Crystal Ruiz: A Filmmaking Journey Rooted in Inspiration and Teaching
Filmmaking is more than just a career for Crystal Ruiz; it’s a journey shaped by her roots in Brooklyn and the people who’ve inspired her along the way. In this Q&A, she reflects on the experiences and mentors that have guided her path, how teaching has influenced her creative process, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to her students.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where did you grow up, and how has that shaped your filmmaking?
I’m originally from New York City – Brooklyn, to be exact. Growing up in such a dense, fast-moving place, I was constantly surrounded by people from all walks of life. I became obsessed with listening to their stories, imagining their experiences so vividly that I felt like I had lived them myself. As I got older and began experiencing my own stories, I wanted to find a way to show people what was going on in my head – and that’s where filmmaking came in.
Were there any mentors or key figures who helped shape you into the filmmaker you are today?
I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors along my journey. One that stands out is my high school film teacher, Guy DuQuesnay. When I moved upstate, I didn’t know anyone, but I found a home in his classroom. I would spend my lunch periods there, and he took the time to teach me everything I needed to know about filmmaking. Because of his guidance, I created films that went on to win national competitions.
Later, after moving to the Bay Area during COVID, I struggled to find like-minded creatives. That changed when I met photographer Janet Sanchez, who took me under her wing and introduced me to the world of photography. The common thread between both Guy and Janet is that they believed in me.
How do you bring those influences into your teaching?
Just as Guy and Janet believed in me, I believe in my students. I’m patient with them because I know everyone learns differently. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to filmmaking – or to life. I make sure they know I see them for who they are, and I remind them of their strengths. So many kids don’t realize how gifted they are, and I make it a point to tell them how well they’re doing every chance I get. When you give kids the tools to believe in themselves, they become so proud of what they can create.
What’s your approach to building connections with your students?
My approach to building connections with my students is to remind them that I was once an 8-year-old kid filming silly stories with whatever toys I had around – and that that 8-year-old still lives within me today. Once they realize we’re more alike than they thought, they start to open up. I make sure they know there’s no such thing as a silly idea or question in my class.
Production itself also builds connections. When they see how much care I put into their films – whether it’s set design, props, or editing – they start to care just as much. That shared investment makes the creative process even more special.
We’ve heard about the special handshake you have with your students. Who came up with it, and what’s the story behind it?
It all started with one student giving me a fist bump every day. Soon, other students wanted in, so I began creating unique handshakes with each of them. Now, as soon as they walk into the classroom, they run up to me, excited to do our handshake. It’s become our thing.
How important is it for you to make an impact in this role?
It’s important to me to make an impact in this role because these kids are our future. Every interaction shapes how they grow and see themselves. I remember every teacher who took the time to understand me, and I want to be that person for them. The fact that I get to do it through something I love makes it even better. Honestly, if I had an opportunity like this when I was in elementary school, I’d probably be the next Greta Gerwig by now!
You’ve spoken about the importance of making an impact as a filmmaker. Seeing the work your students are creating, how does it feel to know you're making a difference?
It’s incredibly fulfilling and “inner child healing” to see my students bring their ideas to life. Watching them go from an initial spark of an idea to a fully realized project reminds me of why I fell in love with filmmaking in the first place. It’s not just about teaching them technical skills; it’s about showing them that their voices and stories matter. Seeing their confidence grow, seeing that moment when they realize, “I made this” – that’s the most rewarding feeling. It makes me feel like I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to be doing. I’ve always wanted to help people, and now I get to do that and film at the same time.
What’s one lesson you hope every student takes away from your class?
One lesson I hope every student takes away from my class is that they can do anything they set their minds to. Filmmaking isn’t easy, acting isn’t easy. It’s mentally and emotionally demanding, yet they push through and make it happen. They take an idea, write it down, collaborate with their peers, and bring it to life. That’s powerful. If they can make a short film at the ripe age of 10 years old, I believe they can be anything they want to be in life.
Has teaching changed the way you approach your own filmmaking? If so, how?
Absolutely. Just like New York City exposed me to so many different people and perspectives, teaching has done the same. It’s changed the way I communicate, which naturally changes how I tell stories. My students also remind me to have fun. Filmmaking can be stressful; you don’t always enjoy it until the final product is done. But they show me how to love every step of the process, and that’s why I started in the first place.