Meet Kelly Galindo | Professor, Director & Producer

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

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Film is my commitment to creating work that matters in our world; I wanted to film a documentary on global sex trafficking because it is a fast-growing and horrific industry that tragically affects every child and woman worldwide. We can either do something or nothing. I simply chose to do something with the resources and creative talent I possess and have access to as a professor in film. As a filmmaker, my intention was to tell the story. It was not possible to tell the story of human trafficking unless I visited the countries and met the victims trapped in the sex trade face-to-face, but the true heroes are the nonprofit organizations that rescue, restore, and reintegrate these innocent women and children. Creating awareness is not enough, but rather a call to action is ALL of our responsibility. It will not only take an army of heroes but also a village of ordinary people like you and me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Embarking on a journey that spanned over 9 countries from Asia to Africa, and not excluding in our own backyard in the USA, my art took form through the lens of documentary filmmaking. The creation of ’26 Seconds,’ a documentary short focused on sex tourism in Thailand and Cambodia, was my initial step towards shedding light on the profound global issue of sex trafficing. Released in 2019, this project was not just about storytelling; it was a mission to evoke change.

The advent of the pandemic brought the world to a halt, yet it also offered me a unique opportunity to pivot. During this period, I established  the 26 Seconds YouTube channel, featuring content from the US aimed at creating awareness and prompting a call to action. This transition wasn’t just about adapting to new circumstances but about finding innovative ways to continue our advocacy amidst global challenges.

Winning over 20 awards for the documentary short, despite most film festivals moving online, underscored the resonance of our message. The accolades were a testament to our team’s dedication and the compelling nature of our work. However, the journey didn’t stop there. Post-pandemic, I embarked on editing the feature documentary ’26 Seconds-ISIS Sex Slaves’ that recently secured worldwide distribution with Epoch TV, 2023.

This path may appear seamless, but it was fraught with obstacles, particularly in securing funding for both production and post-production phases. The art of documentary filmmaking, especially on such critical issues, often entails navigating financial and logistical challenges. Yet, it is the belief in the power of these stories to inspire change that propelled me forward.

From these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding pursuit of one’s mission. The lessons from each country, story, and individual have been invaluable, teaching me that impactful storytelling requires not just passion but perseverance.

What sets my art apart is not just the subjects it explores but the commitment to authenticity, empathy, and change. Through ’26 Seconds’ and its unfolding  docu-series, I aim to not only inform and educate but to ignite a global conversation on issues often shrouded in silence. My journey is a testament to the belief that art can be a catalyst for change, and it is this message I wish to share with the world. My story, and the story of ’26 Seconds,’ is one of navigating the complexities of human experiences with the hope of making a difference, one documentary at a time.

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.
Having traversed continents from Asia to Africa in pursuit of real stories and genuine human connections, my taste for adventure and authenticity has only deepened. While the glitz of Hollywood has its allure, my heart lies in the raw beauty and soulful experiences found in less celebrated locales. However, when it comes to showing friends the time of their life right here, I’d blend my passion for authentic experiences with the unparalleled charm of Southern California’s beach cities. Malibu, not just for its iconic coastline but for the stories embedded in its landscape. Exploring local art galleries and the Malibu Lagoon Museum, delving into the rich history and vibrant culture of the area. Evenings would be reserved for beachside dining, where the ambiance is as spectacular as the cuisine, allowing us to savor the local flavors while watching the sunset. Next, we’d head to Laguna Beach, a place that feels like it’s straight out of a documentary with its stunning natural beauty and artistic spirit. Our days would be filled with visits to the Laguna Art Museum and exploring the city’s renowned art galleries. The vibrant arts scene here, from street performances to gallery openings, offers a glimpse into the creative soul of the city. A day trip to explore the lesser-known gems of the area, perhaps a visit to a local vineyard in the rolling hills nearby, that offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s these hidden treasures that truly encapsulate the essence of Southern California for me, enjoying the laid-back beach town vibe. Evenings would be about experiencing the local dining scene, from upscale eateries to quaint beachside shacks, each with its own story and flavor profile. In my view, the most exciting and interesting experiences are those that allow us to connect deeply with a place and its people, be it through the arts, nature, or community activities. Southern California, with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and vibrant communities, offers endless opportunities for such connections, making it the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

In reflecting on the journey of pre-production, production and post production of the ’26 Seconds’ documentary project, I am deeply grateful to a constellation of individuals and organizations whose support was pivotal. Foremost, I must express my gratitude to my parents, whose unwavering belief in me from the outset laid the foundation for everything that followed.

I am also indebted to the brave survivors who entrusted me with their stories, a gesture of courage and trust that forms the backbone of our documentary. Their openness has been nothing short of inspirational, and it is their voices that we aimed to amplify.

Our work was significantly enriched by the collaboration with numerous NGOs. Their partnership not only facilitated critical interviews with survivors but also enabled us to capture undercover footage alongside rescue agents. This access was instrumental in bringing to light the realities we sought to expose and address.

I was fortunate to have the guidance of exceptional mentors throughout this project. Sid Ganis, Supervising Producer, Paul Lauer, Marketing, Emmy Award winning Mark Wilcken Supervising Editor, and Scott Arundale, Lead Editor on the Documentary short, each contributed their expertise and insight, which were invaluable to the documentary’s development.

Lastly, I must acknowledge the talented student interns from Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Their dedication and creativity were indispensable to bringing ’26 Seconds’ to fruition. Their contributions went beyond mere assistance; they were integral to the project’s success.

In sum, the ’26 Seconds’ documentary is a testament to the collective effort of a community united by a common cause. It is to these individuals and groups that I dedicate this shoutout, with my deepest appreciation for their role in this journey.

Website: http://www.26secondsdoc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/26secondsdoc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgalindo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/26secondsdoc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/26secondsdoc

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@26Seconds

Other: Epoch TV: https://www.epochtv.shop/26seconds

Image Credits
Kelly Galindo Productions LLC