Meet Daze Cornejo | Writer & Director

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

Hi Daze, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Others’ thoughts do not belong to me. I’ve repeated this to myself in the mirror for the past two years now. I needed to hear this affirmation when I was a kid, instead, I was thrown into the deep end of a pool where thoughts and rules (that were not my own) held me below the surface. I was ostracized, leaving deep wounds regarding self-worth and acceptance that have reopened and festered the more aware I’ve become of them. To make up for the lack of acceptance, I affirmed myself. My imagination was my sanctuary. It was in these alternative realities where I felt seen.

Affirmations are meant to be believed, and I believe with my whole being that others’ thoughts do not belong to me. I enforce this affirmation by choosing myself, all of which began when I started therapy back in 2019, but I didn’t know it then. All I knew was that I was hurting, even when I had success, opportunities, and a flow of projects—all of it was a distraction from the fact that I was still in that pool. I couldn’t hold my breath any longer. It was sink or swim.

I’ve learned what I want and need to maintain a level head when life takes those unexpected turns that sometimes feel like reflections of our own worth. I’ve unlearned the toxic “grind mentality” film schools induct upon their students, this idea that productivity dictates my worth. While others think “that’s the way things have always been”, I strategize ways to break those patterns.

I enact this affirmation by the way I speak, how I walk into a room, the clothes I wear, and the makeup I put on. Now I create from a place of processed emotions, allowing a stream of creativity that I hope can heal others. In retrospect, I like to think that my experiences in childhood were a cosmically influenced boot camp for my future as a filmmaker. All the greats get their start being told their different, and now I see how much of a compliment that truly is. Being an artist means serving a dish of vulnerability that might be too hot, too cold, too spicy, or too bland, depending on who’s consuming what you’ve made. And that’s okay! Their thoughts don’t belong to me! Of course, there are times when that insecure child comes to the forefront, but I’m continually learning how to reassure them, how to take their hand and help them float, like that scene in Moonlight when Juan teaches Chiron how to swim. Living and creating unapologetically allows a safe space in my being for that rambunctious little kid. I define who I am, not the words others project, not the trauma I’ve experienced. Others’ thoughts do not belong to me, and I’m flowing with the current of life. There is no rush.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Honestly, I’m really excited to graduate college. It’s been a JOURNEY, but I feel eager and ready to tackle this new chapter of my life. I graduate spring 2023 from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts Division of Cinema and Media Studies with a minor in screenwriting. PHEW! I can confidently say…I’m figuring things out, and I think that’s what sets me apart from others; I’m not afraid to be transparent, I value being disliked, and I don’t take myself too seriously. I really want other young artists to know that yes, pursuing a career in [insert art form here] will have obstacles, but it doesn’t mean you should give up. In terms of my own work, I’ve found that the films I write are heavily inspired by personal experiences and people in my life. When I was first starting out, I fixated on social commentary. I approached writing with “I want to make a movie about sexuality etc.”. That led to forced narratives with flat characters defined solely by their identities. Interestingly, at the time I introduced myself as a “Latina filmmaker” or a “queer filmmaker”. A box was given to me and I stayed inside to make the people percieving me comfortable. However, people are complex. There is not one term that encapsulates who I am. I’m Daze, I’m sensitive, bold, and I want to experience life through a lens of creativity. I just so happen to also be Latine and queer. Now, I create to express. The stories I tell come from a place of emotion and curiosity. What might it look like if I put two starkly different characters in a room? How would someone with these life experinces tackle a specific obstacle? What do I want to see more of and how can I do that? The social commentary inevitably flows because I’m naturally an analytical person. My identities shine through becasue I’m secure in who I am. My unique perspective and sense of self is at the core of everything I create. Another thing… I’ve consistently allowed myself to explore different forms of art and storytelling. I started out as an editor, then took up production design, DP work, make up, and costume. Exploring various creative realms has made me a well rounded director and intentional screenwriter. Because of this, feature films aren’t the only form of media I want to play around in. There are narratives that are better suited for one medium compared to another. It could be television, an animated short, a book, or an immersive exhibit…I embrace the possibilities by keeping myself open. I’m excited for this next chapter in my life, and I can’t wait to share how I feel along the way.

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?
Day one. 10 am. I buy us two strawberry fields iced coffees with almond milk at 88 Keys in Lakewood. We’re starting every day with caffeine, perhaps a new coffee shop each day but this is my favorite place to sip, study, and work—the music they play never misses. I’m talking Durand Jones and the Indications, a tuffeted velvet mid-century couch, kind people who smile when you make eye contact; cozy-licious. Hungry? I got you. Thai food at Manaow, and guess what? They have thai iced coffee that’s so yummy. Craving pasta then we’re going to Maccheroni republic for their bianchi and neri, followed by a little stroll around the Last Book Store. There’s a cute shop on the second floor that sells jewelry and all things witchy, but I digress. There’s something about the handmade tortillas that they use for the tacos at Guisados, each bite sends me to another dimension. . How about Merkato in Little Ethiopia after a day at the Academy Museum? I think yes. But that’s the closest we’re getting to West LA because the 405 after 1PM is my arch nemesis. Now to exert the energy after being well fed, there’s several things we can do. Let’s smash a car with a crow bar and play baseball with glass bottles, Don’t worry, it’s totally not against the law at Rage Ground LA and safety gear is provided. Cheers to raging and emotional release! One day has to be reserved for thrifting and for that we’re heading to Hawthorne, the city I grew up in. On another day we’ll rollerskate along my favorite ocean side path in Long Beach, the one that ends at the lighthouse by the aquarium. The smoothest cement so our eyes can stay on the setting sun and golden shimmering tides. Of course. we’re going dancing and maybe for some karaoke at Alex’s bar in Long Beach? I’ll see what shows are happening at the time, maybe artists neither of us has heard of to try something new. I’ll also keep it relaxed. A stroll through the Huningtom botanical gardens, Or a picnic at Vista Hermosa park. The view by the Korean Frienship Bell is absolutely stunning. There’s so much to do, and so much I’m still learning about my home. I love quality time, making memories, and creating experiencies. I do want to go skydiving at some point and I heard there’s a few places nearby…

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’m grateful for my mom, sister, the rest of my family, my two best friends, and the close friendships in my life. They all constantly show me what true love and support are. They honor accountability and honesty, pushing me to grow. They remind me to stay open, be vulnerable, and exist unapologetically. Most of all, they keep me laughing. Life is silly and nothing is that serious! I water them, they water me! I’m grateful for my therapist and access to mental health care. After four years of therapy, I have a reliable emotional toolkit, allowing me to navigate transitions and obstacles in life with a level head and immense self-compassion. I’m grateful for the people who have stuck with me across all my social media platforms, especially those who have followed me since 2018 when I started making YouTube videos. They’ve seen me grow. Even after the break I’ve taken from YouTube, people stop me in public while others continue to send endearing messages. Their support affirms the inner child in me who wanted to create and share with the people around me, the child who believed they were meant to do amazing things in this life. Lastly, I’m grateful for the people and relationships who are no longer a part of my life. Those connections taught me valuable lessons that have contributed to the person I am today. I’m grateful for every single experience I’ve endured and every single conversation or relationship I’ve shared—no matter the outcome. Each and every one brought me to this very moment. The people who love me, the fact that I’m here, they all remind me there’s nothing to fear. Like my grandma and mom always say, ” todo a su tiempo”.

Instagram: @dazevstheworld

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisy-cornejo-1972ab165/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfToVopuLjPWqdI9MncAlSQ