Conversations with KAROLYNE SOSA

Today we’d like to introduce you to KAROLYNE SOSA.

Hi KAROLYNE, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to Paris when I was five. A few years later our family moved to the states. I attended school in New Jersey and New York City. I came to this country not knowing the language or anything about it. At home we spoke Spanish and French. I remember at a young age feeling the culture shock. Living in different countries taught me to be an observer. This started shaping my interest in the human condition. I knew I wanted to be a professional. I set law school as my goal. My mom always instilled in me and my siblings the value of hard work. She held three jobs as a single mother and was always supportive of our dreams. Her outlook on life was positive and limitless.
After graduating from law school, I decided to pursue my interest in the entertainment industry. I moved to Los Angeles and started working in business affairs for a production company that was owned by a 13-time Oscar winning producer, John Daly. I was introduced to the unique blend of the creative and the business aspects of the industry. The moment I got on set I fell in love with the whole process. I enjoyed seeing the cinematic machine in action. As I started producing films and documentaries, my passion for building a career in filmmaking was certain.
In 2013 I was asked to join the Board of Directors for the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival and served as the Director of Programming for five years. This experience allowed me to view and curate films to be seen on the big screen. Every year we built a community of independent artists that came together and shared experiences, making for an electrifying atmosphere. I believe in the power of independent filmmaking.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think it’s safe to say we all face obstacles. If I may, I’d like to respond by describing my process on how I meet those challenges. When things are difficult on set or during my everyday life, I channel the experiences that I have had in nature. Of course, I don’t mean I go on a hike during stressful moments. Things are happening fast, and decisions need to be made in real time. When I am in nature and feel the wind, hear the birds, I take note and place that experience in my memory bank to draw from in the future. This takes practice and I continuously work at it. Hiking helps me stay positive and productive.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The most recent short film I produced, titled What’s Wrong, Emma, just made its World Premiere at the 25th annual Beverly Hills Film Festival. We shot in the South of France with a British cast and a French crew. I met the director a few years ago. I could see his talent and passion. I knew that I wanted to work with him. I like to invest in gifted artists that are also good people. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to choose like-minded individuals. You will work long hours; you will be challenged in many ways. It becomes a bonding experience much like a team sport. You need people that will stand up for each other and support each other’s work.

Our film just won Best Foreign Language Short at the Independent Shorts Awards. We are in the beginning of our festival run that has the potential to take us global. We have submissions to film festivals in over seven countries.

I am always looking for great content that strikes me as having the potential to become an amazing film or documentary. I enjoy reading all the screenplays that are submitted to me, with the goal of aligning with passionate artists that have a meaningful story to tell.

As far as my future as a filmmaker I don’t plan on slowing down and will eventually direct more. I directed my first short a couple of years ago. Producing and directing allow me to collaborate with many wonderful artists. Creating collectively fuels my soul. I always keep the audience in mind and strive to entertain and share stories. Film is a powerful medium that allows us to connect on a human level without borders.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Keep moving forward one foot in front of the other. Try not to get slowed down or stuck. Every day is an opportunity to put in the work toward your goals. You are the one that has the power to make your decisions for each morning. Are you going to read a book, watch a tutorial, research your craft? Only you can set your mind and intention toward your goal for that day. Small steps add up to big ones. I am a big believer in asking questions. Don’t be afraid to ask colleagues or someone in the position you are stiving for how they got there. What advice they might have for you. Keep in mind that everyone’s journey is different. Most times there is not a correct way. Don’t be afraid to take your own path, just keep moving forward. Be honest with yourself. Are you doing enough or just hoping things will happen? Take the advice that aligns with you and keep going. Observe, be curious, learn from others. Surround yourself with good people. Develop strong habits of self-discipline. Take good care of yourself, giving time for your spiritual and physical nourishment. Be kind to yourself. See the beauty in everyday life. Let that inspire you. The sun, the clouds, the beauty of flowers, whatever speaks to you. All those things are free and there for you to take in positive energy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1460225/?ref_=fn_all_nme_1
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karolynesosa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karolyne.sosa
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karolyne-sosa-46403334
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzUvG3zNLAQ