This film reflects our labor of love and commitment to diversity and cultural authenticity. With over 70% of our cast and crew from diverse and marginalized communities, the production is enriched by a vibrant blend of languages such as Spanish, Creole, and French, and rooted in the realities of underserved communities. Through this project, we bring authentic and underrepresented stories to the forefront, inspiring meaningful conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of resilience and humanity through the power of storytelling.
THE FILMMAKERS
DIRECTOR: RAMSES JIMENEZ
Ramses was born and raised in the Dominican Republic but split his youth between Santo Domingo and the south side of Chicago and studied Film Directing at Columbia College Chicago. Jimenez began his acting career quite unexpectedly after an interviewing for an on-set crew position and went on to appear on various network television series, three studio films, and various independent films. Ramses began researching human trafficking upon learning that on the island where he was born, organ trafficking has become growing concern. He decided to write and direct a film to expose these atrocities, RESTAVEKS.
PRODUCER: JEFF A. WATKINS
Jeff Watkins, a native of Mount Vernon, New York, and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, is a visionary media producer and founder of Condreal, a global transmedia company dedicated to culturally impactful storytelling.
His notable projects include "My Hero," a landmark web series featuring Zoe Saldana, "Restaveks," a feature film addressing child organ trafficking in Haiti, and "Four Square Miles to Glory," a basketball documentary showcasing the resilience of NBA legends rising from urban challenges. From "The Blackout Game," exploring the intersection of sports, Black culture, and NYC history, to "Hallowed Grounds," celebrating Black communal excellence, Watkins’ work amplifies underrepresented voices and fosters global dialogue.
PRODUCER: JEANINE ROHN
Jeanine is an independent producer with over 20 years of experience in film and television. Her credits include acclaimed projects like the Academy Award-winning "Boys Don’t Cry," Sundance premiere "Rhythm of the Saints," and the award-winning "That Evening Sun" starring Hal Holbrook and Mia Wasikowska. She has produced numerous features, including "Sacrifice" for JuntoBox Films and festival contenders like "Soy Nero" (Berlinale 2016) and "One of These Days" (Berlinale 2020). Jeanine’s documentary work spans projects for PBS, BBC, and Sony Music Initiative, and she has over 40 feature films to her name. A member of the DGA and PGA, she has also taught and lectured at institutions like Art Center College of Design and UCLA, contributing her expertise to the next generation of filmmakers.