Samantha Rodriguez

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

an aspiring journalist & filmmaker

I'm an Undergraduate student at the University of Miami, majoring in Motion Pictures Screenwriting and Journalism. Scroll below to see what exciting articles and broadcasts are in store!

The Miami Hurricane •

‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ creator on his award-winning ode to Cuban culture, ‘Los Frikis’

Directors Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson premiered their latest project, “Los Frikis,” at the Miami Film Festival this April alongside academy-award winners and producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller.

The creatives received standing ovations and a $20,000 cash prize after highlighting the importance of finding joy when facing tragedy with their dramatic coming-of-age film.

“Los Frikis” is inspired by a true story which follows young and struggling Cuban rockstars in the middle of Fidel
The Miami Hurricane •

UM senior takes acting to the seas in Royal Caribbean Cruises’ production of “Grease”

Graduating senior Eve Cohen will soon close the curtain on her time at the University of Miami after starring in six theater productions with the theatre department. Less than a month after graduation, she is set to play Sandy Dumbrowski from “Grease” in Royal Caribbean Cruises’ upcoming production starting June 1.

After starring in productions of “Legally Blonde,” “Bring It On” and “Cabaret,” Cohen never shied away from the spotlight. She encourages everyone to give their dreams a chance and c
University of Miami School of Law •

Children and Youth Clinic Defends Special Needs Child Rejected of Health Benefits

Professor Bernie Perlmutter and Children and Youth Clinic students defended an intellectually disabled child after the Agency for Persons with Disabilities denied them health care due to the agency's I.Q. cutoff.

The APD denied the child's health care application due to their I.Q. assessment claiming the child's I.Q. is one point higher than their 70 I.Q. limit. Perlmutter recently held an oral argument in the 3rd District Court of Appeals to denounce the agency's decision, arguing that the APD
The Miami Hurricane - University of Miami Student •

How these identity-based clubs work to improve the University’s inclusion efforts - The Miami Hurricane

Nearly 11% of the student organizations at the University of Miami were created by students who noticed a lack of diverse spaces on campus.

Despite historically underrepresented students making up the majority of the student population, some feel that these organizations do more than the University to make them feel welcomed.

Here are some student organizations that were started by students to fill a void on campus.

BCC showcases Black creatives to put underrepresented artists in the limeligh
University of Miami School of Law •

First Filipino-Born Student Elected President of the Student Bar Association

A native of the Philippines, second-year law student Andrew Co was recently elected president of the Student Bar Association for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Law school wasn't on Co's radar during his undergraduate career at the University of South Carolina. Instead, he decided to study sports management there, where he was part of USC's 2% Asian population. However, after graduating, he started questioning whether he should pursue a law degree.

"I was chatting with a few friends who went to l
The Miami Hurricane •

Undergraduate film students produce sci-fi noir film, “JAMES OUTLAW” - The Miami Hurricane

With only $1,424 in donations, a student-led film crew will create futuristic costumes and sets for “JAMES OUTLAW: The Epiphany,” their science-fiction short film that begins production in late March.

The crew aims to mimic billion-dollar talent to prove great storytelling doesn’t have to break the bank.

Director Jeremiah Chaparro and producer Megan Marley’s film follows James Outlaw, an ex-police officer grieving over his past partner’s death. He begins to investigate ritualistic crimes conne
The Miami Hurricane •

A&E staff share Oscars 2024 predictions

Hollywood’s best will flock to the infamous Dolby Theater this Sunday at 7 p.m. for the 96th annual Oscar Awards. Actress Lily Gladstone looks to make history as the first-ever Native American to win an award while Cillian Murphy hopes to become the first Best Actor recipient for a Christopher Nolan film.

Will pretty-in-pink “Barbie” beat Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” or will “Killers of the Flower Moon” leave them both in the dust? Keep reading to see what the A&E staff predicts will happen at the Os
The Miami Hurricane •

MSA initiative unites and empowers women of color on campus

Enough, a program by Multicultural Student Affairs, instills confidence in diverse female students through monthly luncheons and group discussions that promote mentorship, leadership and networking skills.

The organization feels women of color’s battle to lead in a white or male-dominated workspace can surge competition between those who need to unite most. Enough hosts then empowerment sessions to remind attendees of collaboration’s power and how one diverse woman’s success can mean a more wel
University of Miami School of Law •

Miami Law Student Publishes in Journal of Human Rights Practices

Lorena Cristina Zenteno Villa, a Doctor of Juridical Science student, recently published an article in the Journal of Human Rights Practices, addressing how South American nations’ attempts to diminish climate change have infringed on human rights and urged governments to think differently.

Villa’s article, “Exploring Institutional Barriers to Effective Human Rights-Based Climate Litigation in Latin American Courts—Lessons from Chile and Ecuador,” explores how Chile and Ecuador’s constitutional
The Miami Hurricane •

Celebrate Black creatives at the ’Canes Black History Film Festival

Only 15 Black creatives are nominated at this year’s Oscars. According to the BBC, a lack of representation in the media can increase minorities’ insecurity about their future career options in entertainment. With the first-ever ’Canes Black History Film Festival, United Black Students aims to turn that insecurity into confidence.

UM organization UBS and UTrailblazers will host the festival at the Cosford Cinema on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.. Festival winners will receive $1,500 and participate in the ’
University of Miami School of Law •

Cardozo Jewish Legal Society and Holocaust Survivor Discuss the Rise of Antisemitism

Nicole Vahlkamp-Louis, president of the Cardozo Jewish Legal Society, and Holocaust survivor Michael Banhidi recently spoke to Miami Law students about the rise of antisemitism since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7 in the event “Never Again is Now.”

"On October 8, [Americans] started to blame the Jews and Israel. People were unafraid to say Hitler was right," Vahlkamp-Louis said. "This threat to the Jewish people is a threat to all people."

Vahlkamp-Louis reminded audiences of w
The Miami Hurricane •

Keep an eye on 2024’s most anticipated films

Cinema has become conversation’s backbone after last years’ blockbusters like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” Grab some popcorn, take a seat and join the conversation around this year’s most anticipated films.

Don’t miss any show-stopping numbers or future award-winning performances from the 2024 lineup.

A star-studded cast composed of Zendaya, Timothee Chalamet and Jason Momoa reunites for “Dune: Part Two.” With Florence Pugh and Austin Butler joining the ensemble, the sequel is looking like anot
The Miami Hurricane •

Catch these free weekly movie screenings at Cosford Cinema

Reignite your new year with some cinematic magic. The Cinematic Arts Commission (CAC) invites you to experience last fall’s most hilarious, terrifying and thrilling films this spring at the Bill Cosford Cinema.

With “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” writer Phil Lord making a surprise appearance at the Cosford last year, there’s no telling what’s in store this semester.

In this film where “Superbad” meets “Mean Girls,” two high school outcasts start a fight club to get punched by hot cheerl
The Miami Hurricane •

REVIEW: “The Iron Claw” puts pressure on your heart

“The Iron Claw” highlights the power of community through laughter and tragedy. Despite fixed character relationships, this tear-jerker depicts a joyful family that faces a tragic ending.

Written and directed by Sean Durkins, “The Iron Claw” shows the rise and fall of the Von Erich wrestling family. Kevin Von Erich (Zac Efron) fuels his father’s (Holt McCallany) harsh parenting as he fights to become a world-class wrestler and protect his younger brothers, David (Harris Dickinson), Kerry (Jerem
The Miami Hurricane •

Meet the creatives behind UM’s first undergraduate feature film, “COLLAGE”

UM students and aspiring filmmakers Chiara Padejka and Evan Friedmann are working with fellow students to produce “COLLAGE,” the University’s first-ever undergraduate feature film.

In their fictional mockumentary, videographer David Torres records artists Luna Monroe and Vasil Daskalov tied together by a rope for a year-long creative experiment. Torres captures every second of the artist’s joy and heartbreak as they test humanity’s ability to coexist.

Dimiter D. Marinov, from Apple TV’s “For A
The Miami Hurricane •

Let’s COPE: What the UM counseling organization can do for you

According to the Mayo Health Clinic, 44% of college students struggle with depression, but only 25% seek guidance — UM’s Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE) organization aims to increase that percentage of students asking for help.

COPE works to destigmatize mental health and save lives through educational outreach programs. COPE’s peer educators work alongside the University’s counseling center to help students face demanding workloads and adapt to college life.

“Some of the biggest men
The Miami Hurricane •

Despite obstacles, Indigecanes chair works to amplify Native American voices at UM

Campus organization Indigecanes honors Native American Heritage Month by amplifying Indigenous voices by raising awareness and hosting events. Founded in 2018, the club highlights the importance of strengthening Native voices to counter how the U.S. education system largely romanticizes Native history.

“[Indigecanes has been] organizing events and bringing in Miccosukee and Seminole folks who are Indigenous to the land the University of Miami stands on to push forward a narrative that has histo
The Miami Hurricane •

REVIEW: “Saltburn” serves guts and glory

Forgoing a predictable plot and basic characters, upcoming film “Saltburn” delights audiences with its excellent cinematography and compelling suspense. Director and writer Emerald Fennell portrays the twisted fantasies and urges of rabid humans as the film takes the phrase, “eat the rich,” literally.

“Saltburn” follows Oxford University student Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), who invites his classmate and social outcast Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) to his family estate, Saltburn. Oliver grows obs
The Miami Hurricane •

GEMS Film Festival 2023: the who, when, where and what

See a range of exclusive movies, filmmakers and actors at this year’s GEMS Film Festival, a four-day event happening in Downtown Miami across various cinemas to present the best of the fall film season.

Head to the Koubek Center — a historical mansion with beautiful pillars and natural scenery — on Thursday, Nov. 2 for opening night, where you can see renowned actor Eugenio Derbez accept the GEMS Impact Award for his outstanding contributions to Latin American entertainment.

Attendees will als
The Miami Hurricane •

REVIEW: “The Killer” breaks through boredom

“The Killer” is a methodical ride that brings you into the mind of its twisted titular character. Its dry humor and confusing plot illustrates the pains of bureaucracy. Nevertheless, despite the protagonist traveling around the globe, the film missed its most important destination — the Netflix Top 10 list.

Director David Fincher’s newest thriller follows an unnamed killer (Michael Fassbender) after a failed assassination. The self-proclaimed emotionless killer tracks down his client after they
Load More
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

Maya Angelou