Meet Cynthia Garcia Williams | Writer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Garcia Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” I apply that affirmation to everything I do, I wrote about it in my first film. How important it is to put the shopping cart back because it’s the right thing to do. I feel so grateful to have the life I have. I appreciate the fact that I get to experience my journey. The quote reminds me to give every situation my best,

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got to where I am today through grit and grace. I work hard, there is an incredible sacrifice that comes along with creating. Artists can check out, for long periods of time when we are in the flow of creating. It takes a very understanding family to live this life. I have learned that hard work pays off and so does helping as many people as you can along the way. That helps me when I am uncertain or when I feel stuck. I can always help someone that is newer than me on the journey. That fuels my soul. I have learned that it’s okay to rest and take a break. It’s also okay to be insane and not sleep, the rest will come eventually. I do my best to exist in the space I am in at the moment, without trying to force change. I want the world to know I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my vision and voice with the world. We are in need of representation and I have made a promise, to be honest, and unapologetic.

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 them to Ojai, a beautiful little town to spend the day in. It also happens to have the absolute best tea in the world at Magic Hour Ceremonial Tea. We would have to visit the beach and there is no better beach than good old Venice, while we are there we can end the day in Santa Monica. I am half Afro-Cuban and haft Mexican, we would have to visit El Cochinito, they have the best Cuban food in LA. Their flan brought tears to my eyes, it’s just like my grandmother’s. For a truly amazing Mexican restaurant, Guelaguetza Restaurant is truly special. Runyon is pretty special and so I would defiantly take them on a hike before visiting Hollywood. We would end the week at Disneyland and California Adventure, we would need two days to really enjoy them and I love staying at the resort.

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 husband is the kindest person I have ever met, his love makes it safe to take risks and grow. My children have been my greatest teachers and I admire and respect them immensely. Being sober is the foundation for everything I do, and the women in recovery have helped me create a life beyond my wildest dreams. I was graced to have several mentors along the way, Landi Maduro has been instrumental in helping me to grow professionally. The organization she founded named Women of Color Filmmakers provides a safe, loving environment for me to grow as a filmmaker. I have met women there, especially Jill Narciso with whom I feel deeply connected. In addition, Miguel Berg is my mentor, he is so generous, whenever something great happens he says, “small moves, big strides” I love that. Most recently I was selected for the LALIFF inclusion fellowship and again I feel incredibly grateful to have Alicia Argamonte as a mentor, she is talented, kind and an awesome cheerleader!

Website: cynrgentertainment.com

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