Meet Ahlyia Rios-Lopez | Cinematographer | Director

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

Hi Ahlyia, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
The amount of hours it takes for a project to be accomplished from both the crew and the talent. In the end its worth it because you step back and see your passion behind each project.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I started at 18-years-old working with some of the biggest names in entertainment and now at the age of 22 I’ve had the privilege to work on culturally impactful projects with music superstars. As a young Mexican American female, I’m most excited about my upcoming graduation with a Bachelors in Cinematography and will have time to further hone my craft.

I honestly got to where I am as a result of support from Cardi B and her team when they hired me to capture behind the scenes footage on one of her highest performing music videos. This work garnered exposure and earned respect from my colleagues and counterparts and led to more high profile projects. It took this break to get me in and showcase my craft . Every job/project I’ve taken on was not easy, however, they’ve allowed me a new experience and the opportunity to make positive adjustments. If you think about it, as an artist we never stop creating and even with a final product we can always find something to change or adjust. I have learned to overcome my challenges by believing in myself and knowing I can handle the task one project at a time. I have seen growth in my work and I can look back at where I started and compare the difference to where I am now. Some of the lessons I have learned along the way are to always be grateful to God for what you have because it can be taken away at any time. I am grateful in every room God has allowed me to be invited into and not take things, people, or opportunities he gives me for granted.

I want the world to know that I have made a commitment to myself and made a promise to work on projects that always will have a purpose, a meaning and positive impact on others. I want people to see that I love what I do and they can see it in my work and even when I have discouraging days.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places is Point Dume in Malibu to catch the sunset, riding in my Jeep truck on PCH blasting music and being a sunset chaser. If you want to have some amazing sushi, I would not take you to an LA influencer spot but instead to CHIBA Sushi in North Hollywood. I grew up going to this amazing sushi restaurant and having great memories with Shig the Owner who has been in the valley for over 40 years, Chiba will never disappoint you. To end a night going to West Hollywood and dancing, dancing takes me back to being a kid and growing up to hip hop and house music with my parents at home. I grew up with my dad being a Dj and playing Ice cube, Egyptian lover, and all I could remember is bobbing my head and rocking to the beat. I love that I grew up on music and now have had the opportunity to work with amazing artists in the business.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mom as she’s always encouraged me to pursue my passion, my purpose, and my prayer warrior. She’s always kept me motivated even when I’ve experienced let downs, such as being denied to partake in my highschool yearbook committee. I remember she told me “You either are going to let this define who you are or it’s going to push you harder to show them differently, you owe this to yourself and no one else. Your purpose by God doesn’t change based on the outcomes the world gives you”

My mothers words echo in my mind when I have bad days or don’t land a production job, I recall her words and push forward.

Website: www.purpsoemedia.media

Instagram: @Ahlyia.rios & @_purposemedia.media

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahlyia-rios-lopez-357b27252/

Image Credits
Top left Image #1 | Cozz Music Video All love / Jaded Freestyle |Screen Grab by Ahlyia Rios-Lopez Top right image #2 | Tae -DP Screen Grab of Dance Video by Ahlyia Rios Lopez Image #3 left side | Stranger Things Trivia w/ Netflix and Meg By Ahlyia Rios-Lopez Image # 4 right side | BTS photo on set directing Cozz scene in Scary Music Video | Photo by Cozy Image #5 left side | BTS photo on set Directing Cozz on All love / Jaded Freestyle Music Video | Photo by Lina Kraftsoff Image #6 right side | Photographed Megan thee stallion at 2022 Oscars | Photo by Ahlyia Rios Lopez Image #7 left side | BTS photo on Cardi B “Hot Shit music video | Photo by Kaya Jean Image #8 right side | Photo of myself | Shot by Christian Anson Main Photo used for my bio shot by Erin Borja