Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arianna Lemus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Arianna, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I would have to say that finding my purpose took time. I am okay with accepting that time can be on our side and be a benefit.
Today, I feel that my purpose is everything that I’m doing with my production company, MíraLA who is also producing the film festival for women of color filmmakers that I created in 2023 the Mírala Film Festival.
I believe that my purpose is to use myself, my voice, and my energy to not only amplify my success but the women around me. I think it’s so important that I know my power, to know the positive effect that I have on people.
I also want people to know I am willing to share that success. When I win, the people around me win too, and vice versa. I want the people around me to know they are worthy, they are capable and confident to find their purpose too.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am beyond excited for next weekend because it is the second annual event for the Mírala Film Festival. Last year we had seven short films. One of them was mine, Red Flags and this short film was why I started the film festival in the first place. I wanted my work to be seen and celebrated.
This year, I am proud to say we are showcasing 25 short films and 1 feature. One of the films, Missing You I produced and co-directed, and another short film, Eyes All Over I am the lead actress and producer as well. It’s so empowering to say that I will be having my directorial debut, and my leading actress debut at my film festival.
This festival is to look at her, to look at women of color in the industry. I want these women to be seen and heard. My team and I are showcasing the work of independent filmmakers. This two-day event is about women of color, filmmakers, audiences, and film professionals, establishing relationships to support underrepresented filmmakers in the industry.
I am also excited to share that the festival will include two industry panels with Casting Director, Berenice, Valle and Director Vanessa Marzaroli. Our venue sponsor, Famecast believes in liberating creators from the complexities of technology and removing the friction that impedes their success on the platform. Famecast is giving the Mírala Film Festival the space and technology to work for us so that we can focus on what we do best.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would not be the woman that I am today if it were not for the mentors, coaches, and advisors in my life. I had a Production Supervisor that I worked freelance for, about two years. He passed away a year ago. What he gave me was an opportunity. I am so grateful for the commercials that we got to work on together because being an office production assistant on these major commercials allowed me to be in rooms with producers, directors, and executives and allowed me to learn to be an active listener and to think on my feet.
All the other life work experiences that I had before producing the production company and the festival were all stepping stones to allowing me to flourish be successful and to be confident in the work that I’m doing today. I believe the most important quality or knowledge to have when having a journey of impact is seeking out people who are doing things that you want to do and not being discouraged by a no or rejection because if there’s anything that my pageant journey has showed me is that rejection is redirection.
I believe that to improve your mindset is to be in favor of your life choices, to constantly be proactive, and to take the time to understand that certain opportunities come when you’re ready. If something is not for you or something is extremely challenging, or does not seem to be getting the actual outcome that you want then it may be time to pivot and shift. Nonetheless accepting your journey and the path that you take and meeting people along the way who’re going to help you get to your goal quicker should not necessarily be the goal.
In my opinion, the journey should be enjoying the highs in the lows and the people that are there for a reason or a season because if you want to improve on quality and skill, it’s understanding it is an evolving journey to know that you are the reason for your success. You are the reason why your life is the way it is and I think at any point in one’s journey, if the question of unworthiness is at the forefront, then taking accountability to recognize what needs to change will be the outcome of one success.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Being the Festival Director for the Mírala Film Festival, I was seeking organizations that aligned with the festival’s values and I was being very open-minded. I’m proud to say that I was able to acquire sponsorships from the Granada Hills Vet Clinic, Wana Brands, Messy Bartender, Twogether photo booth, DJ Jezzy B, Plus Ultra Business Management, and Infinite Inner, a self-development program.
Anything under this umbrella is the people that I want to continue to work with. When you look at the values that the Mírala Film Festival is promoting, so many people could be in collaboration with our organization. The beauty of the festival is that we are nonprofit, and any partnerships or collaborations a tax-deductible for businesses. I plan to continue to find other brands and collaborators that have the same values and commitment to uplifting others that align with our mission.
If you support women and you want to see more women of color both in front and behind the camera then we are the organization for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://miralafilm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miralafilmfest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553377856210
