Meet Camila Vidal | Film Writer Director

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

Hi Camila, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the world around me and I find beauty in everyday moments, especially in the little things. It’s the way sunlight sneaks through the trees or the rhythm of city sounds in the morning. It’s a vibrant sunset, the hum of a busy street, or the peaceful vibe of a cozy café. But sometimes, I feel that this beauty lies in the ordinary moments touched by a hint of sadness, and it’s this subtle melancholy that adds a unique depth and charm. Like on a rainy afternoon, the gray sky and drizzle might seem gloomy, but there’s something kind of magical about the rain making ripples on puddles and washing everything clean. Or think about the end of a relationship. It can be tough, but there’s a certain beauty in the memories and the growth that comes from it, a bittersweet nostalgia that makes you smile through the tears because you know something real and lovely existed. Even in moments of struggle, there’s a raw beauty in just being with your feelings. It’s like finding strength in vulnerability. Watching leaves fall in autumn or the first light of dawn breaking through the dark, those moments remind me that there’s beauty in change and transition, even when it’s hard.

I find inspiration in reminiscence and in the joy of remembering. I am inspired by the days of my childhood and twenties and the nostalgia for family and friends, whether it’s gazing through windows, spending unhurried moments at the beach or in the park, or simply observing from a subway, inventing stories from the outside looking in. The idea of exploring new cities far from anywhere I call home also fuels my imagination. I find inspiration in people. The stories I hear, the interactions I have, and even random encounters are so rich with meaning. It’s amazing to witness how everyone is moving through their own lives, with their own dreams and challenges.

It’s all these pieces coming together that really move me and fuel my creativity. So, for me, inspiration is about appreciating all the different layers of life’s experiences.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d love for people to know that I’ve poured my heart into this passion for filmmaking, giving up so much along the way. It’s been a wild ride, but every bit of it has been worth it. I’m a Latina who grooves with passion and makes choices with courage. This attitude I have towards life was taught to me by my mom and my partner in life, my twin sister. They both live in Lima, Perú, the city where I was born and raised. Our childhood was filled with creative adventures; we turned insects, stuffed animals, and everyday objects into characters and settings for our imaginative stories. These playful moments were the foundation of my deep passion for storytelling. The bond I share with Micaela, my twin, was a source of strength as we navigated our parents’ divorce and the challenges of teenage life. While she chose motherhood and I pursued filmmaking, her influence remains a core part of my artistic perspective. My film, Then, Mother, reflects my desire to embody the nurturing qualities she represents. Our shared experiences of creativity and resilience continue to inspire me as an artist and a person.

Driven by a desire to expand my horizons, I decided to move abroad despite already making strides as a director in Peru, where pursuing a career in film was challenging due to deeply ingrained machismo. My hard work and honesty helped me get to where I am today, but the journey is far from over. I moved to LA three years ago, seeking new opportunities in the industry, and enrolled in an MFA program at CalArts to secure my visa. After graduating, I’ve just received my work visa—a significant milestone in a long journey. Every day here is a battle, but I’m determined to continue fighting and inspiring others as I navigate this challenging path.

I’ve learned that receiving a rejection email, not getting into a festival, or missing out on a grant or award are just small setbacks you collect along the way to something bigger. I’ve learned not to be afraid to express my thoughts, always with respect, because this industry thrives on teamwork and everyone deserves to be heard. Age is just a number, and wisdom comes from how many times you get back up after a fall. While money is necessary for stability, you can’t achieve it if your mind isn’t in the right place, everything is interconnected: mind, body, and soul. I’ve also learned to laugh at the little things and that not everything in life needs to be so serious; sometimes it’s perfectly fine to just lie on the ceiling and take it easy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friend on a road trip up the coast, driving through Topanga, Malibu, Santa Barbara and listening to oldies on the Pacific Coast Highway. It’s those moments that really remind me I’m in California. I also love my neighborhood, Echo Park, with its beautiful community of diverse and talented artists from around the world. I love hanging out at Stories coffee shop, walking around the lake, and catching a film at the Los Feliz Theater or Vidiots. These places and experiences make LA feel like home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a shoutout to some awesome people and places that have helped me along the way. First off, thanks to my family for always having my back.
Without them, none of the different aspects of my life would come together as they do. They are my source of strength and my motivation. Even though we’re separated by distance, their unwavering support from afar and understanding that our bond grows stronger despite the physical separation means everything to me. I’m also super grateful to my friends back home in Perú, my friends from all over the world, and my new LA family and film crew for their support. Big love to CalArts, my film school, the amazing faculty, mentors, and my talented cohort. And I can’t forget WHISKY CONTENT and my executive producer/agent, Juan Bernardo González, for believing in me and be part of the films that I’m making.

Website: https://vimeo.com/camilavidal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camilavidaland/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilavidalelespur