the projects that I tend to do have music in them. I realize now that it’s a theme with all my projects. [laughs] I also enjoyed learning more about salsa music since I didn’t grow up with it. All of these different elements attracted me to the project.

PC: What was the preparation like?
Sandra: It’s actually a crazy story about how it all happened, but I’m going to try and make it as short as possible. I was on the project about two years before filming and at the time, I couldn’t leave my full-time job because I have kids and a family. I didn’t know if they were going to have funding for the movie, so I stepped away for a minute. I was still going to support it, but then something happened to the producer who was attached to the film. Tony, the director, called me and was like, “I need your help. Can you help me find someone?” I was like, “Okay! Let me think about it.” Then the next thing you know, he goes, “Actually, you should do it!” Before I knew it, I was on a plane within 24 hours and I literally had no preparation. I quit my job with a few hours notice and Tony got me on a redeye to New York.

Once I got there, it was full steam ahead. Crewing up is my forte. I jumped right in and started securing the vendors, contracts, and all that.

PC: It’s your first feature film as a producer. Can you tell us about the experience and the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Sandra: Of course! One of the biggest challenges was the location; I’ve never shot in New York before. I learned a lot about shooting in the city. It’s so different from Los Angeles, which was a huge challenge that none of us were aware of. There were a lot of little things, like we couldn’t have our trucks parked outside over night. Other than that, the experience was really beautiful. We shot in a lot of different places in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. We were in real communities. People were so friendly and were always smiling. Some of them had never seen a film crew before—it was really humbling. People in Los Angeles have so much access. It was very eye opening.

PC: Like you’ve said, you’ve produced music videos and television shows in the past. How did those experiences prepare you for your first feature?
Sandra: Each project works the production muscle. It’s a lot of the same process. You need to be organized and make sure the communication across departments is tight. I learn something new on each project. I also like to write down each new thing that I learn so that I can take it to my next project. By the time that I got to Shine, I had so much to draw upon, which made the whole process a lot easier.

PC: Great answer! Audiences have been hungry for more diverse stories. What has it meant to you to be a part of this project and movement?
Sandra: Oh wow! First, let’s appreciate the fact that this is an all Latino cast. When I’m on set, I’m going 100 miles a minute and don’t always have the time to reflect. Just the other day, it really hit me…I was like, “Wow, we’re actually going to be in theaters and it’s an all Latino cast! How did we do this?” It’s insane to think about how many theaters we’re in—it’s like winning the lottery. We’re an indie film with a low budget. It’s amazing that we got distribution, the type of release, and an all Latino cast, plus the key people who made the film were all Latinos, as well.

The second thing is the female empowerment aspect of it all. I hire women in positions that we normally wouldn’t be hired…our production designer, the script department. I love that! I love that we made it a point to hire not only Latinos, but also females and minorities.

PC: With the film out now, what do you hope audiences take away?
Sandra: I hope they take away the themes of family, love, and unity.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Sandra: My daughter got me into Riverdale.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Sandra: One that I really enjoy is The Witches.

PC: Favorite book?
Sandra: The Four Agreements

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Sandra: Grease

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Sandra: Maroon 5

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Sandra: Queen Sugar

PC: Hidden talent?
Sandra: Crafting! I love crafting.

Make sure to follow Sandra on Twitter and Instagram, and check out Shine in theaters now!