FILMMAKERS
About The Shine Movie Filmmakers
Anthony Nardolillo (Director/Writer)
Anthony Nardolillo is making his feature debut with the Shine movie after writing and directing the short film “Mano”.
Through the lens of the salsa dancing scene, Nardolillo tells a story of family, community, and gentrification in East Harlem, New York.
Nardolillo is best known for his 2007 short film “Mano”, starring Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad) and Laz Alonso (Detroit). Nardolillo has also directed several music videos and new media branded content under the Maker Studios banner. He is credited as the writer and director for the YouTube sensation music video, Chachi Gonzales, under the umbrella of Mitú content.
Nardolillo and award-winning writer Oscar Torres are currently developing a feature film about the kidnapping of a female presidential candidate by guerillas in Latin America.
When not directing, Nardolillo works full-time in corporate finance which allows him to pursue his creative projects.
He currently resides in Southern California.
Sandra Varona (Producer)
Sandra Varona is a film, music video, and new media producer with over 10 years of experience and is making her feature debut with the Shine movie as a producer/line producer.
In 2008, Sandra received the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant—which provides up-and-coming independent filmmakers a full camera package to jump-start their careers. Soon after, she launched her own company, Varona Productions—a banner that has been at the forefront of numerous music videos, short films, new media projects, and now, feature films.
In 2010, Varona was one of 30 participants selected for the highly coveted year-long mentorship program, Project Involve sponsored by Film Independent. After completing Project Involve, she signed on as the unit production manager on the feature film, Filly Brown, which was well received at Sundance and starred Golden Globe-winner Gina Rodriguez.
Varona also served as the Festival Director for the 2012 Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza — programming the directorial works of Latina filmmakers Eva Mendez, Eva Longoria, and Zoe Saldana.
In the past 4 years Sandra was the Production & Crew Manager at Maker Studios working directly with the Head of Production to develop efficient and necessary protocols between producers and studio operations.
Currently, Varona is finalizing production on a documentary about Latinos in Hip Hop entitled For The Record, which is scheduled for VoD release in September, 2018. She is also working on her next feature film, Flavor of Life, starring Pepe Serna.
Forgiven Films (Studio)
Created as a division of GVN Releasing, Forgiven Films is a global independent distributor with a broad focus specializing in content for under-served audiences and quality independent films for both the theatrical and home entertainment markets. Its first two releases, Shine, and A Violent Man, will hit theaters in 2018.
Read Shine: Director Anthony Nardolillo's Statement
Read Shine: The Filmmakers
Read Shine: The Cast