Amanda Ramirez, is a passionate filmmaker and creative innovator
Amanda M. Ramirez is a creative artist with an impressive educational background. She has a BA in Theatre Arts from Long Island University, where she also received dual minors in Dance and Education. Additionally, she has an MA in Communications from the New York Institute of Technology.
As an actor and performer, early roles included being a finalist on the Game Show Network’s Host Search and she received the national title Ms. Belleza Latina ’02. She also had recurring roles in All My Children and As the World Turns as well as a co-starring role in Canterbury’s Law alongside Julianna Margulies.
She is also a film producer and director with a variety of award-winning, and recognizable titles to her credit. Most recently, she completed the movie Concrete Rose, which we had the chance to discuss in detail, as well as some of her past and upcoming projects.
INFLUX: What are you currently working on that you can share with us?
AMANDA: This April, post-production was completed on Concrete Rose. It is a story of change and promise. It follows the journey of Christina Green, a remarkable woman who overcame her past and dedicated her life to helping others do the same. Through her work at the Marcus Garvey Supportive Housing program in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Christina demonstrates the power of resilience and community in the face of overwhelming odds.
INFLUX: What are your hopes for your current project?
AMANDA: Like everyone else, people who want to see the film. At its core, Concrete Rose is about atonement and the relentless pursuit of a better future. Christina’s journey symbolizes the “concrete rose,” a flower that blooms in the most unlikely places. Her efforts to provide support, education, and resources to those reentering society reflect the transformative power of compassion and perseverance.
INFLUX: What have been your greatest challenges as an indie filmmaker?
AMANDA: One of the biggest challenges in making this film was ensuring that Christina’s story was told with sensitivity and respect. We worked closely with Christina to create a safe space for sharing her experience. Our approach was to let her voice guide the narrative, allowing her story to unfold organically.
Regarding fundraising, due to the timeline, there was no attempt to apply for funding. I financed the project myself, knowing the loss, but I believed in the venture and invested in my skillset.
INFLUX: What has been your most significant accomplishment as a filmmaker?
AMANDA: It would probably be Concrete Rose since this is the first time I can consider myself a storyteller.
In the past, I was part of various projects at different stages of production, but never produced and directed on my own.
INFLUX: Tell us about some of your past projects and where we can watch them if they’re available?
AMANDA: The documentary Laddie: The Man Behind the Movies — Alan Ladd Jr. oversaw the production of some of the most popular movies of all time, including Star Wars, Alien, Blade Runner, Police Academy, and Braveheart.
It is streaming on YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV.
[A] Holiday film, My First Miracle (my first executive producer credit and a labor of love), which can currently be seen on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play Movies & TV.
INFLUX: What goals to you have for yourself moving forward?
AMANDA: Ideally, I want to continue working on innovative projects. I am looking at ways to get post-production funding for the baseball documentary, Indestructible! Baseball on the Isthmus. Like My First Miracle, it is also a labor of love. It is the untold story of the history of baseball in Latin America from a country most would not think of.
INFLUX: What advice would you give to your younger self just starting out?
AMANDA: Listen to your elders and be your best advocate.
My father always told my older brothers and me we “could have it all, just not at the same time.” At first, this advice seemed discouraging because we all crave immediate fulfillment. However, after taking a break between degrees to raise my son and experiencing moments of productivity, I’ve come to realize that my father’s words would hold over time.
Another piece of memorable advice came from an unexpected source. I was working as a boom operator on a documentary about laughter, and we were filming at Caroline’s Comedy Club in New York City. As we wrapped up, I heard a familiar voice and saw it belonged to the famous director and screenwriter Miloš Forman, known for classics like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Amadeus, and Hair. He was there scouting for the film Man on the Moon.
I hesitated before approaching him but decided to go for it. I reached out my hand, introduced myself, and told him I was a fan of his work. Miloš Forman looked me in the eyes, asked for my name, and inquired about my role on set. After I explained, he complimented my appearance, saying I had a lovely face and a beautiful name. He added that what was more impressive was that I was behind the camera, and said, “Keep going.” To cap off the moment, he kissed the back of my hand! My knees nearly buckled, and it took everything I had to keep it together.
Both my father and Miloš Forman influenced me in unique ways. Their words of encouragement and recognition of my value were immeasurable.
INFLUX: Now that it’s done, what are your final thoughts on Concrete Rose?
AMANDA: Concrete Rose is a call to action, a reminder that every person deserves another opportunity. It emphasizes the importance of community, the power of compassion, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. I hope the film will inspire viewers to challenge their preconceptions about substance abuse, incarceration, and reentry and to consider how we, as a society, can do more to support those seeking redemption.
