A Leading Lady in Law—and Now on the Big Screen
After more than two decades fighting for others in the courtroom, attorney Cristina L. Vazquez is making her mark in the film industry, proving that determination, creativity and the courage to pursue a new dream can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
For more than 24 years, South Jersey attorney Cristina L. Vazquez has dedicated her career to fighting for others. Specializing in family law and criminal defense, she entered the legal profession with a clear purpose: to champion those facing injustice and protect individuals who cannot always fight for themselves.
Today, after building a successful legal career that includes a victory before the New Jersey Supreme Court, Vazquez is taking that same determination into an entirely different arena—the world of filmmaking.
And if her early success is any indication, this leading lady is just getting started.
“I felt like I had achieved the highest goals I could as an attorney,” Vazquez explains.
While proud of her accomplishments, she was ready to channel her energy into something more creative. That desire led her to writing a gothic horror novel titled The Mansion of Cervantes.
What began as a creative outlet soon evolved into an ambitious new undertaking: bringing her story to the screen.
“I thought, how hard could this be?” she recalls. “Well, I found out.”
The journey from novel to short film would take four years, countless hours of research and a willingness to learn an entirely unfamiliar industry. Vazquez immersed herself in the filmmaking process, attending seminars, working with editors and seeking guidance from producers, casting directors and other industry professionals.
“I pushed my way into the industry,” she says.
Through her newly founded production company, APEX Cultural Films, Vazquez took on the responsibilities of producing her first short film. Interestingly, her legal background proved to be an invaluable asset.
“I fought for every single thing we got,” she says, explaining that she personally handled contracts involving the cast, crew, filming locations and other aspects of production.
Inspired in part by her longtime fascination with paranormal investigations—including visits to reportedly haunted locations—The Mansion of Cervantes follows the story of Carolina Del Valle, a medium who is summoned to investigate reports of a haunting at the Cervantes estate. As visions of the past begin to consume her, she uncovers a haunting web of obsession, betrayal and murder hidden within the walls of the estate.
The 20-minute period film, which offers audiences a glimpse into the larger story of her novel, was filmed over two demanding 12-hour days at the Moorestown Community House right here in South Jersey. Vazquez also oversaw costume design, with clothes handmade to capture the story’s period setting.
For someone accustomed to leading in the courtroom, directing a collaborative creative effort presented an entirely different challenge. Filmmaking required her to trust the talents of others while making important decisions and earning the confidence of experienced professionals.
Her persistence paid off.
In September, The Mansion of Cervantes received Best Film and Best Cinematography honors at the NJ Horror Con and Film Festival in Iselin.
Even more exciting was its selection for the New York Shorts International Film Festival, where it earned a coveted screening spot after competing against thousands of submissions. Only approximately 280 films were selected to screen, and Vazquez’s production received a prime-time, Saturday evening screening.
For a first-time filmmaker from South Jersey, the recognition was especially meaningful.
“We were standing toe to toe with Hollywood filmmakers,” she says. “We were taken seriously and among some very tough competition.”
But the experience has been rewarding in ways that extend beyond awards and festival recognition. Vazquez invited friends and family members to participate as background actors, introducing many to an experience they never imagined having. In a region not traditionally considered a major filmmaking hub, she takes particular pride in exposing members of her community to the excitement and possibilities of film production.
The road, however, was far from easy.
“I wanted to give up every single day,” she admits. There were moments when she questioned her decisions and wondered why, after establishing herself as an attorney, she had chosen to take on such an enormous challenge. Yet each time doubt crept in, she found the determination to continue.
Balancing filmmaking with the responsibilities of a full-time law practice required tremendous commitment, but Vazquez never lost sight of her goal.
Now, with her first production receiving recognition, she is preparing for an even bigger undertaking. APEX Cultural Films plans to begin shooting its first feature-length horror film, The Chance, next spring, with filming planned in South Jersey communities including Merchantville and Tabernacle.
For Vazquez, the transition from attorney to filmmaker isn’t about leaving one successful career behind. It’s about discovering what else is possible.
Her message to other women considering a new challenge, regardless of where they are in life, is simple: “Never give up!”
After all, this South Jersey leading lady has already proven that a second act can be just as exciting as the first.
Cristina L. Vazquez
APEX Cultural Films
