BRUJITAS (Spanish for “little witches”) is an upcoming sci-fi dramedy series centering on a group of women of color who are discovering their inner powers. Created and written by Natalie Garcia, the series stars a Latina cast and weaves the magic of culture and spirituality into the narrative. Recently, La Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Los Angeles hosted a panel called Mujeres Taking the Lead: A New Era in Film and TV. It brought together the cast and crew for a fascinating discussion about the project.
Moderated by Yvette, a Mexican American small business owner and founder of Backstitch Bruja, the panelists shared behind-the-scenes insight about production and how the making of the series has transformed them on personal and professional levels. The panel featured cast members, including series creator and lead actress Natalie (Gigi), Brianna Vazquez (Libertad), Clarissa Vizcaino (Priscilla), and Millie Del Oro (Yasmin). Some of the production team was also present, such as director and co-producer Daniela Apodaca, first assistant director Hanaa Moosavi, and production assistant Angie Aguirre.
As each person took their turn speaking about BRUJITAS, it was apparent that the scope of the series goes beyond just being about witches. It’s about empowering marginalized groups that are constantly overlooked, especially in the TV and film industry. This project is being brought to life by women of color who are tapping into their creative prowess and fearlessly unleashing the stories they want to tell.
Natalie expressed how BRUJITAS has shifted her as a filmmaker, writer, and human, explaining that it’s encouraged her to fight against the oppression that often suppresses women. It’s allowed her to step into her power as a creator and awakened her on a different level. Millie, who stars as Yasmin, takes great pride in her Black and Mexican ancestry and spoke about the importance of representing Afro-Latinas on screen. For her, this series has given her a platform to magnify that representation. Brianna, who plays Libertad in the series, shared how she’s usually typecast as a chola for roles. She feels that her part as Libertad (Spanish for “freedom”) breaks her away from the Mexican American gangster stereotype and, as her character’s name indicates, gives her the freedom to show that she’s multifaceted.
There was so much more said that was truly inspiring to hear. Director Daniela, who was born in Mexico City and is a DACA recipient, opened up about the challenges she’s encountered to be able to finally make a living as a filmmaker. Hanaa gave her perspective about working in the film industry as a Queer person. Clarissa, who stars as Priscilla, said BRUJITAS has helped her embrace the strength of her femininity. Angie expressed how the experience has made her realize that she deserves to be included in spaces that make her feel powerful.
Now more than ever, it’s important to spotlight the voices of Latinas and women of color. BRUJITAS takes this a step further by placing the focus on Latine spirituality and witchcraft. It celebrates indigenous ritual practices and reclaims feminine magic through the BIPOC lens. It takes inspiration from cult classics like The Craft, Practical Magic, and Charmed, but reimagines them to connect to a diverse audience. The YouTube channel notes state that the mission of the project is to decolonize witchcraft and use storytelling as activism.
Watching shows and movies about powerful female witches is fascinating, but it’s even more impactful when you can see yourself reflected in them. I love the iconic witchy films and TV series that have been released, but the truth is, diversity has long been lacking in these productions. Magic is a diverse tapestry, and BRUJITAS proves that.
Concept episode 1, titled “The Awakening Ritual,” is clever and funny, putting a twist on the boyfriend resurrection scene from Practical Magic. The entire series was filmed in San Fernando Valley (Natalie’s hometown), and she even used her own home to shoot many of the scenes. This first episode makes it clear that BRUJITAS promises to be unapologetically Latina. We get a script that mixes English and Spanish, the setting is in a city with a significant Latinx population, and the bright pink botanica featured in the end credits pops with energy.
BRUJITAS panel and market at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes 
Musician Zada 
Musician Zada 
BRUJITAS panel and market at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes 
BRUJITAS panel and market at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes 
Haus of Nebula 
Coatlicue Creationz 
Señora Calzones 
Meztli’s Cafecito 
BRUJITAS panel and market at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes 
BRUJITAS panel and market at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes
The BRUJITAS panel was enlightening and inspiring to me, as a Latina. In addition to the discussion, there was a brujita market featuring Latina-owned small businesses and live music. It was an amazing evening. Watch episode 1 on the BRUJITAS series YouTube channel.
Vamp Jenn's Corner 