Jessica Goes to New York began as a passion project in the summer of 2023 and quickly became a defining chapter in my growth as a filmmaker. Written, produced, and developed from its earliest concept to final edit, the film follows Jessica Peru, a bold and eccentric young lady who stumbles upon a mysterious love letter from 1964 and sets off on a daring adventure to the Big Apple. Created during my time as a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, this short film became an outlet to apply everything I had learned, both technically and creatively, into one deeply personal narrative. The process of writing, acting, and producing the film was not only creatively fulfilling but also a transformative learning experience. I’m proud to share that Jessica Goes to New York was selected to screen at the 2025 Roosevelt Island Film Festival, where it won the Best Comedy Short award. I extend heartfelt thanks to my collaborators Walker Moore, Gigi Jacobsen, Lillie Jean, and Isaac Robinson – and to my parents, Steve and Alison Carmel, for their unwavering belief and support in my artistic journey.