Llaima Suwani is a Puerto Rican filmmaker, documentarian, and educator whose work explores identity, memory, and environmental justice through participatory cinema. With a career rooted in community-based storytelling, she has directed, written, and produced over a dozen documentary films, many as part of her acclaimed Autorretratos series. These works, created in collaboration with diverse communities—from incarcerated women in Bayamón/Puerto Rico to Sahrawi youth in the desert of Algeria—reflect her commitment to amplifying unheard voices through cinematic expression.
From 2015 to 2023, she served as Executive Director of Organic Cinema, Inc., where she led participatory film projects, workshops, and international educational programs. She was also President of the Puerto Rican Documentary Filmmakers Association (ADocPR), where she focused on strategic growth and sustainability for the organization.
As an Artist-in-Residence with Para la Naturaleza (2023–2025), she is currently developing an environmental documentary and leading community workshops at the intersection of cinema and conservation.
Llaima’s educational path includes a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Center for Advanced Studies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean (2020–2025), and film studies at EICTV in Cuba and HFF in Germany.
Her films have been showcased in international festivals such as the Puerto Rico Film Fest, Atlanta Film Festival, Festival de Cine de La Habana, Natourale in Germany, and the Festival de Derechos Humanos in Madrid and Vieques—earning several awards for environmental and human rights storytelling.
About
Llaima Suwani is a Puerto Rican filmmaker, documentarian, and educator focused on community-driven storytelling. Her work explores identity, memory, environmental justice, and healing through the lens of participatory cinema. With over a decade of experience, Llaima’s projects span across Latin America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, always centering the voices of those often left unheard.
Current Work
PRODUCER and RESEARCHER for JAGUALMEDIA, WAPA TV & JAY FONSECA_PR
Llaima is currently an Artist-in-Residence with Para la Naturaleza (2023–2025), developing an environmental documentary and leading workshops that blend cinema, ecology, and community reflection across Puerto Rico.
Professional Experience
Organic Cinema, Inc. – Executive Director (2015–ongoing)
Led participatory filmmaking initiatives, youth workshops, public talks, international programs, and curriculum design focused on social and environmental themes.
Asociación de Documentalistas de Puerto Rico – President (2020–2022)
Oversaw the strategic and financial development of ADocPR, strengthening the local documentary film scene and its role in Puerto Rican cultural life.
WIPR Canal 6 – Contractor (2015–2017)
Produced Cinemagia, a 26-episode international film series featuring director interviews. Led narrative workshops and co-directed a self-portrait series with women survivors of violence.
Education
MA in International Relations & Diplomacy, Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe (2020–2025)
Documentary Directing, EICTV, Cuba (2007–2010)
Film Exchange Program, HFF, Germany (2011–2012)
BA in Hispanic Studies, UPR Río Piedras (2000–2006)
Filmography (Selected Works – Director, Writer & Producer)
2023 – Todavía la Semilla, 14’, Para la Naturaleza
2021 – Mnemósine, 18’, Mellon Foundation & Northwestern University
2020 – ALAS, 37’, Women’s Prison, Bayamón (Autorretratos #9)
2019 – Deja respirar a la Bestia, 12’, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo PR
2018 – Revolución Latina, 24’, NY & PR (Autorretratos #8)
2018 – Loíza Mía, 22’, Boys & Girls Clubs PR (Autorretratos #7)
2017 – Mi niñez en Vieques, 20’, Boys & Girls Clubs PR (Autorretratos #6)
2016 – Matria, 62’, WIPR (Autorretratos #5)
2014 – Refugee, Strike and Beyond, 28’, Berlin (Autorretratos #5)
2012 – Queer & Beyond, 40’, Berlin (Autorretratos #4)
2012 – Saharauis, 90’, Algeria (Autorretratos #3)
2010 – Mi Rincón, 48’, Colombia (Autorretratos #2)
2010 – Sin Título, 15’, Cuba (Autorretratos #1)
Festivals & Awards
Puerto Rico Film Fest – Winner
Festival de Medioambiente del Caribe, Cuba – Winner
Festival de Derechos Humanos de Vieques – Winner
Special Jury Prize for Environmental Conservation – 2024
Finalist: Atlanta Film Festival, Natourale (Germany)
Screened at: Festival de Cine Europeo de Puerto Rico, Festival de Cine de La Habana, Festival de Derechos Humanos de Madrid, Queer Film Festivals in Paris and Amsterdam, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico, and more.