Cion’ Mami
Art Direction By Solángel

Cíon’ Mami was born from nights in Harlem spent with close friends, reflecting on their journeys as women and bonding over food, laughter, and companionship. The title, a Dominican phrase used to greet elders, reflects respect for the wisdom and experiences of those who came before us.

The film was inspired by an episode of Sex and the City highlighting gentrification in New York City’s Meatpacking District, a space historically significant for Black trans women sex workers since the 1960s. This moment became a lens through which I explored love, chosen family, and the resilience of communities facing societal changes.

Through creative direction, I guided the project’s vision—melding storytelling, aesthetics, and collaboration with a team of artists—to create a narrative that celebrates sisterhood, personal growth, and the power of chosen family. Cíon, Mami is an intimate and emotionally charged work that honors connection, empowerment, and the ability to thrive beyond societal constraints