Meet Kelly Galindo

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Galindo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

My confidence and self-esteem have been shaped significantly by the influential figures in my life and my deep-rooted passion for storytelling. My resilience and work ethic stem from the values instilled in me by my mother and stepfather, who taught me the importance of dedication and perseverance. From my father, I inherited a sense of generosity and unwavering optimism that fuels my drive to give back and make a difference.

My journey in the creative arts, spanning decades in television, theater, and film, has been a constant source of growth and learning. The experiences I’ve gathered, especially through challenging projects like the 26 Seconds documentary project, have solidified my belief in my capabilities. Traveling the world and shedding light on critical issues like human trafficking has not only enhanced my skills as a director and producer but also reinforced my sense of purpose and conviction.

Additionally, teaching at institutions such as Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University and UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television has been incredibly fulfilling. Sharing my craft with future generations of filmmakers and actors has further boosted my confidence, as I see the impact of my mentorship on their budding careers.

Ultimately, my faith and belief come from God, helping me navigate the challenges and triumphs of my career with a strong sense of self and purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Film is my commitment to creating work that matters in our world, I wanted to film a documentary on global sex trafficking because it is a fast-growing and horrific industry that tragically affects every child and woman worldwide. We can either do something or nothing. I simply chose to do something with the resources and creative talent I possess and have access to as a professor in film. As a filmmaker, my intention was to tell the story. It was not possible to tell the story of human trafficking unless I visited the countries and met the victims trapped in the sex trade face-to-face, but the true hero’s are the nonprofit organizations that rescue, restore, and reintegrate these innocent women and children. Creating awareness is not enough but rather a call to action is ALL of our responsibility. It will not only take an army of heroes but also a village of ordinary people like you and me.

We recently completed the feature documentary 26 Seconds – ISIS Sex Slaves, currently available on Epoch TV: https://www.epochtv.shop/26seconds

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?

Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities have been particularly impactful: resilience, empathy, and continuous learning. The entertainment industry is filled with challenges and setbacks. Developing resilience has been crucial for me to navigate the ups and downs. My advice to those starting out is to embrace failures as learning opportunities. Stay committed to your goals, and don’t let temporary setbacks deter you. Building a strong support system of mentors and peers can also help you stay motivated during tough times.

Empathy has been another essential quality. My work, especially on projects like the 26 Seconds documentary project, has taught me the power of understanding and connecting with the stories of others, particularly those who are marginalized or victimized. For budding filmmakers, I recommend engaging deeply with your subjects and stories. Listen actively and strive to portray their experiences authentically and sensitively. This approach not only enriches your work but also creates meaningful and impactful content.

Continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving film and media landscape. Staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques has always been a priority for me. I have always prioritized learning, whether through formal education or hands-on experiences. For those early in their careers, seek out internships and volunteer opportunities. These roles provide invaluable real-world experience and help you build relationships that can further your career. Never stop learning and stay curious about every aspect of your craft.

In addition to these qualities, I strongly advocate for gaining practical experience through internships. Internships not only allow you to apply your skills but also help you build essential industry relationships. Networking and real-world experience are key to advancing in this field. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in the industry.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle that filmmakers face today is fundraising. Securing the necessary funds to complete projects can be incredibly challenging. Personally, I have faced this challenge head-on by self-funding the production costs for filming in nine different countries: Thailand, Cambodia, India, Iraq, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mexico, and right here in our own backyard, the USA.

To overcome this hurdle, I have turned to various fundraising strategies. Crowdfunding has been a crucial tool, allowing me to engage with a broader audience and gather financial support from people who believe in the cause and the story I’m telling. Additionally, I actively apply for grant funding to cover post-production costs. Grants are a valuable resource for filmmakers, providing the financial support needed to complete projects and bring important stories to the screen. By utilizing these methods, I continue to push forward, ensuring that the stories of victimized children and women around the world are heard.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kelly Galindo Productions LLC

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