The Team
Independent production company Stella Mar Films creates documentaries, feature films and client projects with an eye towards conveying the beauty of life and the importance of love.
Stella Mar Films was founded by filmmakers Sean Bloomfield and Cimela Kidonakis in an effort to produce films that had the potential to change lives and help make the world a better place.
F O U N D E R S
SEAN BLOOMFIELD
Independent filmmaker and author Sean Bloomfield is best known for the documentaries Apparition Hill, Where There is Darkness,The Triumph and If Only We Had Listened, both of which explore the modern phenomena of miracles, apparitions, and spirituality. Published works include a novel, The Sound of Many Waters. Bloomfield studied Writing and Communication at The University of Tampa, where his prose and films won several awards. His films have been shown on television and in theaters around the world. Visit Sean’s website.
CIMELA KIDONAKIS
Cimela is a filmmaker who comes from a family of storytellers. With a Greek father and a Mexican mother, Cimela began documenting her family’s travels at a young age, especially to her father’s homeland, the island of Crete. Cimela runs Optix Studios, a Houston based video production company, and began capturing stories professionally in 2009. In early 2015, Cimela joined Sean in founding Stella Mar Films. Their first documentary feature, Apparition Hill was a 2016 Oscar contender, and Where There is Darkness continues to win awards. Cimela is currently Cinematographer and Editor at Stella Mar Films. She is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and studied video production. Visit Cimela’s website.
A S S O C I A T E S
JESSI HANNAPEL
Jessi Hannapel is a young filmmaker from Dowagiac, Michigan. Since she was twelve years old, she has wanted to make inspiring movies that allow people to see the world in a different way. Her family has been a fantastic support throughout her life, and they encouraged her to pursue her passion for filmmaking. She graduated from Loyola University Chicago in May with a degree in Film and Digital Media Production. Jessi served as one of the co-producer and editors on Apparition Hill.
ROYCE HOOD
Royce Hood, Esq. is an attorney, entrepreneur and producer. He served as associate producer on Apparition Hill and The Triumph, and he has served as a producer on a number of other films and projects. Royce also serves as the legal counsel for Stella Mar Films. He lives near Chicago with his wife and children. Learn more about Royce at his website, RoyceHood.com.
C R E W & M O R E
JOZO IVANKOVIC
MARIO PINJUH
FOTO DANI
MELISSA KIDONAKIS
JONATHAN BOBBITT
JEFF FERGUSON