Johanna Bermudez-Ruiz

Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz, a native of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in filmmaking from Antioch College, Ohio. Johanna has gained national and international acclaim and recognition for her distinguished films. Johanna is a writer, producer, and director of documentaries, films, music videos, and high definition footage for television. She fulfilled all of these roles to create the award-winning documentaries, Vieques: An Island Forging Futures, Sugar Pathways, Spirit of Expression, Better To Be Human, and Forgotten In Paradise. Beginning her film career, Johanna gained first-hand experience in film production while working on sets throughout New York City. She worked closely with renowned acting coach, producer, and writer Susan Batson and her son Carl Ford of Susan Batson Studio, LLC. This mother and son duo has worked with diverse talent such as Nicole Kidman, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington, and Rihanna. During her time at the Susan Batson Studio, Johanna had the privilege to work on film projects as writer, producer, and assistant editor. Johanna has since worked directly with Lauren Vélez (I Like That), David Zayas (Dexter), and Guillermo Diaz (Scandal). Johanna has won numerous awards and recognition for her films. They include: nomination for Best Female Film Director of Color at the African Diaspora Film Festival, Best Short Documentary (the Pitirre Award) at the San Juan Cinema Festival, Best Short Documentary at the Maffa Film Festival, and Special Jury Mention Award at the Imagenation Film Festival. She has received a proclamation from New York State Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, for her contribution to preserve the culture and history of Vieques through her film Vieques: An Island Forging Futures. Johanna resides in St. Croix where her film company, Cane Bay Films, LLC, is based. She is one of the founding members of the New York City Chapter National Association of Latino Independent Producers, and a member of the International Documentary Association. She actively participates in organizations that support independent filmmaking, human rights, and social responsibility issues.