Meet Regina Rios | Director, Scriptwriter and Producer

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

Hi Regina, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Ciudad Constitución, Baja California Sur—a small town in northern México where life feels slow, and not much seems to happen on the surface. Growing up in Constitución shaped me in profound ways. I learned to appreciate the small, quiet moments in life and the beauty of simplicity. It taught me the value of staying close to family and building strong connections with the people around me.

Being surrounded by the desert, I developed a deep love for nature and a sense of resilience, as well as an ability to find magic and stories in the least expected places. In a town like Constitución, where opportunities can feel distant, dreaming big is almost a necessity. I think being far away from major cultural hubs made my ambitions larger and gave me the drive to pursue a creative career, telling stories that reflect my roots while connecting with universal emotions.

That environment also instilled in me a unique perspective, the ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, and it continues to inspire my work as a storyteller. Whether it’s crafting a film, writing a script, or exploring themes of hope and resilience, my upbringing is always a driving force in my creative process

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Movies were like gold to me growing up—and incredibly hard to find. In my small town, the nearest movie theater was two hours away, so every trip to the movies was a journey. But it was worth it because those stories stayed with me, filling me with wonder and inspiration for weeks afterward. My parents made those trips possible, and their effort gave birth to my love for cinema. As I grew older, I realized that what I love most isn’t just watching stories but telling them—creating worlds and characters that reflect pieces of where I come from.

My stories always take me back to my roots. They remind me of the smell of my grandmother’s house, the way the wind blew in the afternoons, or how the neighbors could be both annoying and unforgettable. In many ways, my films are love letters to my hometown and to the unique, sometimes bittersweet beauty of life there.

The journey to where I am now hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration. Listening to others, especially your team, is essential. You can’t achieve your vision alone—trust is key. At the same time, I’ve learned to trust myself and my ideas, to express them clearly but remain open to input. That balance has been vital to my growth and success.

Now, as I’m about to finish my MFA, I feel a deep sense of excitement and readiness for what’s next. My goal is to return to México and begin working on my first feature film—a project that will continue to explore themes of identity, resilience, and the rich cultural tapestry of my roots. What I want people to know about me and my work is that I’m committed to telling stories that are grounded in truth, stories that capture the magic in the everyday and celebrate the places and people that shaped me. This is just the beginning, and I’m eager to see where the journey takes me.

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.
Los Angeles is a city where you can lose yourself and find yourself. If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure to share some of my personal favorites:

We’d start at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, a must for anyone who loves film and a quick stop in their gift shop. Afterward, we’d grab tacos at Leo’s Tacos, hands down the best al pastor in town, for a taste of México. In the evening, we’d catch the sunset at Griffith Observatory, where the views are nothing short of magical.

I’d take them to Dan Sung Sa in Korea Town, a spot I’m obsessed with since a friend introduced me to it—it’s lively, delicious, and unforgettable. Of course, we’d spend a day at the beach, either Santa Monica or Venice, walking the boardwalk, snapping photos, and soaking in the ocean vibes.

LA is a city of vibrant food, art, and culture, and this mix of places gives a little taste of what makes it so special.

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?
My shoutout goes first and foremost to my mom and dad, who have always been my biggest supporters and my constant source of strength. Being an only child, I’ve always had a very close bond with them, and they’ve played such an integral role in shaping who I am today. They’ve encouraged me to dream big and pursue my passions, no matter how distant or challenging they may seem.

Their unwavering belief in me and their sacrifices have taught me resilience, hard work, and the importance of staying true to myself. Every step I’ve taken in my journey, I’ve taken with their encouragement, love, and wisdom behind me. They keep pushing me to be the best version of myself, and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. My journey is, in so many ways, their journey too.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-regina-ríos-ceja-4230b71b4