Meet Jacqueline Ayala-Alonzo | Producer, Director and Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Ayala-Alonzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I feel like the one thing outsiders are unaware of in the film industry is how difficult it is to be a Latina filmmaker in this white male-dominated career. As a Latina filmmaker, we have to work so much more in order to get some respect and recognition as a filmmaker because more often than not, we are not given the same opportunities and if we do finally get an opportunity, there is no space to mess that up. Latina filmmaker, Eva Longoria mentioned this “we — female filmmakers, Latina filmmakers — don’t have the luxury of failing,” and I completely agree. There is more pressure to do everything correctly and even so, it still feels like that is not good enough. We are not taken seriously in this industry and because of that, we are often overlooked. I have family members who assume that because I work in the film industry, I have worked with big name directors and companies and that is not the case at all. I still have a long way until I get to work with my favorite filmmakers. We all have to start at the bottom and slowly, but surely work our way up in the hierarchy. It is an issue that has become more publicly known, but there is so much work to be done. I think Hollywood has this strong concept that if a story is about and by Latinos, it automatically has to include: drugs, gangs, “the spicy Latina,” or “the help.” However, there are so many stories out there that stay away from these overused stereotypes. I have seen films where Latinos play these quirky, fun and likable characters in various rom-coms, drama, horror and even western films. Those are the types of films that should be recognized because it is an authentic take on this specific minority group, but a lot of these films come from independent filmmakers, which is even harder to get recognition. Though I have seen a few of these filmmakers go on to Oscar-qualifying film festivals, so there is still hope that Hollywood will finally take us seriously at some point.
I strongly believe that this new generation of Latina filmmakers, which I am so grateful to be a part of, is going to be part of the change that Hollywood needs to go through.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a Latina filmmaker, I feel it is important to share not only female-led stories, but also those that come from Latin America because it is a part of my culture, these are stories that I grew up listening to. Even though I was born in the United States, I am proud to be of Guatemalan and Mexican descent. I am committed to share part of my culture because it helps to create a strong sense of belonging and understanding how much we can all relate to each other. Society needs to stop stereotyping Latinos and part of my mission is to showcase authentic Latino/a voices in the media. I was raised by a single mother and my grandmother, both women came here to the U.S. in order to guarantee a better future. Having been raised in a female-headed household, I am a strong believer in creating a future where women have the same opportunities as men and finally have a voice not only in entertainment, but also in every aspect of society. From a young age, I have enjoyed films and creating stories. Growing up, I would go to the movies with my mother and would often stay after the credits to read all the names of the filmmakers who were involved in creating each film. Even though it is only my first film, I am most proud of “La Siguanaba” because it is story that is not only based on Central American folklore, which a lot of people I have met were unaware of, but also truly represents part of my culture. It is a film that came with lots of challenges specially for a first-time director, but it became a life lesson for me. Even though I faced obstacles both personally and mentally, I was able to overcome them and it is something not a lot of people can say. It proved to me that I am capable of bringing these kinds of stories to life and be a leader to my team. As I am writing this, “La Siguanaba” has received 5 official selections, 2 honorable mentions (one in the U.S and one in the U.K) and one finalist status. It also earned its first award at the City of Angels Women’s Film Festival in November of 2023, winning the “Community Filmmaker Award.” My team and I are still in the festival circuit and we are excited to see where the film will screen next.
Another thing I am proud to mention is the awards I have received as a producer on the proof of concept, “Delusional State,” which has also been recognized at various film festival internationally. Along with two other producers, we have won “Best Producer” at three different film festivals and we are eager to see how far this project will go.
As I mentioned before, my self-confidence is still a work in progress, but as I continue to work on my craft and building relationships, I know I have the potential to make it big.

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.
Even though I am based in Inglewood, my favorite spots to eat are in Culver City. If we are going for Mexican food, we would visit both El Abajeño and Tito’s Tacos. My family have always gone there even way before I was born, so both restaurants feel nostalgic every time we visit. I would also take them to my favorite mall, Westfield Culver City. There are so many shops to just browse and spend the day. It is my go-to place whenever I just need to get out of the house. Now if we were have a full day of adventure, I would take the opportunity to take my friends or family to Disneyland and anyone who knows me knows that I love Disney. I grew up with Disney and for a few years, I had an annual pass. It is fun being able to be a kid again for a day and just have fun at the Happiest Place on Earth. Finally, no Southern California trip is complete without a trip to Universal Studios. I love theme parks especially when I get to enjoy them with those I care about most. Sometimes when I have visitors, I like to explore new areas that maybe I am not familiar with or have heard good things about from mutuals. I take advantage for both of us to explore more of Southern California while also enjoying good company.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes, there are three specific people who I want to dedicate this shoutout to: my mom, grandma and uncle. I chose these three because 1) they are my family and I love them unconditionally and 2) because they have been my personal cheerleaders since I was little. Growing up, I have always struggled with my self-confidence and while my confidence has improved in the past few months, I sometimes get into this mentality that what I’m doing is not good enough. This is where my family comes in and they always know just what to say. They have always made the effort to support me at important life events such as: my quinceañera, my graduations and even my first film festival. Even though they all have busy lives, they make the time to be there for me and that is something I will always be grateful for. If I ever need help, I can depend on them to solve any issue. I would not be here today if it were not for their sacrifices. I have the privilege of being a first-generation Latina who not only was able to get her bachelors and masters by the time I was only 24 years old, but having a say in the career path I wanted to pursue. Not a lot of people can choose their career, so I’m so grateful I had that choice.

I also want to give credit to Mrs. Barbara Guggenheim and Mr. Bert Fields. Without them, I would not have been able to attend college or finish my first film. They have supported me in numerous ways that not a lot of people can say. Both have given me life and career advice that I know will take me to the next level. They have done whatever they can in order to help me prosper and grow into a successful and accomplished young woman.

Website: https://jacquelineayala943.wixsite.com/mysite

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-a-085980117/

Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm13349851/

Image Credits
Naohmi Monroe, Shavel Grier, Jerley Jean, Kristel E Gomez, Lulu Valencia, Karen Sparkles Hunt-Barker, Yvette