Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Pilar Adara. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Pilar, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
My love for acting, creating, and screenwriting is inspired by the desire to change the narrative and add more inclusive stories focusing on QTBIPOC experiences. As filmmakers, we have the power to influence the cultural milieu. I create with the passion of humanizing our QTBIPOC community. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, with a deep love for the arts. After studying and honing my craft as a performer in Georgia, Florida, and Germany, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theatre. In my third year in New York City, I realized it was time to start building my own table instead of trying to find a seat at the old one. I hated the racist and derogatory roles I was being asked to audition for, and I started wondering what the entertainment industry would look like if more of us were creating and producing our own stories.
During the Covid lockdown in 2020, I began falling in love with screenwriting and focusing on fusing my love of politics and art. Using the power of storytelling, I hope to create art that will challenge societal norms and work to break the gatekeeping cycle of who is in front of or behind the camera. I am passionate about all differently led, Black, Brown, Fat, and Queer people being celebrated on and off the screen.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Art has always been political and a form of resistance. I love focusing on fusing a love of politics and art. Using the power of storytelling, I hope to create art that will challenge societal norms and work to break the gatekeeping cycle of who is in front of and behind the camera. I want to create stories that celebrate and empower Fat, Queer, Black, and Brown bodies, where we are the center of our own narratives. Our herrritage and voices matter and its time we stop providing a b line story for a white savior storyline in media.
Pilar has been staffed to write on three political ads, as well as write commercials, a feature, and a digital series. Pilar is a proud recipient of NALIP’s Emerging Content Creators Scholarship, Sundance Collab scholarship, and 8 plus awards for filmmaking including, “Best First time director.” Pilar’s current film, Fat Lips is currently making it’s festival run and will screen next at Manhattan Film Festival and Philadelphia Latino Arts and Film Festival. Pilar is currently in post production for their new film, they star in, created and produced, The Pincher. Post Production for the Pincher should wrap at the end of the month.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As far as development, work on your journey of self. This business is hard, and draining and have the mental and emotional tools to navigate it is crucial. Take classes, be open to learning and not afraid to fail. New things are always hard and sometimes a “no” will steer you in the true direction of where you need to be. The word “No” said by you, is also a complete sentence and doesn’t require an explanation. What makes you different, your “quirks” or “flaws” is where you will find your strength. If you are struggling with your identity, chances are someone else is too. That’s where you will fine your strength. Your voice is necessary and we need your story. Don’t let colonial standards of beauty or what a patriarchal society limit on how you move or shine. Shine bright baby and we will all be here to support you. No one ever gets “there” alone. It takes a village. Once you establish a beautiful group of people where you can support, trust and hold each other accountable, you will be unstoppable.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am always looking to work and collaborate with like minded artists. Right now I am focusing on my acting career. I would love to be part of a story that contributes to dismantling societal norms and I love a meaty project. I love being a vessel to a director’s vision. I am looking forward to connecting with other artists and being part the art developing at this crucial political time in history. You can find my on IG @Pilar-Adar or my website at Pilaradara.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pilaradara.com
- Instagram: Pilar-Adar
Image Credits
Jonah Hale, edmar flores, Brianna Rohler, Sophia Romulo
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