Meet Lilith Mo | Film Producer/Director

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

Hi Lilith, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
One aspect of a freelance creative career that’s often hard for those outside the industry to understand is its inherent unpredictability. Initially, my choice to follow this artistic path posed a challenge for my parents. Like many, they hoped I would secure a steady, albeit entry-level, day job upon graduation. Instead, my work as an independent producer has been project-based. However, as they journeyed with me through this unpredictable adventure, they witnessed my evolution both as an artist and as a person. They saw firsthand how my passion for my work and my immersion in a vibrant community of fellow creatives brought me immeasurable joy. Now, they wholeheartedly celebrate my accomplishments and the happiness my career provides.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an independent film director and producer. One of my recent projects, ‘Seraphim,’ a short horror film I produced, received the Jury Award at the 2023 Austin Film Festival. Last October, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Oscar Ramos, the talented director of ‘Seraphim,’ again on our latest venture, a thriller titled ‘They Know Not What They Do,’. This film marks Oscar’s feature debut and features a highly diverse cast and crew.

I am proud to say that in my producing work, I have demonstrated a strong history of narrating stories that shine a light on minorities. It’s my mission and joy to spotlight female and LGBTQ+ cast and crew members in key positions. For example, “Odd/Even”, currently streaming on the YouTube channel DUST, is a sci-fi short film with an all-female/LGBT+ key crew. It delves into a young woman’s quest to break free from an abusive relationship in a future where human beings take turns to hibernate every other year.

As a director, I co-directed “Jack & Lou”, a gangster romance about the love story of Al Capone’s right-hand man, “Machine Gun Jack”, starring Linda Hamilton, Natalie Shinnick and Sebastiano Pigazzi. My background as an international citizen positioned at cultural crossroads serve as a primary wellspring of inspiration. I’m fascinated by narratives that delve into multicultural viewpoints on universal themes such as generational trauma, gender identity and cultural belonging.

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.
As a filmmaker and a foodie myself, I’ve spent my past few years in LA discovering its hidden gems, from iconic studio tours to the ultimate culinary experiences.

The itinerary begins at Universal Studios Hollywood, a place I’ve held dear since my first year in LA, thanks to an annual pass fueled by visiting friends and family’s excitement. Beyond the thrills of rides, the studio tour offers an unparalleled peek into the magic of movie-making, a must for any first time visitors in Hollywood. It’s an experience you truly won’t find anywhere else in the world. At the end of our theme park adventure, we’ll skip the typical CityWalk fare in favor of a late-night comfort food at the nearby In-n-Out on Cahuenga. There’s nothing quite like a double-double cheeseburger and some animal-style fries to cap off an exhilarating day.

But LA isn’t just about the glitz of Hollywood; it’s also a city with a rich, diverse culinary landscape. Forget about your tourisity Grand Central Market. We’ll drive down to Rowland Heights for some authentic Chinese HotPot and boba, then catch a jazz night at The Baked Potato in Studio City, blending great tunes with great food.

For a taste of the seaside, a day trip to Long Island. We will learn the Pacific aquatic environment and interact with the sea stars and baby sharks through the touch tank at Long Island Aquarian. As the sun sets, a dinner at a dockside restaurant offers breathtaking views.

No visit to LA would be complete without diving into its vibrant arts scene. We’ll explore the latest exhibitions at LACMA and the Getty Gallery, immersing ourselves in contemporary and classic art.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thinking back on the most enriching parts of my journey as a filmmaker, I’m drawn to the strong connections form through the art of storytelling. My belief in the universality of the human condition—that good stories transcend languages and cultural backgrounds to foster empathy and understanding among diverse audiences—is at the heart of my work. But beyond the stories themselves, it’s the community of like-minded individuals I’ve met along the way that truly encapsulates the essence of this reward. Over the years, many of my colleagues have become more than long-term collaborators, but lifelong friends, united by a shared passion and, occasionally, by the unique bond that only shared challenges (or as we half-jokingly call it, “trauma bonding”) can bring. Together, we’ve navigated the unpredictable waters of careers in film, inspiring and supporting each other’s growth and creative visions. This network of support has become an invaluable component of both my personal and creative journey. Thus, if there’s any dedication to be made, it’s to this incredible community of friends and collaborators. Their presence has not only helped my profession growth but has also made the journey an infinitely more rewarding experience.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilpeachxm_/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

Image Credits
Ben Wilson Lisa Hu