Meet Maura Fallon | Actor, Filmmaker & Witch

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

Hi Maura, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because I am an artist – truthfully, there is nothing else I can do because there is nothing else I want to do. It wasn’t always that way – as a child and into my young adulthood, I thought I needed to be practical and pursue the classic “real career.” But I remember the moment that changed. I was a sophomore in college, and I had walked to the movie theater alone to see Moonlight (2016). To my surprise, the screening was sold out, so, at the last moment, I needed to pivot and buy a ticket for the only other movie playing at that time. To this day, it’s one of the greatest moments of happenstance in my life, because I left that screening of 20th Century Women (2016) having truly seen myself for the first time. The feeling of resonance, of completion, hit me, and I realized I wanted to experience that catharsis again and again. I realized I wanted to make movies. Suddenly, a childhood of over-active imagination made sense. From performing in my community theater group for seven years to making short films with my friends on my Flip camera in middle school to leading my cousins in improv plays during Christmas dinner, creativity, art, and storytelling have always been my driving force. Now, I come alive each time I make something new and am lucky to discover different versions of myself with every role, project, and piece of inspiration I surrender to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Does anyone ever begin by expressing how nervous they are? Well, I have to, because that is the number one thing about my art. It will always be deeply, painfully honest. Whether it’s a poem or a script, a radio show or a performance, my art is rooted in the particulars of the personal. Humans are messy, emotional creatures and I would never change that. So instead, I honor it. I have learned and grown the most in my relationships with others. It is easily the number one thing I am proudest of in my life. I know I’m supposed to be talking about my art, but by talking about my relationships, I am. They have made me more compassionate, patient, forgiving, and kind. In seeking to know others deeply, I have met myself in my own depths, in my shadow, and my shame, and my pain. And from it, I have learned to be better. That level of human connection and respect is what makes me a better artist and a better person, and continues to push me to heal and grow personally and professionally every day. Growth is not easy! It is challenging and it is hard, but I overcome it because it is worth it. Again, I know this is supposed to be about my art, but again, it is. I think a lot about the concept of the tortured artist, how supposedly they are the greatest of us all, who burn hot and bright and fast. And some of them are, in fact, the greatest. But I have gotten as far as I have because of the love that I have known and shared, and the therapy I have participated in, leaving my torture at the door. This, too, is the other factor of my art and my life. It is deeply spiritual. I am not just an artist or a filmmaker, I am a witch, conjuring at the crossroads of mysticism and art. This is the piece of my professional work that I am most excited about, and what I want to be seen for. Through my films and my writing, I hope to lead people to magic, to healing, and to personal freedom. So let’s pull some tarot cards together and watch a horror movie and learn to find the meaning in the madness. I promise, you won’t regret it.

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?
First things first, we’re going to Stories in Echo Park. I’m getting an iced oat milk latte and a cardamom bun and they’re getting whatever their heart desires as we tuck ourselves away on the patio and catch up over our treats and the latest zine I’ve snagged from the front. From there, we’re strolling and lounging around the park until it’s time for lunch – I’m cooking! Back on the scene, we’re grabbing drinks and oysters at L&E on Silver Lake Boulevard before heading to my favorite spot, The Philosophical Research Society, for their latest 16mm cult film screening or lecture on alchemical magic. The rest of the week will be spent alternating between thrifting (Sundays Best, Rat Star, Lucky Pig), eating (Ceci’s, Sogo Roll Bar, Sari Sari, Cindy’s), and being film nerds at Whammy!, the Vista, and Vidiots. Of course, we’ll do the classic Capri Club & Walt’s crawl while we’re over in Eagle Rock too.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It took a village to raise me, so first I need to thank my parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins back in New York for shaping me into the headstrong, adventurous person I am today. I’m lucky to come from a big family with a great sense of humor and a deep love of food, both of which carry me through now. I also need to thank my partner, Jon, who is not only my greatest supporter, but also my creative collaborator and favorite writer. To be able to make films I love with the person I love is the greatest gift.

Professionally, I want to recognize The Markland Studio for truly seeing and uplifting artists and reaching me on the subconscious level where I like to hang out. To have found an actor’s workshop that incorporates my favorite healing techniques and feeds my psychology obsession is a dream I’m grateful to see realized. It’s a magic space that I’m honored to be a part of.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bad.rituals/

Image Credits
The first image of me in the brown gingham dress was taken by Vic Middleton. The image of the tarot cards is credited to Brooke Olsen. The film poster was taken by Jake Thornton of Norcott Photos.