LALIFF 2025: “Papa Melissa” and the Power of Radical Love
An interview with director Sophia Stigletz and producers Domenicah & Constanza Castro of 271 Fi,lms
Interview by Kimberly Hoyos
In Papa Melissa, director Sophia Stigletz brings us into the heart of a Mexican family as they embrace love, identity, and transformation. Told with care and sensitivity, the documentary follows Melissa, a trans woman, and the everyday beauty and complexity of her life and relationships. The film recently received support from the LALIFF Works in Progress Fund and is currently making its festival rounds.
We sat down with Sophia and producers Domenica and Constanza Castro of 271 Films to talk about the making of Papa Melissa, the creative process, and what it means to tell stories of truth and tenderness in today’s world.
Congratulations on Papa Melissa being selected for LALIFF’s Works in Progress Fund! What did that support mean for your team?
Sophia Stigletz, Director: That support from the Latino Film Institute came at a critical time — it helped us bring the film across the finish line in post-production. It really meant the world.
What drew you to Melissa’s story?
Sophia Stigletz, Director: I was in a moment of questioning societal gender norms in my own life, and when I met Melissa, we connected instantly. I felt the story immediately. She and her family welcomed me in, and I’ve felt deeply honored to work with them.
The film feels incredibly intimate. How did you build and maintain that trust?
Sophia Stigletz, Director: We filmed slowly over four years, just a few days at a time. That gave us room to respect their rhythms, especially as they continued living and working. We were careful to listen, stay flexible, and protect the trust they gave us.
Domenica and Constanza — how did you get involved as producers?
Domenica Castro, Producer: Sophia shared early clips with us, and we were immediately moved. That spark stayed with us. Once the LALIFF support came in, we could fully commit and help shape the story all the way through post.
Constanza Castro, Producer: We’ve known Sophia for years. What made the process special was the honesty — we all wanted to center the family, honor their truth, and stay open throughout editing.
What was the biggest challenge in post-production?
Sophia Stigletz: Finding the heart of the story and staying with it. Our editor Salvador Pérez García helped us pull back anything that distracted from the core — Melissa’s journey and the family’s unconditional love.
Sophia, how did your background in cinematography shape your directing style?
Sophia Stigletz: I relate to filmmaking through the lens — literally. I felt grounded having control over the camera. It gave me the confidence to explore other aspects of directing while keeping the visual storytelling intentional and emotional.
What do you hope audiences take away from Papa Melissa?
Sophia Stigletz: That love — real, radical love — lives in the everyday. Melissa’s family breaks expectations in ways that I think can open hearts and minds. We want people to feel seen, and to see their own families reflected, too.
Constanza CastroIt’s about universality. No matter your background, this story is about a family — with all the conflict, care, and growth that comes with it.