Sonia Machado-Hines
- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Sonia Machado-Hines is a producer and director whose work has garnered over 33 awards from international film festivals across five continents. As founder and CEO of Black++ Productions, she has established herself as a dynamic force in independent cinema during her career as a Producer and Director, with particular success in securing worldwide distribution for her projects.
Her most recent productions exemplify this momentum: "Mauler" (2024) and "Life Upside Down" (2023) have both secured major worldwide distribution deals, with platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime, AMC+, and Hulu. "Life Upside Down," featuring Bob Odenkirk and Danny Houston, has particularly resonated with international audiences. Her latest film, "A Lady's Love" (2024), continues this trajectory of success, recently winning "Best Original Story" at the 2025 Toronto Independent Film Festival.
Born and partially raised in Havana. Her native Cuban roots have instilled in her a high work ethic that is inspired by the love of many cultures, which enhances the quality of her work.
In recognition of her impact on the industry, Machado-Hines was awarded the inaugural "Force of Nature" Award in 2025, presented by the SVP of Sony Picture Classics, Dylan Leiner, celebrating her commitment to creative storytelling and inspiring social change through media. Her documentary "Hiplet" (2022) further demonstrates her range as a filmmaker, earning critical acclaim and multiple festival honors.
A current member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Film Independent, Women in Film, and the International Documentary Association, Machado-Hines has built a reputation for managing productions across all budget levels ($500,000 to $15 million) while maintaining high production values and ethical practices. Her expertise spans both domestic and international productions, encompassing union and non-union projects.
Through Black++ Productions, she continues to champion sustainable production practices and foster inclusive creative environments, demonstrating that commercial success and social responsibility can work hand in hand. Her commitment to nurturing new talent while collaborating with established industry professionals has made her a respected voice in independent film production.
Her most recent productions exemplify this momentum: "Mauler" (2024) and "Life Upside Down" (2023) have both secured major worldwide distribution deals, with platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime, AMC+, and Hulu. "Life Upside Down," featuring Bob Odenkirk and Danny Houston, has particularly resonated with international audiences. Her latest film, "A Lady's Love" (2024), continues this trajectory of success, recently winning "Best Original Story" at the 2025 Toronto Independent Film Festival.
Born and partially raised in Havana. Her native Cuban roots have instilled in her a high work ethic that is inspired by the love of many cultures, which enhances the quality of her work.
In recognition of her impact on the industry, Machado-Hines was awarded the inaugural "Force of Nature" Award in 2025, presented by the SVP of Sony Picture Classics, Dylan Leiner, celebrating her commitment to creative storytelling and inspiring social change through media. Her documentary "Hiplet" (2022) further demonstrates her range as a filmmaker, earning critical acclaim and multiple festival honors.
A current member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Film Independent, Women in Film, and the International Documentary Association, Machado-Hines has built a reputation for managing productions across all budget levels ($500,000 to $15 million) while maintaining high production values and ethical practices. Her expertise spans both domestic and international productions, encompassing union and non-union projects.
Through Black++ Productions, she continues to champion sustainable production practices and foster inclusive creative environments, demonstrating that commercial success and social responsibility can work hand in hand. Her commitment to nurturing new talent while collaborating with established industry professionals has made her a respected voice in independent film production.
