Versatile actor and director Yissendy Trinidad, best known for her work in Damien Chazelle’s Babylon, has started filming the anticipated on new romantic comedy, Are We Dating the Same Guy? The film follows Emily, a software engineer who creates a sisterhood app that allows women to review men they’ve dated. The app exposes a serial cheater and launches a movement, while threatening Emily’s career and relationships.
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Jenny Tran (Interior Chinatown), Robert Palmer Watkins (General Hospital), Johnny Rey Diaz (Primo), Moriah Brown (The Six Triple Eight), and Orel de la Mota (The Baxters).
Additional cast members include James Pratt (Malibu Crush), Jessica Marie Garcia (On My Block), Vivian Lamolli (All the Queen’s Men), Julissa Calderon (Gentefied), Gloria Laino (American Horror Story), Norma Maldonado (Jane the Virgin), Alycia Pascual-Peña (Saved by the Bell), and Yissendy Trinidad herself.
Filming is underway in Los Angeles, and we were lucky enough to have an exclusive one-on-one interview with Yissendy about her inspiration for directing the film and what audiences can expect from this exciting new project and how her other projects shaped her decision to direct this film.
What inspired you to create Are We Dating the Same Guy? and how did the concept come about? The inspiration came from observing the struggles women face in modern dating, including trust issues and the lack of transparency. I wanted to create a story that reflects the challenges while empowering women to reclaim their voices and build solidarity. The idea of the app came about as a tool for women to share their experiences, turning a difficult situation into a positive, community-driven movement.
How does the film address the impact of technology on modern relationships?
Technology plays a dual role in the film it connects people while also exposing vulnerabilities. The app in the story highlights how technology can foster transparency and accountability but also demonstrates the risks it poses to privacy and personal boundaries. It’s a reflection of how our reliance on technology influences our ability to build trust and maintain relationships in today’s world.
Can you provide more details about the character Emily and her journey in the film?
Emily is a passionate and ambitious software engineer who channels her personal heartbreak into creating a sisterhood app designed to empower women. Throughout the film, she faces professional challenges and personal betrayals, including a rival app created by someone close to her. Her journey is one of resilience, where she learns to balance her ambition with her emotional growth, ultimately emerging stronger and more self-assured.
Which part of Los Angeles are you filming in, and why did you choose this area?
We’re filming in various iconic neighbourhoods of Los Angeles, such as Sherman Oaks, Downtown LA, and West Hollywood. These locations reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the city, which mirrors the diverse cast and themes of the film. LA’s dynamic backdrop also adds an authentic and relatable feel to Emily’s journey as a tech entrepreneur.
When can we expect to see the completed film?
We’re aiming for a release in 2025. Currently, the production schedule is tight, but we’re committed to delivering a high-quality film that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Can you share more about your other projects and how Are We Dating the Same Guy? fits into your overall creative vision? My projects, including Doumi Girls and commercials like El Cristiano Tequila, emphasize diversity, inclusion, and storytelling that inspires. Are We Dating the Same Guy? continues this trend by showcasing complex female characters and tackling issues like sisterhood, technology, and self-discovery. It’s a step forward in my goal of creating meaningful, entertaining stories that leave a lasting impact.
What do you hope audiences take away from the film, particularly regarding sisterhood and solidarity? I hope audiences recognize the power of collective action and how women can uplift each other. Sisterhood is the film’s heartbeat, reminding us that solidarity can lead to positive change, not just in relationships but in every aspect of life.
What role does the app play in shaping the characters’ personal growth and relationships throughout the film? The app acts as a catalyst, bringing truths to light and challenging the characters to confront their fears, insecurities, and desires. For Emily, it becomes a symbol of her resilience and determination. For others, it serves as a mirror to their actions and relationships, pushing them to grow.
Are you excited to be doing more directing or acting in the future
Absolutely! I find joy in both acting and directing, as each allows me to express creativity differently. Directing gives me the opportunity to shape stories from a broader perspective, while acting lets me immerse myself in a character’s world. I’m excited to continue exploring both avenues and creating impactful, diverse stories.
