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An eye-opening film that highlights the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy for veterans, told through the lens of a resilient, queer, Hispanic, female combat veteran.
In the wake of war, countless veterans return home with deep, invisible wounds that traditional therapy alone cannot heal. Every day, these brave individuals battle trauma, isolation, and hopelessness—often in silence. At Let There Be Light, we believe cinema can break that silence. Our mission is to shine a light on alternative treatments for PTSD, particularly psychedelic therapy, which, though transformative, remains controversial and largely inaccessible in the U.S.
Through the story of Alex Álvarez—a fierce yet fragile Latina combat veteran—we seek to humanize the struggle and offer a new vision of hope. Alex represents the strength, diversity, and untold journeys of so many veterans. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and rediscovering light amid darkness.
By backing Let There Be Light, you join a movement that could impact thousands of veterans’ lives. This film isn’t just a story; it’s a call to awareness, empathy, and action”. LEARN MORE
*Winner of “Excellence of Directing by the New Women of Film and Television”
*Winner “Best Actor”
*Nominated “Best Film”
*Nominated “Grand Jury Prize”
* Screened at the University of Utrecht, Canada (Trans United, Prostitution Information Center)
*Screened at Quer.red Amsterdam, Netherlands
Paula was born in Cali, Colombia. She moved to the USA at the age of 16 and, after high school, joined the US Army (active duty) where she deployed to IRAQ 08-09 as an Army Nurse. She is a Writer, Award-Winning Director, and Actor.
She won the “Excellence in Directing'' award from New York Women in Film & Television in collaboration with SOHO international Film Festival for her latest short film “Shell Shocked", a loose proof of concept of her first feature film, “Let There Be Light”. “Shell Shocked” won the award for Best Actor at the GI Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Richmond International Film Festival.
Her other short films have had successful screenings in the US and International Film Festivals. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.
