Being Part of the World Premiere of “Jenni”

This past Monday, October 21, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as an event coordinator for the Newport Beach Film Festival, specifically for the world premiere of "Jenni," the biopic about the legendary singer Jenni Rivera. Being part of such a significant event was truly unforgettable. However, the journey leading up to the premiere was quite challenging due to the tight timeline, which required us to be precise about deadlines and ensure everything was completed on schedule. Over the past two months, coordinating all the intricate details required immense dedication and hard work.

My team and I dedicated ourselves to outreach, connecting with partners, sponsors, and supporters within the Mexican and Latinx communities. Their invaluable support not only enhanced our promotional efforts but also played a crucial role in securing a fantastic array of food for the event. We were thrilled to collaborate with incredible food partners, including El Moro Churreria, Prime Cut Taqueria, Pampas Helados Argentinos, Rosa Madera Cocina, and many others. Each of these establishments brought their unique flavors to the celebration, creating a vibrant culinary experience for our guests.

After securing our partners and supporters, we turned our attention to crafting a promotional social media campaign to drive ticket sales for the event. Over the past few weeks, my team and I focused on creating engaging graphics for the NBFF Mexican Spotlight social media accounts on both Instagram and Facebook. We designed eye catching posts announcing ticket sales, produced videos showcasing highlights from previous years events, and developed fun filler content that celebrated Jenni Rivera. Our goal was to introduce her remarkable legacy to audiences who might not be familiar with her story. This blend of promotional content not only built excitement for the premiere but also helped foster a deeper connection between the audience and Jenni’s impactful journey. It was rewarding to see how our efforts resonated with followers and encouraged them to join us in honoring such a significant cultural icon.

My team and I also engaged in multiple outreach efforts, tabling at various events such as Gente Market for Concha Fest, Cal State Fullerton, and an event hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. These initiatives were crucial in building awareness and enthusiasm for the premiere. Our outreach efforts were so effective that we were able to sell out the event across four theaters! Connecting directly with the community not only boosted ticket sales but also fostered a sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding the film. It was amazing to see our hard work pay off as we brought people together to celebrate Jenni Rivera’s incredible legacy. 

I am very grateful for the chance to coordinate this event, which provided valuable hands on experience. With the support of Professor Gregg Schwenk, we learned a lot about event planning. It was a true honor to be part of a project celebrating the legacy of an iconic artist like Jenni Rivera!