ABOUT CANE BAY FILMS

Cane Bay Films LLC is an award-winning, woman-owned film production company based in beautiful St.Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands with a satellite office in New York City.

Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz is the principal of Cane Bay Films, LLC that provides media and film production services to government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Johanna is an International award-winning writer, director, and producer whose work has been seen worldwide. Johanna’s film legacy includes her award-winning films: SUGAR PATHWAYS, VIEQUES: AN ISLAND FORGING FUTURES, FORGOTTEN IN PARADISE, and SOLÉNE.

Cane Bay Films LLC films works with prestigious Hollywood Film Industry professionals who work with Warner Brothers, Netflix, Amazon, and Disney, as well as multi-Grammy Award-winning recording artists.

Cane Bay Films LLC’s production company develops and produces international award-winning original narrative, feature, documentary films, streaming and new media content to tell stories that appeal to a wide range of audiences; including social media, corporate promotions, commercial or other media-related fields.

AWARDS

For 10 years, Cane Bay Films LLC has made a vital contribution to the great success of the remarkable exposure to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cane Bay Films LLC offers brand focused communications experiences to tell our clients authentic stories, bringing their vision to life. In addition, Cane Bay Films LLC works collaboratively with an integrated approach towards helping non-profits, corporations, and government agencies fulfil their mission while positively reaching and engaging communities.

Photo of Johanna Bermudez-Ruiz

Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz, Founder & executive director

Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz is an Award-Winning Film writer, producer, and director; an Afro-Indigenous native of St. Croix, USVI, of Puerto Rican descent whose films have been seen worldwide. Her film legacy includes her Award-Winning Films: SUGAR PATHWAYS, VIEQUES: AN ISLAND FORGING FUTURES, and SOLÉNE. She has worked on film production throughout New York City. She worked closely with renowned acting coach, producer, and writer Susan Batson, Susan Batson Studio, LLC. who has worked with talent such as Nicole Kidman, Oprah Winfrey to name a few. Johanna has worked with Lauren Vélez (I LIKE THAT), David Zayas (DEXTER), and Guillermo Diaz (SCANDAL).

She has lectured at some of the leading academic institutions and after school programs: Princeton University, New York University, University of California Los Angeles, Claremont Graduate University, Hunter College, Trinity College, Barnard College, Rutgers University, Boston University School Museum of Fine Arts, Tufts University, Teachers & Writers Collaborative, Educator for Social Responsibility, The Society for Education Through Art, and Adjunct Professor at Hunter College.

Of great importance was the special invitation by the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to present “Sugar Pathways” at the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center’s Theater.

Her work has been seen worldwide including Denmark, France, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Spain, Kenya and Japan. Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in communication and filmmaking from Antioch College, Ohio.

Program Management Team

  • SUKI MEDENCEVIC

    EXECUTIVE HEAD INSTRUCTOR CINEMATOGRAPHER, ASC

    Suki is an internationally recognized and award-winning cinematographer and producer. He is a leading member of the American Society of Cinematographers and a chair of the ASC International Committee.

    Suki’s work has earned him a number of international awards, including a nomination for The Golden Frog at Camerimage, The International Film Festival of The Art of Cinematography, and “The Best Photography Award” at Mostra di Valencia International Film Festival in Spain.

  • CLAUDETTE ANDERSON

    DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING MANAGEMENT

    Claudette is a CPA and former director at the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue and Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Finance, and served as Chairperson of the Board of Tax Review and the Lottery Commission..

    Ms. Anderson is a member of the Public Finance Authority (PFA) Board and president of the Insular Government Officers Association (IGFOA).

  • ROBERTA MUNROE

    EXECUTIVE PROGRAM MANAGER

    Roberta’s experience ranges from programming and producing film festivals, directing and producing films, mentoring filmmakers, to advising corporate and non-profit clients.

    Ms. Munroe is the former Director Programmer at the Sundance Institute and Film Festival and is co-founder of The Blackhouse, an educational and celebration space for Black filmmakers.

  • JERRY GARCIA

    MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

    Jerry is a marketing and communications professional who has worked in the private and public sectors on Capitol Hill and in advertising.

    Mr. Garcia has a BA from the University of Virginia in Rhetorical Communications and Psychology, master’s degree in organizational development from the University of Dusseldorf. He is in the E-Marketing Association and American Marketing Association.

  • ASHLEY LUCIO

    CONTENT PRODUCER

    Ashley is a communications exec who has led teams worldwide at American Express, Logitech and Philip Morris International. She’s a former art director, Marvel Comics artist, and started her career assisting Oscar-winning filmmakers at New Day Films.

    Ms. Lucio has an M.A. with Distinction in Communications from New York Institute of Technology, and a B.A. in Visual Arts from Antioch College.

  • FERNANDO RAMIREZ

    LEGAL COUNSEL

    The Law Office of Fernando Ramirez provides services for clients in the music, film, television and book publishing industries. Fernando represents numerous independent and major label artists and music industry professionals.

    Mr. Ramierz he has served as legal counsel on over 100 films, including projects acquired by domestic and international distributors. He served as legal counsel to Oscar® and Emmy® nominated clients and awarding winning series.

  • NEYDA MERCADO

    PRODUCER PROGRAM MANAGER

    Neyda has served as a Health and Safety Coordinator on "FANTASY ISLAND 2" and "Gordita Chronicles". She also served as a wardrobe supervisor on "Subete a Mi Moto" preserving the visual integrity of the projects and showcasing her logistical prowess. She has also acted as transportation dispatcher, producer, and coordinator.

    She holds a BA in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Phoenix, Guaynabo.

  • ORLANDO LOPEZ

    COSTUME DESIGNER TRAINER

    Orlando has created original costume designs for Jada Pinkett Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell, Cyndi Lauper, Janet Jackson, and Celia Cruz; and has worked with Karl Lagerfeld and Givenchy.

    His work also includes costume designs for numerous music videos, including Award-Winner Reggaeton Artist Daddy Yankee.

    Orlando is the small business owner of, Atelier by Orlando Lopez. He has a degree in fashion design from the Parsons School of Design, The New School.

  • PATRICIA ALONSO

    CASTING DIRECTOR TRAINER

    Patricia Alonso is a well-known, respected and prominent Casting Director. For decades who has casted major Hollywood films and TV series with many of the top exciting Actors in the Film Industry field today.

    She is known for: FANTASY ISLAND, FAST FIVE, MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS, THE BAKER AND THE BEAUTY,THE REAPING, FAMILIA, UNDER SUSPICION, AND LA LÍNEA IMAGINARIA.

  • GILBERT GONZALEZ

    HAIR AND MAKE-UP TRAINER

    Gilbert Gonzalez is a highly sought-after hair and make-up artist who worked with Bad Bunny and stars such as Olga Tañón.

    His unique artistry is known throughout the film industry and music videos to major music stars and fashion icons such as designer Orlando Lopez. He creates one-of-a-kind masterpiece transforming performers into iconic looks.