We had the good fortune of connecting with Luis Antonio Aldana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luis Antonio, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My writing/producing partner and I set out to tell stories and make films from our specific point of view. Having immigrated to and growing up in Latine, working-class neighborhoods in Southern California will forever serve as the lens with which we tell our stories. Identifying as Queer also greatly informs the type of stories we gravitate towards. I feel that pushing this type of filmmaking and storytelling to the forefront helps “our community” and the community at large. In addition, it expands the notion of the type of stories that are deemed worthy and essential.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the things that I’m most excited about is that our short film ‘Acuitzeramo’ will be premiering on HBO MAX this coming January 2022! Though this is only the second project under our Cabaldana Alchemy banner, it’s legitimizing to see what hard work, focus, and Miguel Angel’s (my producing partner) inability to take “no” for an answer can accomplish.

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?
I’d MOST DEFINITELY take them to Angel’s Tijuana Tacos in the parking lot of Target in Eagle Rock. Hands down the BEST taco spot right now. For a nightcap, we’d cruise over to my favorite bar, Akbar. Great people watching, nice stiff drinks, and STILL the best Jukebox in L.A. ( I think anyway…)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mother, Lidia Lopez. Though she passed in June of 2019, it is because of her that I’m able to do what I do. Through example, she taught me strength, empathy, perseverance, and to go after what I believe in. Thank you Madrecita!

Website: https://www.cabaldanaalchemy.com

Instagram: @Lucien2050

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