I’m Leonardo Ramirez. I tell stories that explore what it means to be human, always with a thread of hope running through them. Sci-fi and fantasy are usually where I live creatively—I love building the worlds where those stories unfold. I’m also a moderator here on Stage 32 in the screenwriting lounge and the writer’s room.
Which project feels the most personal to you, and why?
For me, It’s “Homeless”. Like many people, went through a season where I questioned whether people are still good, especially after some of the hardships my family and I have experienced. There was also season of constant betrayals when I retreated inward and stopped opening myself up to others.
In the end, I found that it was better to forgive and become the friend I needed. I believe that’s where healing can begin.
What about you? Which project feels the most personal and why?
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For me, it’s Neve de Amendoeira. Beneath the legend, it’s really about distance, memory and belonging - about how a place cannot return what was lost, but may find another form in which to answer that longing. That’s what makes it deeply personal to me.
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Love that Natalia Pavlova-Klius - especially the part about finding another form in which to answer that longing. Answers sometimes lie in place we're not looking.
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Hey, @Leo. Happy Introduce Yourself Weekend! Sorry to hear you and your family went through those hardships and betrayals. "Homeless" is an incredible project, and it's going to be an impactful film!
The Faith-based Crime Action feature script I'm writing feels the most personal to me because the protagonist (and other characters) faces the same thing I face as a Christian.
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Hey Maurice Vaughan! Always good to see you my friend and brother. I can totally see where your project will resonate with its audience as a whole.
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Hey Leonardo and happy IYW! I truly admire writers and filmmakers who can bring hope and inspiration into their work. A lot of people need that hope.
Something to aspire to.
"Homeless" sounds like an intersection of experience and creativity that holds a lot of power inside it. I'm excited to see it come to life. Knowing you came out of your struggles better, more aware, and determined is a testament to your strength.
Good for you. You're a shining star.
My most personal project? It's one I haven't talked much about. It's called "What He Sees" and it's currently in half-draft novel form. It touches on some of the darkest parts of me as a person. Scratch that. It doesn't touch them, it resides inside them. Why? Because the person reflected in those pages is the person I had to stop being in order to be some semblance of whole. He's an addict, mentally ill, desperate, confused and lost and broken in spirit. Boogie Dean Garret (MC) is who I was in active addiction. It remains unfinished. It may stay that way. It's hard to look at the very worst of myself and Boogie Dean makes me do that.
If I ever do finish it though...
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Elle Bolan - thank you so much for sharing that part of your life journey. You are a brave overcomer. And even if it never gets published (which I hope it does), you have every reason to be proud of who you are today. You're a beacon of hope and a joy here with us - I can imagine how much of a joy you are to your family and animals. And who knows, perhaps writing it was part of the healing...a healing that can be imparted to someone else. You're somewhat already doing that.
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Happy IYW, mi hermano! <3 Your words about forgiving and becoming the friend you once needed are beautiful and they explain the generosity you bring to this community. Homeless sounds deeply personal because it doesn’t deny betrayal or hardship; it chooses to search for humanity and hope through them.
For me, the most personal project is Soul Mated. It began as a love story, but gradually became a story about autonomy, consent, and finding the courage to choose ourselves when family, society, and the world believe they should have a vote. It carries my human-rights work, parts of my own emotional journey, and my belief that love should never require permission from anyone outside it.
Perhaps that is something our stories share: transforming the wounds that made us retreat into a reason to open the door again. Always proud to walk this creative journey beside you, Leonardo Ramirez. Happy IYW my friend.
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I think you're right Sandra Isabel - it's about transforming wounds into a doorway to become stronger through the healing process. We sometimes have to shift our focus from the wound itself to what can make us stronger from it. It's not always easy to see but it's there. Mucho love my friend.
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<3
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Always good to see you too my friend and brother, Leonardo Ramirez. Thanks. It's about something a lot of people struggle with. I made the poster already, but I might need to make some changes to it once I finish the script. I used Canva to make it.
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Canva is the best Maurice Vaughan. Can't wait to see your poster!
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Leonardo! I always love seeing you pop up here. It’s been so special getting to watch your journey and all the work you’ve continued to put into your writing and storytelling over the years.
And I really appreciate you sharing the story behind Homeless. There’s something so powerful about creating from a place that is deeply personal and finding your way back to hope through it. I’m really glad you found that reminder to become the friend you needed.
So happy to see you here, my friend. Keep going. I’m always rooting for you and excited to see what you do next!
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Can’t say enough how much that means to me Sydney S. Thank you so much for all that you do and your words of encouragement. You’re the best.
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As always, Leonardo Ramirez it is good to hear from you. I love the story of HOMELESS, sounds similiar to what I went through. I would say my personal project has been working on me. Literally personal. Dealing with, feeling the feelings of that childhood trauma so that I can be the person I am really am and have the courage to pursue the life of my dreams. I could not have done it without your friendship and support either. :) These posts are making me cry. Though may be it's the gin. Haha
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Suzanne Bronson That personal project is the absolute best, most valued project to focus on my friend. Everything that you will ever do in life will stem from that beautiful "project", the healing process and the wholeness that is inevitably at the doorstep. Once you've "made it" there, you've made it everywhere else. That is your prize.
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<3
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Hi,Leonardo Ramirez. Happy IYW. I don't have many scripts yet, but I can tell you my favourite ideas and stories that live in my head, for now. I´d like to write about loneliness and sadness, and exploring, in my own voice, the experiences what can lead someone there. Congrats to your "Homeless". I´m sure it deserves many more awards.
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Ideas worth exploring Maria Caeiro. And I have zero doubt that your audience will find hope in your expression of those ideas. Happy IY weekend dear friend.
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Of course, Leonardo! So happy to hear that, and thank you for the kind words. Always cheering you on and excited to see what you do next! have a great week :)