Meet Lena Báez | Film Director & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lena Báez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lena, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
The most fulfilling moments of my life come from taking risks. I genuinely prefer making mistakes to the feeling of regret. The idea that I could have experienced something or learned something new without living them, haunts me, because I will never do and I think “what I waste”. By taking risks, I’m still uncertain of my future or the results from a task, event, etc but I know that something will come out of it and that will help me take a step towards my personal or professional success. Taking risks can be scary, and I think that’s part of the experience. You will only feel this sensation when there’s something new to be experienced. I’m the kind of person that takes the challenge and turns it into an opportunity becuase I believe that’s the way is supposed to be, otherwise I will only be putting limitations in myself which will affect my critical thinking, my decision making habilities and actions. Taking risk can be challenging but it’s an adventure whether is small or big, as long as it takes you further and not backwards.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I think about my art, I think about how much I want to help people through the stories that I portray through a screen. Films inspire me and motivate me and I want to do the same with the movies and music videos that I make because I believe it’s a great medium to help others. I’m passionate about telling stories and I believe that there are so many stories out there ready to be heard. When I think about movies, I think about people living moments just like us, therefore, the movies that I make explore our human nature and who we are as individuals even if they are just for a moment. I make stories that are relatable to us because that’s the way we can be heard as human beings, that’s the way I can inspire and motivate others. I’m not here to preach or give advice, but to listen and to establish that we are not alone. Movies do more than entertain. Is it an easy medium? No, it’s challenging at times but challenges are opportunities for me to learn more and to grow as an artist. I don’t see a “but”, I see “when, how”. My response to challenges is very rational because my heart is put into the stories, therefore there’s a balance with no limitations which is what matters. However, it was never this way, it takes time to change your mentality. I don’t like regrets and regrets come from not engaging in something new, but now I know that the answer to it is trying.
Throughout my career, I have learned so much about people and myself included. I have learned that it’s a tough business at times, but when you do things with love then the results will always be much better than you expect which always end up in a learning experience and I find that so fulfilling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first day, I would take my best friend for a hike. There are so many trail hikes to the Hollywood sign and to the Griffith Observatory and they have a great view of the city. You can rest at the top, or have a small picnic. Los Angeles supports the art highly, therefore I think that the next spot should be a theater. Many plays are been produced nowdays, however small plays are considered to be the best from my point of view. The interaction with the actors and the scenarios are more intimate, you feel close to the story and the events of the play. The Getty Museum is another spot to visit, it’s really big, therefore that should be taking into consideration, you can spend all day in there but it’s a great opportunity for the appreciation of art and they have gardens, stores and spots to eat as well.
I’m bias about the beaches, I think they are a gem. I feel at peace with the breeze in my face and the sand under my feet, therefore I recommend Cherry Beach in Long Beach, it’s not overcrowded. You can make a small picnic as well, read a book, hang out with friends, or just rest. However, the best spot for me to watch the sunset is still Santa Monica Beach. At this spot, the sun is right in front of your eyes as it hides behind the horizon.
When it comes to food suggestions, I think Los Angeles has a great variety due to the diversity that exist in the city. One of my favorite spots is a local spot in North Hollywood called Angel’s Tijuana Tacos where you can find very cheap tacos and burritos of excellent quality. It’s just a tent on the sidewalk but it fills up very quickly. I’m a fan of Asian food as well, for that reason I would like my best friend to try the Indian food from the restaurant Flavor of India, there’s one in Burbank and another in Studio City. Also, I’m into Korean BBQ and there are many good options in Koreatown. In Los Angeles, there’s a lot of support for foreign culture, consenquently there are many great food spots to explore.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be here without my family, they are my biggest supporters. I think about the many occasions in which they have dedicated their time to help me towards my goals and I’m so grateful for everything they have done for me. Their encouragement has helped me get through thick and thin, therefore I dedicate my Shoutout to them. I was introduced to movies and the process of making them by my sister; she taught me the first steps in filmmaking and storytelling. We used to analyze many movies together, we would go in depth about the story, the characters, and the cinematography; today, we analyze the movies and music videos that I make to make them better for next time. A special shoutout to her as well.

Website: http://www.lenabaezfilms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenisa.films/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-baez-02a450121

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.baez.23

Youtube: Lena Báez

Image Credits
Ivanna Báez, Shubham Gosalia, Brian Lau, Rigel Yaluk.