For many directors, coming-of-age films stem from a desire to recreate their own pleasures (and pains) of growing up. And that was precisely the case for director Meredith Danluck. She's always chased her passions — straight to her career as a filmmaker in an industry largely dominated by men. This feeling of following her dreams against all odds is something she knew she wanted to recreate on film. So in partnership with DOVE® Chocolate, we tapped Danluck to write and direct a short film about just that.

The film, Clavadista, centers around 15-year-old Ava Alvarez and her family of clavadistas (or cliff divers). By day, Ava works at a cliffside restaurant while her father and brothers perform dangerous meal-side dives. But in her free time, Ava is secretly passionate about diving as well — and once her family uncovers her secret, everything changes.

Inspired by Jimena Alvarez & the Clavavistas of Acapulco

Written and Directed by: Meredith Danluck
Produced by: Matthew Shattuck
Producer: Megan Doyle
Executive Producer: Shannon Gibson
Executive Producer: Amy Emmerich
Executive Producer: Stone Roberts
Director of Photography: Jake Burghart
Editor: Ian McGee
Composer: Aska Matsumiya

Post House: The Paint Shop