Meet Laura Ballesteros | Director, Writer and Editor

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

Hi Laura, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Movies have been my safe space since childhood. Growing up in Colombia, where the film industry is centralized and soap operas dominate, pursuing a career in film felt like a distant dream. However, living in Barranquilla exposed me to a rich cultural and artistic environment that fueled my passion for storytelling. This led me to study social communication and journalism; it offered a practical career path while still allowing me to tell stories and advocate for social justice and feminism, two causes close to my heart. Despite choosing a different path, my love for filmmaking never faded.

During university, I delved deeper into film through classes and extracurricular projects. I realized that I could tell the stories I wanted through short films and documentaries. I joined a feminist collective, where we aimed to shine a spotlight on women filmmakers in the Colombian Caribbean.

After graduating, I decided to pursue my passion and obtain a Master’s degree in Film Production at Full Sail University. My thesis addressed a personal experience as a biracial woman, exploring the emotional and cultural significance behind the ‘Big Chop’, an act of rebellion and liberation for women who decide to leave behind the imposed beauty standards to embrace their natural curly hair.

Now, as co-founder of my production company, The Backseat Club, I’m excited to develop projects with my team. I thrive on collaboration, learning from fellow creatives, and contributing innovative ideas.

For me, film is more than just storytelling, it’s a powerful medium to express ideas and emotions. I’m driven by the desire to make a positive impact, to experiment, and ultimately find joy in an endlessly fascinating art form that connects us all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been defined by dedication and determination to excel. I’m proud to have graduated with honors from my bachelor’s program and to have been named valedictorian with two course director’s awards during my master’s studies. Turning my dream of studying in the United States into reality required a significant amount of effort, particularly considering how competitive it is for international students, especially to find a job in the challenging film industry. Securing scholarships from Full Sail University and sponsorship from a Colombian foundation to cover part of the costs was a game-changer. Given the disparities in currency and living expenses between Colombia and the United States, it was a bold move, but it has been worth it.

However, the transition to working in the US wasn’t as smooth as anticipated. The job hunt was arduous, with constant rejections due to visa restrictions. Emotionally, it was draining, and I felt like I was falling into a hole of diminishing expectations. The pressure mounted as my family and I had high hopes for my success, fueled by my academic achievements. Eventually, I made the difficult decision to return to Colombia, I preferred to gain experience in the industry in Colombia, rather than do nothing in the United States.

Although it meant leaving behind what I had built in the US, including my apartment, lifestyle, and friendships, I embraced the belief that life was redirecting me for a reason. Returning home brought unexpected opportunities, including a remote content creator role with a Miami-based company and the establishment of The Backseat Club production company with friends. Additionally, I was offered teaching positions in scriptwriting and event production at a university.

Life has a way of unfolding unexpectedly, but I’ve learned to embrace the journey and remain committed to storytelling. Despite the challenges, I’m content with where I am now, grateful for the opportunities, and excited for what the future holds.

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.
I absolutely love this question because I’m always excited to show my friends from all over the world the beauty of Colombia and the warmth of its people. I would recommend visiting several cities, including Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta on the coast, followed by Medellin and the Coffee Region in the interior of the country. We have a delicious gastronomy, so one of the highlights of the trip would definitely be trying all the incredible local food. I always tell people that they have to experience Colombian cuisine because it’s simply amazing. From fried mojarra and ajiaco to bandeja paisa and pan de bono, not to mention arepas, empanadas, and, of course, coffee.

Apart from the food, Colombia boasts stunning landscapes, tourist attractions, national parks, rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scenes, and unbeatable nightlife. Each city has its own unique charm, vibe, and even climate, offering a diverse range of experiences. Whether it’s exploring the colorful streets of Cartagena’s old town, the vibrant community of Comuna 13 in Medellin, or relaxing on the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park in Santa Marta, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Overall, a week-long trip to Colombia promises to be an unforgettable adventure filled with fun, excitement, and plenty of delicious food.

If you come only to Barranquilla, I’ll make sure to take you to all the must-see spots, including tourist attractions along the river, the Ecoparque Ciénaga de Mallorquín, the beach, the Shakira statue, and monuments like La Ventana al Mundo and the Carnival Museum. I recommend visiting the city during the carnival, a folkloric event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to several incredible individuals who have played essential roles in shaping who I am today. Firstly, to my remarkable mother, who raised me single-handedly with unwavering dedication and hard work. As a psychology professor specializing in social psychology, she instilled in me a passion for social justice and empathy. She not only taught me the importance of these values but also showed me that I am an independent and strong individual, capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. Her love, support, and intelligence continue to inspire me every day.

Next, to my father, whose presence in my life has been a constant source of love and encouragement. He sparked my love for films and literature, and his fearless advocacy for his beliefs has left an indelible mark on me. His creativity and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout my journey.

I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my extended family, particularly my aunt Yaneth, whose relentless belief in me and tireless efforts to create opportunities and adventures have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Her unconditional love and perseverance are truly admirable.

To my dear friend Brenda, who has been like a sister to me, thank you for your unwavering support and friendship. Lastly, to my dear close friends, whose encouragement, ideas, and unwavering belief in me have given me the strength and confidence to pursue my dreams. I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you.

Website: https://lauraballesterosc1.wixsite.com/laura-ballesteros

Instagram: @lauraale0

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-ballesteros-843b18234

Image Credits
Pei Liu Andrea Zempoalteca