Interview with Judy Cerda - Easterseal film Challenge 2026

Judy Cerda is an actress known for her work in short films and independent productions including Mirror Mirror (2025), Dark Jest Comedy Revelry (2024), and Dreamer (2023). She also stars in the ongoing miniseries Mocos. Her performances span drama and comedy across festival and challenge-based projects.

You’ve been part of multiple Easterseals Film Challenge projects, including Mirror Mirror**,** Dark Jest Comedy Revelry**, and** Dreamer**. What keeps drawing you back to this challenge environment?**
I have always enjoyed doing film challenges and seeing them win awards when they do. I used to do a lot of 48 Hour Film Challenges (14 times) and watch them play in theatres and get voted on. It inspires us to do our very best when it’s a competition.
 

How does working under the Easterseals Film Challenge time constraints shape your instincts and decision-making as a performer?
I set aside the time for it and make sure I do my best plus work fast to get it done and turned in as soon as possible. I make a decision about how I’ll play the role and stick to it. I do it based on how the role resonates with me.

In Mirror Mirror**, your performance carries emotional weight in a short runtime. How did you approach making that character feel fully realized so quickly?**
I just get motivated automatically when I need to get emotional in a role and that helps.

Dark Jest Comedy Revelry allowed you to explore comedy within a challenge format. How does comedy function differently when every moment counts?
I enjoy doing comedy movies and have always liked playing comedic roles. Sometimes the truth in a role can be quite comedic. It’s also important to pay attention to the timing and put in pauses to let others get the joke.
 

What does inclusion and accessibility in filmmaking mean to you personally, especially within the Easterseals mission?
It means realizing that a person with a handicap can pursue their goals without letting a disability get in the way. I like seeing people use their talents in spite of their special challenges and go after their goals without fear. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ve been impressed with the talent I have seen in the films with me doing the Easter Seals films.

You’re currently involved in several upcoming projects, including Mocos: The Miniseries**. How does working on a longer-form project compare to the intensity of film challenges?**
It gives me regular work which I love and lets me grow with the characters. I am both the President and a dancer in these different episodes of Mocos plus danced in their music video “Mocos Locos”. It’s great working with this director and his series is being done so professionally with fantastic special effects. It’s not as rushed as the film challenges which means more time to think through the character and setting.

With projects like The Tardins and Blitz’s in development, what kinds of stories are you most excited to tell next?
I always like the dramatic roles that show a person’s emotions and life struggles as so many people can relate to them. These two movies you mentioned are both comedies. I’m a dominatrix named Hazel in The Tardins and it’s quite comical as she shows her strength in belittling relatives and a hapless man, and I play the daughter/customer, Jane, in Blitiz’s where I’m there for my parents and taking it out on the pizza personnel with my demands. Both were fun roles to play.
 

For actors interested in participating in film challenges and festival circuits, what mindset or preparation do you think makes the biggest difference?
They should be good at memorizing lines quickly and also doing some improvisation. It’s also good to take chances with the roles and see what really works for them and what doesn’t. Challenges really inspire one to do their best and try new characters.

Interviews 

https://endertalon.blogspot.com/2024/12/interviews-with-clinton-r.html