SIN LUZ
Mayaguez, PR | Docu Series
Non-fiction, participatory
"Sin Luz" is a compelling documentary series that explores the ongoing struggle for energy independence in Puerto Rico, an island still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. In the pilot episode, the series takes a deeply personal turn as we follow the journey to transform the filmmaker, Yessy Rivera’s, grandmother’s home into a self-sustaining haven, free from the unreliable power grid. With a focus on installing solar panels and a water filtration system, this episode not only highlights the challenges of going off-grid but also delves into the systemic issues that have left many Puerto Ricans without consistent electricity and water for over seven years. Through personal stories and expert insights, "Sin Luz" sheds light on the resilience of the people, the failures of infrastructure, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions on an island still fighting to recover and rebuild.
About the project
Mission Statement
For Yessy Rivera, this project is not just about improving her family’s quality of life; it’s a mission to expose the systemic failures that have left millions struggling daily. By sharing her family’s story, she aims to give a voice to the widespread frustration and resilience of the Puerto Rican people. The series highlights how, despite facing repeated setbacks, communities are banding together, seeking sustainable solutions, and reclaiming control over their basic needs. “Sin Luz” is a call to action, urging for change and shedding light on a pressing issue that affects the entire island.
The Story
"Sin Luz" is a deeply personal documentary series for Yessy Rivera, who was born in Puerto Rico and has witnessed firsthand the hardships caused by the island’s unreliable power grid. In the pilot episode, she takes on the daunting task of making her grandmother’s home completely off-grid, not just to help her family but to address a crisis affecting countless Puerto Ricans. Seven years after Hurricane Maria, many residents still endure frequent power outages and water shortages, a stark reminder of the island’s fragile infrastructure.
Writer’s Statement
Growing up Boricua, I learned early on that resilience is part of our DNA. But after Hurricane Maria struck, resilience became more than just a word—it was a daily struggle for survival. My family, like so many others, has faced years of unreliable electricity and water shortages. Watching my grandmother, a pillar of strength, endure these hardships inspired me to take action.
"Sin Luz" is a project born from frustration, love, and hope. It’s about more than just going off the grid; it’s about reclaiming power, in every sense of the word. I want to show the world what we’re up against and why we’re fighting for energy independence. This isn’t just a documentary; it’s a personal journey to shed light on a crisis that has affected millions and continues to be overlooked.
Through this film, I hope to give a voice to those who feel forgotten, to inspire change, and to prove that, despite everything, we are not defined by our struggles but by how we overcome them. For me, this isn’t just storytelling—it’s an act of resistance and a call to action.
So why this project?
"Sin Luz" is more than just a documentary; it’s a critical exploration of a humanitarian crisis that has left millions of Puerto Ricans in the dark, literally and figuratively.
This project needs to be made because it sheds light on the systemic neglect that has kept Puerto Ricans from accessing consistent electricity and water, basic needs that most take for granted. It’s important because it tells the stories of those who are often overlooked, revealing the ongoing hardships of daily life and the ingenuity of people who refuse to give up. “Sin Luz” aims to spark a larger conversation about sustainable solutions and energy independence, both vital for the island’s future and survival.
Casting
Millie Acevedo has dedicated her life to caring for those around her, becoming a pillar of her community. She was the devoted caretaker of her late husband, Freddy, a disabled veteran, fighting to secure his pension to cover their medical expenses until his passing in 2020. Since then, Millie has remained a steadfast resource for her neighbors in Mayaguez Terrace, a community of students and elderly residents still struggling with power and water outages following Hurricane Maria.
Despite these challenges, Millie ensures her community stays connected. She shares power from her generator with students, running extension cords across property lines, and offers fresh produce from her garden—all without expecting anything in return. She calls herself a true Sagittarius, an adventurer at heart who needs nothing but gas in her tank and the shirt on her back. In her free time, she enjoys sunset drives along Puerto Rico’s beautiful beaches and takes classes at the local community college.
Millie dreams of transforming her home into a safe haven that reflects her resilient spirit and supports those who depend on her. In this new chapter of her life, she is determined to create a sanctuary where both she and her community can thrive.
Alba Acevedo, Millie’s older sister, lives in the house just upstairs. Like her sister, Alba has dedicated her life to caring for her loved ones and nurturing her family. She played a significant role in raising Yessy and her siblings, as well as all of her sisters’ children, offering support and guidance through every stage of their lives. Despite never marrying, Alba’s life has been filled with purpose and love. She cared for her mother, Yessy’s great-grandmother, with unwavering devotion until her passing, embodying the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice.
A devout Catholic, Alba begins each day with the rosary, praying for the protection and well-being of her family and community. Her faith is a cornerstone of her life, providing strength and comfort during challenging times. Always the first to show her support, she never misses a chance to like and comment on family members’ social media posts, cheering them on in every endeavor.
Through her own social media, Alba has become a chronicler of life in Puerto Rico, documenting the ongoing struggles her community faces in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Her posts highlight the frequent and prolonged power outages that have become a part of daily life for many residents. Alba’s dedication to sharing these updates underscores her commitment to raising awareness about the issues affecting her community and advocating for change. Her resilience and steadfast love for her family continue to inspire those around her, making her a cherished figure in the lives of everyone she touches.
Previous Work
Yessy Rivera is a dynamic filmmaker and creative talent with extensive experience in on-camera work, modeling, and creative direction. She has captivated audiences through TV, commercials, and social media, working with top brands like Pepsi, Invisalign, Marriott, Jolie, and L’Oréal; and was featured on an episode of TBS’ ”Search Party”. As a director, Yessy brings a unique vision to her projects, from published editorials to short films and music videos. Her passion and versatility drive her to elevate every project she undertakes.
How to help
Filmmaking is expensive—especially when it means paying people fairly and covering renovation costs.. Your contributions to "Sin Luz" will help us create this film the right way. We’ve developed a detailed budget to ensure everyone is compensated for their time and every aspect of production is properly funded. Your support will make this important project possible.
Our initial goal for this crowdfund is $57,500. This is what that amount will go towards:
Crew
Locations
Equipment
Renovation costs
Meals and travel
Post production
Insurance
Budget Proposal
If we hit this goal then our stretch goals are:
$59,000 - Post production costs including editing, sound mixing, color sessions, VFX, and festival submissions
$60,000 - Better crew rates
$65,000 - Bigger budget for additional support, better materials, and more advanced home upgrades.
Renovation Plan
Inspiration
When Yessy imagined telling the story of SIN LUZ she drew inspiration from these impactful projects.
Spread the Word
Every follower, re-share, tweet, email, text message means SO much and helps get that much closer to hitting our goal. Make sure to follow us on all social media platforms.
@SINLUZfilm on Instagram
We would like to express our gratitude to all those who contributed to this project. Your support means the world to us.
Se lo agradecemos profundamente.
Incentives
This film would not be possible without YOU! For your contribution, receive an MVP shout out on social!
Social media shout out