Meet Inez Franco | Filmmaker

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

Hi Inez, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I grew up in various parts of SouthEast LA—Pico Rivera, La Puente, and Pomona—before spending a few years in New York City and eventually making my way back to LA. Despite growing up so close to where movies were being made, I never met a filmmaker or saw a film set. My neighborhoods were all working-class, predominantly Latino, and the film industry felt like a distant world, even though it was just a few miles away.

That sense of being so close to something yet feeling worlds away definitely shaped me as a filmmaker. It fuels me, on the one hand, because I feel I have to carve out a space in an industry that wasn’t made for people like me, but on the other hand it’s given me a deep appreciation for overlooked places and people, and that’s reflected in my storytelling.

I tend to set my films in places that might otherwise be dismissed—like La Puente, where my most-recent film was shot, which to some might seem industrial and unremarkable, but to me, it’s where my family raised chickens and tortoises, where our neighbors rode on horseback to the liquor store, and in my mind it’s a piece of paradise. And I also gravitate towards the stories I feel have been lost, or are at risk of being lost, as is the case with my virtual production project on the forgotten tribes of Tierra del Fuego. Ultimately, I couldn’t be more proud to have such a distinct experience; I know that sets me apart and I’m really thankful for that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Right now I’m most excited for everyone to see my short film, Last Words, which follows a girl who would like a final moment with her grandfather, as he’s on his deathbed, but is continuously interrupted by her mom and the rest of her chaotic family. It’s a family drama, it’s a comedy, and it’s very much inspired by my own loving, insane family. I’ve never felt more vulnerable sharing something with the world!

Other things I can’t wait to share with the world include a feature script I’m writing, which reimagines the legend of Zorro—something I’ve put a huge amount of research into–and a teaser for a historical epic about a Yamana boy navigating Antarctic waters in search of an eternal flame. With the latter project, what started as a virtual production/LED wall exercise has evolved into a larger project incorporating motion capture technology and generative AI to reconstruct pre-colonial Tierra del Fuego, where the Yamana people lived. It’s very cool.

Beyond my personal work, I recently produced a USC Thesis which is in post production now, titled I Love You More Than Dinosaurs, for my boyfriend Tyler, who has become a huge collaborator in my life. It’s such a cute story, I’m very excited for everyone to see it. I also associate-produced A Great Day with J Balvin, a docuseries on Latiné mental health that you can watch on Peacock now!

Lastly, I want to mention two people whose work I’m thrilled about. Jazmin Garcia, the only female director I’ve ever produced for, just won the short film jury award at Sundance for Trokas Duras! A big congrats to her and Joanna Fernandez, who doesn’t know me, but whose short The Things We Keep has stayed with me since I saw it at a USC screening almost a year ago. The Things We Keep screened at Sundance as well, and it is the best portrayal of hoarding I’ve ever seen—deeply unsettling and brilliant.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start with my favorite bakery, Gusto, in Long Beach—they have the best bolillos in the world. Since Retro Row is just a few blocks away, we could go thrifting at La Bomba or Meow. For something more outdoorsy, I’d suggest a hike along the coast in Rancho Palos Verdes, or exploring the coves and tide pools out there.

For dinner, if we’re still in Long Beach, I’d recommend Panxa for a more classic dining experience, or a burger from The Win~Dow.

Some of my favorite food spots in LA include Shancheng Lameizi Hot Pot in San Gabriel, nachos from Casa Garcia in Pico Rivera, breakfast burritos from Wake & Late in DTLA, and soft-serve and taiyaki from SomiSomi in K-town.

For fun, I love taking friends to the drive-in theater in Paramount or the California African American Museum (CAAM) in Exposition Park. That area is packed with museums and stadiums, but CAAM is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my family, and my parents especially, who are always more concerned about my well-being than my ambitions. In an industry filled with highs and lows, their lack of attachment to my professional successes and failures has been a grounding force for me. They remind me that as long as I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, my family, and my health, I already have everything I need.

I also want to thank my boyfriend, Tyler, who has been my biggest champion—encouraging me, pushing me to take risks, and always showing up for me in ways big and small.

And a special shoutout to Dr. Jim Walsh, who I met while producing short form content for North Korea Nuclear Update. He is an expert in his field, and his work on nuclear policy has taken him around the world, from testifying before Congress to engaging in rare diplomatic talks in Iran and North Korea. Despite the scale of his work, he took the time to encourage me to apply to invest in my craft. His belief in my potential helped me take a leap that changed my life, and I’ll always be grateful for his guidance.

Filmmaking is never a solo journey, and there are so many more people I owe thanks to. I will spend the rest of my life showing up for them and being grateful for these people in my life.

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

Image Credits
Karim El Alfy; Jena Franco; Nellie Luna