[...] I first came across the project by browsing through the NYFA Student Hub where the title Scent of Marigold immediately caught my eye. I remember it was around my first October away from my family and my country. During this time, Mexico gets filled with marigolds, by the distinct smell and the vibrant colors of its petals. I was very homesick, both for being the first time away and not being able to celebrate like I was used to and because there weren't any marigolds or its smell nowhere to be found in NYC. After getting in touch with Lily and finding out what the story was about, I was so moved that I joined the process without hesitation. I started only giving insights on the characters and a couple of sequences, but I was so involved that Lily eventually invited me as a co-writer and gave me the space to intervene more directly. 

Writing this script alongside Lily has been one of the best experiences of my life. She is an amazing writer, a patient teacher, and the kindest human being with a genuine heart to help others. The research process that we've had for the script has been hard, sometimes making me take a step back after finding out more and more details about the horrors in the camps. Nonetheless, this process has only inspired me even more to raise my voice and the voice of those who are usually unheard. "