We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Paula Arboleda. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria Paula below.
Hi Maria Paula, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
When I was a teenager, I found myself hyper-focused on finding my purpose. I think that came from realizing I was queer and different, and also from going through that teenage angst of “what am I doing here?” Eventually, in my search for purpose, I stumbled upon existential nihilism — the idea that “the meaning of life is that there is no meaning” — and it clicked for me. I felt free to make life whatever I wanted it to be. Lately, my purpose has been to make time to explore different hobbies, especially the ones I’m terrible at, like pottery, and ultimately, I just focus on staying present as much as I can and enjoying life while it lasts.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a film writer, director, and producer. Throughout my career, I’ve created both short narrative films and documentaries, and I would say that my goal with every project is to build a connection that allows the audience to truly feel moved and see themselves reflected in the subject, the characters, or the story. My work is deeply influenced by my personal experiences, and I strive to explore our shared humanity through an empathetic lens. To me, the most powerful thing a film can do is evoke emotion — and if I can achieve that, all the hard work becomes incredibly rewarding.
I’m currently on the festival circuit with Impasto, my grad school thesis film, as well as a short documentary on indigenous women in Guatemala called The Collar Gap. Beyond working on my own stories, I love collaborating and learning from other artists. I believe you grow so much when you’re surrounded by others and working in teams, and I can’t wait to work on more sets and continue learning from new people.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in this industry is to always remind myself that film isn’t life. If you’re working in film, chances are you’re incredibly passionate about it — as I am, and as so many others are — and sometimes we forget that making a movie is just that: making a movie. It shouldn’t feel like it consumes your entire life. I’ve also learned the importance of remembering that filmmaking is a team effort and that your focus should be on becoming the best team player you can be — being an active listener, a clear communicator, and above all, understanding that nothing is personal.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I was born and raised in Colombia, but I began my career as a film student in Miami. Right now, I’m working on writing a short-script TV series set in Colombia, and I can’t wait to go back home to develop it and collaborate with people there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariapaulaarboleda.com
- Instagram: @mariaparboleda
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariaparboleda/
Image Credits
All photos are by Melanie Anderson.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
