Gina Marie Rodriguez is an award-winning writer, director, and actress based in NY/NJ.

​

Gina's foray into filmmaking began at a young age as a way to avoid public speaking in school.  From there, it grew into a love of telling stories and creating new worlds.  

​

Rose and Pearl Films was born not long after, producing films about life, love and everything in between.

 

She boasts a Bronze Remi win from Worldfest Houston, Best Female Filmmaker from the Cosmic Film Festival, and a Best Actress in a Comedy from the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival alongside nominations from the Golden Door International Film Festival, Official Latino Film and Arts Festival and Los Angeles Cinefest among others.

 

Not only a filmmaker, Gina is also a festival founder and director. In 2013, she founded the Westfield International Film Festival (formerly the Rahway IFF) whose mission it is to call attention to and encourage the artistic endeavors of women and minorities, whose work is often overlooked, and in so doing fully advocate for equality. Offering fellow filmmakers a safe space in which to present their art to the public and celebrate their hard work and passion has been one of the highlights of her life.

​

Gina is most proud of her Emmy though.

​

That was slightly misleading, Emmy is her puppy. She is a proud fur mom to a Pekapoo-Yorkie, Marilyn Monroe – Emmy, for short.