Meet Paula Crichton | Film Writer & Director / Cinematographer

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

Hi Paula, what inspires you?

Inspiration is an interesting subject to me. It feels almost otherworldly when ideas enter my mind. I have always been a natural observer, a day-dreamer and someone who pays close attention to detail. A lot of my inspiration is sourced from the way I process the world and relate it to my own existence within it.

Ideas tend to come to me at random. Sometimes an item or a scent might spark elaborate stories in my mind. Although my creativity has always operated spontaneously, there are clear elements and themes that are present in my storytelling, such as: human nature, folklore, magic, the natural world, stories from the past, women, sapphic tales, gothic imagery, antiques, and the fine arts. Incidentally, these are all actively present in my life and influence me as a writer and director.

I find so much mystique in the realm where fantasy and reality meet. Most of my film ideas live in that in-between. They are filled with fictitious and magical elements while at the same time feeling grounded in actuality. Telling stories from lesser explored perspectives, while still speaking on the complexity of our universal human experience is what I strive for. Artistically, I am particularly compelled to highlight the point of view from groups of people whose experiences align with my own and have been lost or ignored through history. There is a litany of timeless unique voices waiting to be heard.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply personal. As a queer woman, I often imagine what my life would have been like if I was born in a different era. Identity and our relationship to it through time is a theme I often explore in my films. I spend my time immersed in researching the lives of women and people in the LGBTQ+ community from the past. When I hit a wall regarding what information I can and cannot find, I attempt to fill in the gaps by trying to imagine what those experiences might have been like. I feel a responsibility to not let those stories go untold. Sometimes I like to fantasize about what an inclusive and progressive society would have looked like at different times in history. As the recently popular phrase goes: “Vintage style, not vintage values.” I’d say that perfectly sums up my relationship to history and affinity for writing period pieces.

In my recent short film “The English Rose” (which will premiere in 2024), I tell the story of a woman in Victorian England who is struggling to live up to the beauty standards of her husband’s previous wife. She spirals down the dark path of self-sabotage by applying toxic cosmetics in order to meet those expectations. Tragically, it is a timeless story that is still relevant to women today. We have been generationally socialized to view our beauty and self worth as intertwined. Nowadays we mainly suffer the psychological and emotional repercussions of having been indoctrinated to believe that the physical effects of aging are something to remedy rather than embrace. I find that the truest form of beauty is in allowing ourselves to experience the cycle of life.

I haven’t always felt at ease with my identity. It is something that I will have an ongoing relationship with through my art, by exploring ways in which I can express the various aspects of myself. As someone with a multi-cultural background (Mexican, Danish & American) and an ever evolving relationship with gender and sexuality, I often struggle to find my place in society. These feelings of not belonging play a substantial role in why I am a storyteller. Through filmmaking I am able to create a world that speaks to my experience and invites other people who feel the same way to share that space with me. It is my emotional outlet, and a way of better understanding myself and the world. By being vulnerable and personal with my art, my main goal as a filmmaker is to make other people feel seen and validated in their own existence.

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.
Los Angeles is a fascinating place. At every corner there is a story waiting to be unfolded. This city is filled with incredible history. Ghosts of the past roam through the buildings. From the 19th Century hotels downtown, to haunted theaters; the walls themselves whisper tales of what once was. I would urge anyone to explore the historical parts of Los Angeles and immerse themselves in both the beauty and tragedy that this city holds within its streets. It is that duality that makes it so alluring.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There are so many people that have influenced me in various degrees throughout my career. I am extremely fortunate and grateful for all the support I have received from countless friends and fellow filmmakers.

Firstly, my film collaborator and best friend Camila Noriega has provided me with monumental support in both a personal way and on a professional level. Since meeting in film school, we have worked together on multiple passion projects. Camila is a brilliant filmmaker herself and inspires me in numerous ways. Her presence in my life has been and is a major contributor to where I am in my career.

Izzy Stevens (founder of Indie Spunk) has made incredible contributions to my career as a coach and as a dear friend. Her spirited attitude towards filmmaking combined with her reflective and vulnerable approach to life has taught me how to navigate this complex industry with clarity and authenticity. Her mentorship has been very influential to my growth as a filmmaker and entrepreneur.

Abra Kadab is my partner in life and a brilliant recording artist and film composer. She encourages me to pursue my goals even when they feel daunting and inaccessible. Her unconditional love helps me stay grounded, and she provides me with reassurance when I need it most. She has a fascinating view of the world and an insightful mind, which influence her unique approach to music. Recently she orchestrated a dark, beautiful, and haunting score for my short film “The English Rose” that I believe will move the audience.

My grandma, who now looks over me, is a major inspiration to me. Her enthusiasm for the beauty in life, the arts and culture have been incredibly influential in the way I view the world and approach my craft. Without having spent the time that I did with her, I can say with certainty that I would be a very different person now.

I also want to thank both of my parents for having facilitated me following my passion for the arts since I was a child and encouraging me to pursue the career of my choice. Their support has meant the world to me.

Lastly, I want to thank every single person who was a part of my recent short film “The English Rose”. The fact that so many people believed in me enough to dedicate their time, talents and finances to make this film a reality, is the biggest support I could have ever asked for. I especially want to send a shoutout to Elizabeth Mae Alan for having been an incredible collaborator in this project since day one, and for gracing the screen with her gripping performance as the lead character.

Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and I will be forever grateful to every single person who has supported my growth as a director!

Website: https://www.paulacrichton.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulacrichton

Other: IMDb (https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8447644/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk) Watch the trailer to “The English Rose” (https://vimeo.com/paulacrichton/theenglishrose-trailer)

Image Credits
Paula Crichton, Camila Noriega & Kristen Semedo