Meet Maye Izel Bejar-Gutierrez | Film Director & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maye Izel Bejar-Gutierrez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maye, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Telling stories makes me the happiest. It is one of the closest ways to understand ourselves and others, and when done well, stories can move people in ways that change their lives. Whether through filmmaking, painting, photography, music, or poetry, art has the power to express beautiful or painful truths that sometimes cannot be explained through words alone.

Storytelling has also given me the privilege of connecting with many people whose trust in sharing their experiences has left lasting impressions on me. Their stories have shaped the way I see the world and continue to influence the person and artist I strive to become. Filmmaking, especially, is one of the closest ways I can preserve and share those experiences with others. It is this artistic storytelling that brings me joy and what I have dedicated my life to pursuing. I hope to create stories that stay with people long after they are experienced, just as the stories shared with me have stayed with me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Chicana film director and editor studying Film Production at Loyola Marymount University. I have completed six short films, and I am excited about my newest project, a documentary centering themes of grief and family, taking place this fall in Germany thanks to LMU’s study abroad program.

I am most proud of my progress as a filmmaker and student. I am currently a recipient of a Presidential Scholarship from LMU and a Latino Alumni Association Scholarship, and I work to cover the remaining academic costs and tuition. To manage this, I work as a Camera Technician in LMU’s Camera Department, an Assistant Manager at a Little Caesars, a photography teacher, a soon-to-be volleyball coach, as well as on any paid film gigs. This work-life balance comes with its struggles, but it’s this investment in my future and dedication to my craft that I know will pay off in the future.

My biggest artistic lesson I’ve learned and advice, is not to compare yourself to anyone. The only true comparison I make is between my future and past self. Before every project, I ask myself if I am working in alignment with my future self and learning from who I have been. This reframing, as someone struggling with imposter syndrome, allows me to not focus on my worth, but on my drive to follow my dreams. I shift my perspective to chase experiences, and in turn am learning to trust my path and see both mistakes and successes as part of becoming a better artist.

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.
My best day would be spent at the beach! It starts with gathering friends, driving down the coastline with music playing, windows down, and the ocean slowly getting closer. Once we arrive, we go straight into the water, the whole day to ourselves.

I’d recommend bringing games and a volleyball to play with friends in between the swimming and tanning. For my bookworms like me, I’d also bring a book to read in the shade. To wind down from the heat, we’d have agua frescas and sleep on the sand. As evening sets in, build a bonfire and tell stories, laughing so hard you can’t breathe. This is my perfect day, and it ends with a nighttime drive, everyone singing, the windows down, stopping for late-night ice cream.

If you’re from LA, you know you have to romanticize the drive. But the long commutes with friends end up being my favorite memories anyway.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to thank my family for supporting me in all my efforts to pursue art. From 7 years old, making funny videos with my siblings, to directing short films and taking over our house now at 19 years old, my family has never stopped believing in me and continues to be my foundation and support system as I begin my career. My parents have worked hard to give me the opportunities they never had, and I am extremely grateful for the sacrifices that they have made so that I could pursue filmmaking. Being an artist is a privilege, and I never take for granted that I have the chance to create.

I’d also like to recognize Loyola Marymount University, whose opportunities with the School of Film and Television have transformed my life trajectory. I come from a small town with very few film opportunities, and LMU has allowed me to explore and follow my biggest passion. The Latino Alumni Association, SFTV Camera Department, and Honors Program at LMU have supported me throughout my growth both creatively and personally. I’ve met incredible people and friends who continue to inspire me.

Finally, I’d love to thank all my teachers, coaches, faculty, and professors from all levels of my education who believed in me and invested their time, energy, and care into my academic and creative journey. I have been fortunate to learn from incredible educators whose kindness and encouragement carried me through moments when I doubted myself, and whose guidance helped shape me into the person and artist I am today.

SHOUTOUT California High School and La Raza in Whittier, Los Angeles.

Website: https://mayeizelbg.wixsite.com/films

Instagram: @Maye.Izel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maye-bejar-gutierrez-03599a34a

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Maye.Izel.Filmmaker