What is Acción Latina and what is your role in the organization?

Acción Latina is a new organization that promotes and produces Latino Cinema at USC. We also aim to provide a networking platform for SCA students once they graduate. I’m the co-founder/co-president of this student organization and my role is to create a strong foundation for future members and projects.  

What kinds of activities does your organization sponsor or support?

Acción Latina will sponsor, alongside AEM (Asociación de Empresarios Mexicanos), a Latinx Filmmakers Panel this coming April. We are also planning to work closely with El Centro Chicano, Vision and Voices, and other SCA student organizations providing support and a collaborative partnership to one another. We want to promote inclusion and diversity through our events.

What are you, personally, studying and how has being involved with Acción Latina, enhanced your studies?

I was born in Torreón, Coahuila, México and moved to California when I was 16 years old with my family. This is my second semester at USC, I transferred from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. I’m double majoring in Film Production and Latin American Studies. I am passionate about my culture and I think it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of our history, in order to gain appreciation and consciousness of who we are. Acción Latina opens infinite opportunities to reach out and unite with other fellow filmmakers. We want to raise awareness and educate people on Latino Filmmaking; everyone is welcomed.

What advice do you have for prospective students looking at applying to your program?

Since we are a brand new organization we need people who are willing to work hard with us to create and establish a stronger foundation for Acción Latina. We need passionate people who are willing to collaborate with our organization. We have personal connections with people in the Consulate of Mexico in Los Angeles, NALIP, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, SCA Latino Alumni, and we want to take advantage of this resources to organize networking events, screenings, and a Latino Film Festival here at SCA.

How has the School of Cinematic Arts prepared you, so far, for a career in your discipline?

The School of Cinematic Arts offers the best possible preparation when it comes to filmmaking. The professors and faculty have so much offer due to their endless experience in film and television. I feel confident that once I graduate I will be able to get an job I love and accomplish positive outcomes due to my training at SCA.

What have been the biggest challenges for you at USC?

One of my biggest challenges at USC has been balancing my academic course load with life and work. Throughout my Community College experience, I worked full time and still was able to keep up with school. Here at USC, I have had a completely different reality. I barely have time to keep up with my many responsibilities; however, this has pushed me to manage my time wisely and fully enjoy everything that USC offers.

What in your past has given you inspiration or a unique point of view that you bring to USC?

Coming here I had nothing to grab onto, I left everything in Mexico. Attending an American school wasn’t an easy transition either. I learned the importance people can have in your life, even with the smallest gesture of kindness. Having lived in various places has given me a unique perspective to appreciate the differences that unite us. I’m inspired daily by my peers and my professors. I want to show my gratitude by giving back. One of those steps to give back to USC is Acción Latina.

What personal projects have you worked on and/or are currently working on either with Acción Latina, or on your own?

My most recent project is a documentary I directed in January. The title is “Out of the Shadows” and it tells the story of Julian and his pursue to fit in the American culture.  

Here is the link:

https://vimeo.com/205083977

Password: doc310

I also wrote and directed a short film on May 2016, before getting into USC. The title is “Misfit” and it’s about a teenager who deals with the onset of schizophrenia.

Here is the link:

https://vimeo.com/190890607

Password: misfit2016

Since this is Acción Latina’s first semester as a school organization we are still working to organize a short documentary by our members. There are many options that we have to look into for the film festival we hope to hold. We are so excited to have people join our organization and spread our love of filmmaking through our roots and backgrounds.