A new short documentary titled ‘Needle & Light’ by Mexican-American filmmaker Felicia Manning introduces new audiences to the vibrant, emotional and empowering work of renowned Mexican artist Victoria Villasana.
The film follows the creative process of Victoria , whose vibrant embroidery reclaims identity, memory, and female agency. Her use of thread is often a language of resistance rooted in historical craft, but carried forward with intuitive energy.
Throughout Victoria’s work, each piece tells a story through the blending of thread and monochrome photos. Her careful selection of colors, geometric shapes, and forms brings her vision to life. The film delves into her sources of inspiration, the power of working with her hands, and her unique approach to art.
From one renowned artist to another, Felicia’s work embodies her passion for telling human interest stories through her production company Feee Films, where she often focuses on the experiences of women and BIPOC characters discovering their strength. Her work has been featured in Vogue Italia and her short films have gained recognition at renowned and Oscar qualifying film festivals such as HollyShorts, LA Shorts International Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival, and numerous others.
‘Needle & Light’ is now available to watch online, and we had the opportunity to go behind the scenes with Felicia to learn more about her own artistry, capturing the artistry of Victoria Villasana, and why female agency was and important focus in the film.
Can you first tell us where your filmmaking career began, and what or who inspired you to become a filmmaker?
I knew I wanted to be in film from a young age. The only examples I had were filmmakers I admired from a distance. Watching their work and studying their films became my passion. I realized that my work would never be made or seen unless I directed it myself. So I made the choice to call myself a director and started directing.
Some of the directors who inspire me are Derek Cianfrance, for his poetic realism and emotional grit, and Joe Wright, for his meticulous, painterly style. ‘Thirteen’ by Catherine Hardwicke had a huge influence on me, and of course, Sofia Coppola and Kathryn Bigelow. Melina Matsoukas and Karena Evans stood out to me as music video and film directors with bold, distinctive visual styles. Ava DuVernay and Issa Rae felt especially relatable.
Being from Los Angeles, their voices felt fresh, grounded, and close to home. Debra Granik’s ‘Winter’s Bone’ also remains one of my favorite films. I started by calling people asking if they were open to me filming them and enough people said yes. That helped me build a portfolio and led to paid jobs. That’s how I got started, very small, and so grateful it worked out.
Your latest film, Victoria Villasana, is a visual treat with an engaging story about the artist! How did you first come across Victoria, and what prompted you to make a film about her?
I first came across Victoria’s work through social media and an artist curation account called The Jealous Curator. Victoria’s work immediately struck me, it was bold, poetic, and felt like a visual story. I also loved that she was a Mexican artist and identified with her as a creator. I followed her work for years before reaching out.
What kind of artistic methods did you use in your filmmaking to showcase her vibrant work and story?
I knew I wanted to blend both digital and film formats. My and I DP felt Super 8 would have the most intimate and unique aesthetic paired with a digital camera as our primary. It felt symbolic to Victoria’s style since she blends black and white photography with vibrant threads and colors. We also filmed with more motion, large camera swings, sudden bursts of speed and pushed the angles to mirror the rhythm and energy of Victoria’s threading technique.
While I had a clear vision going in, I also remained flexible and trusted my instincts on what felt right to film in the moment. By really listening to Victoria’s story and tuning into what felt meaningful to her, we captured moments that felt honest and alive.
What were the most challenging aspects of making this film?
I’ve dealt with some challenging projects and I have to say this project was far from challenging. I really connected with Victoria and brought my long-time DP and friend, Jesse Aragon, to film this. We all have similar styles and spent full days exploring Guadalajara together to make this the best we could with limited resources. The biggest challenge for me personally was creating a piece that felt truthful to Victoria. It’s her work and story being featured. I really wanted to be sure the end piece felt authentic to her and was so happy to hear that she loved the final piece.
What was your favorite part of the creative process in putting this film together, and made you the most proud?
My favorite part was being completely free and explorative in our film process. We only had to respond and react to each other. Victoria led the way and we filmed everything. I especially loved seeing the edit come together. I knew we had gathered some great footage so being able to collaborate with my editor, Valentina Hueck was really enjoyable.
Can you tell us a little about the themes of female agency and identity that are highlighted?
These themes emerged naturally in conversation with Victoria. Her work honors so many remarkable individuals who spoke up for others—many of whom are powerful women. I love how she weaves cultural icons and activists together, spotlighting women who used their voices to advocate, uplift, and lead.
In doing so, I believe Victoria plays just as important a role, expressing agency through her creative voice and using her art to advocate in her own way. The very essence of this short doc feels like female agency in that none of us are asking permission to create, express, and tell stories.
Why do you feel this is an important story and film in our current socio-political climate?
We’re in a time of political unrest and an emotionally charged climate. Lives are being lost daily and we’re becoming more fragmented as a society. I love how Victoria said “art is not going to change the world. Policies change the world,” and that’s so true. I believe this film has a sense of hope that is needed during incredibly difficult times. Victoria’s work uplifts the voices of people that disrupt the status quo, question society, and in turn, make a difference in critical ways.
So many people look to art and creativity as a way to make sense of the world, especially when things are tumultuous. What kind of comfort or hope do you hope Victoria Villasana will bring to audiences?
It’s always inspiring to meet someone fully living out their passion. Victoria embodies that. On a human level, I feel this film is a reminder of making things with your hands, staying connected to creativity, and tapping into the process of an artist dedicating her life to her craft. That’s not easy and takes immense courage. I think Victoria’s work reminds me that meaning is found in the small details like creating something that helps others feel seen. That sense of purpose, of meaning, is a kind of hope worth sharing.
As a self-taught filmmaker, what advice do you have for other aspiring filmmakers who are unsure about where to start in their own career ambitions?
I would say: start now. Find a story you want to tell and go capture it. Don’t wait for the perfect moment, the best camera, or for anyone else to give you permission. You already have everything you need to tell a compelling story if you’re willing to put your mind and heart into it. The best way to prove your voice as a filmmaker is to film.
On a more practical note, I believe documentary work is one of the best places to begin. It doesn’t require a huge crew, a polished script, or all the moving parts that narrative filmmaking often demands. The story is right there in front of you and all it takes is time, curiosity, and conversation.
You can follow Felicia Manning on Instagram and see more of her work on the Feee Films website. Get to know the artist behind ‘Needle and Light’ by following artist Victoria Villasana on Instagram.
