Ilia Del Mar as Malena

Janice Vazquez puts the final touches on Ilia Del Mar before the opening scene.

Quick look before heading out.

Ilia Del Mar before opening scene

This was taken seconds after Natalie saw Ilia Del Mar for the first time as Malena. Natalie said she froze because it was as if seeing the perfect re-creation of an image in her mind.

Ilia Del Mar

This is the opening shot of the movie.

Natalie Vazquez Rivera

Natalie get sassy for the photographer.

Gisela running back to camp site.

Gisela & Manny bond

This is the last shot of the film.

Mojavi Sanz

Mojavi picks up his shoes and get ready to run after Gisela again..

Shondarian Nelson

Natalie getting into character

This is moments before Gisela realizes how she's lived her life.

Mojavi Sanz & Natalie Vazquez Rivera

Manny comforts Gisela

Sevdha with Sword

Sevdha practices her sword dance

Brittany Morrow

Bianca Recio

Willington Rodriguez sends his love

Michelle Pluguez Assistant Director

Natalie Vazquez Rivera

Beautiful Sevdha

Sevdha prepares to chant at sunrise

Willington Rodriguez and Tom Grimmer

These are two very talented musicians!

A very thirsty Jeremiah & Jeff Drake

Malena

A very important scene in the movie. Malena teaches Gisela that sometimes the best thing to do is to just laugh.

A much needed break

Second day of shooting, Janice is exhausted!

Prepping for chant scene

Natalie and Jeremiah

Director and Director of Photography discuss upcoming scene.

Sevdha welcomes Gisela

Malena runs after Gisela

Fun fact: The sand at Ponce Inlet made these loud squeaky sounds when you walked!

Malena and Gisela

Malena doesn't understand why she's being rejected.

Malena states her case

Malena believes love is strong enough to bring these two worlds together.

Malena tenderly kisses Gisela

This scene doesn't have dialogue, but these actresses did a fantastic job expressing their emotions.

Morning Chant

Ilia Del Mar composed all of the music for the film. In this scene she graces us with her beautiful voice in a lovely chant.

Sevdha and Brittany

The girls enjoy each other's company while waiting for their call time.

The cast preps for scene

Jeremiah gets an extreme close up of Malena.

One of the film's promotional photos

The talented Jeremy E. Evans works his magic. He is responsible for all the amazing behind the scenes photography.

The cast takes in the moment.

It was so beautiful to witness the sunrise, listening to Ilia Del Mar chanting. It was truly a spiritual experience!

Jeremiah and Natalie

Discussing camp scene

Costumes by Ilia Del Mar

Ilia Del Mar designed and hand made all of the gypsies costumes. The two tops in the center were hand painted by her as well. Pictured: Shonna Small, Bianca Recio, Brittany Morrow and Frances Ruiz

Natalie Vazquez Rivera as Gisela

Gisela connects with Malena.

Natalie, Mojavi and Shondarian

Manny and Gisela prepare for final scene.

Michelle Pluguez & Natalie

Director and Assistant discuss camp design.

Ilia Del Mar as Malena

Opening scene

Gisela interrupts Malena's meditation.

Kim blocks Gisela's car exit

Natalie did in fact jump out of a moving vehicle!

No, she's not dancing!

Natalie seconds after jumping out of a moving car, in heals!!

Natalie and Michelle

The day before the shoot at the Henna party/production meeting.

Natalie and Ilia Del Mar

The ladies share a bonding moment after a scene was rehearsed.

Roh Habin

Natalie is very excited to be working with Ron!

Mojavi, Natalie & Jeremiah

The director approves the shot.

Jeremiah and Natalie

The director of photography and the director discuss the one take shot.

Gisela reconsiders...

Mojavi and Natalie

Manny and Gisela about to have a heart to heart.

Leah Rivera as Marta

Leah was hilarious as Marta!

Kay Devlin

Kay feels the music during a rehearsal.

Tom Grimmer

Tom creates a beat for the gypsies.

Erin Lh

Erin plays the tabla.

Willington Rodriguez

Willington plays the djembe.

Priscilla Ramos

The lovely Priscilla rehearses the gypsy's "clap dance"