Alba Roland Mejia Filmmaker Creates Netflix Horror Short in Napa Valley

An Oakland filmmaker with roots in Salinas is making waves with an exciting new project funded by Netflix and the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. Alba Roland Mejia, a proud product of Salinas’s Alisal district, is set to direct and co-write “Greetings from St. Helena,” a gripping short thriller set in Napa Valley.

The film follows a family from Oakland who inherit a vineyard in wine country, only to find themselves unwelcome and facing strange occurrences that threaten to drive them out. With a $35,000 grant and a distribution deal with Netflix, Mejia plans to bring her vision to life over the next two to three years.

Excited by the opportunity, Mejia sees this short film as a stepping stone towards a potential feature project. To help make her vision a reality, she has launched a small crowdfunding campaign to support her talented crew.

Drawing on personal experiences growing up in a rural area, Mejia aims to explore the complexities of living in small towns through her work. Inspired by her background in Salinas and the challenges she faced, Mejia hopes to spark conversations and provoke deeper thoughts with her horror films.

As a filmmaker, Mejia believes in the power of storytelling to shed light on important issues while still entertaining audiences. Reflecting on the impact of films like “Get Out,” Mejia is eager to use her platform to push boundaries and challenge perceptions.

With a background in cinematic arts and a track record of award-winning films, Mejia is no stranger to the world of filmmaking. Her unique perspective as an Afro-Latina artist informs her work and adds depth to her storytelling.

Through her creative journey, Mejia continues to explore themes of self-discovery, resilience, and identity in her films. For her, each project is a chance to have meaningful conversations and delve into aspects of her own experiences that have shaped her as an artist.