Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley L. Canfield.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Thank you for inviting me! So, here’s a bit about me: I’m Puerto Rican, born and raised in The Bronx, New York. Growing up, my parents were pretty strict, and I was heavily involved in extracurricular activities after school. As a kid I loved getting lost in imaginative play, especially when I was playing with Barbies and creating elaborate stories for my little sister. My aunt played a significant role in shaping my interests by introducing me to the world of Broadway and movies at a young age. I fell in love with acting at five years old. Throughout my childhood, I took the lead in school plays and attended acting classes.
Acting was my world until 2017. After playing the lead in an off-off-Broadway run of ‘Water by the Spoonful,’ I hit a crossroads. I realized my heart wasn’t in it as much as it needed to be. I’m the type who goes all in or not at all, and I couldn’t see myself halfway into acting. So, I took a step back to reassess my path.
That introspection led me to co-found Blended City, a production company with a vision. We aimed to produce a stage play, but life had other plans. We didn’t secure the rights but had a venue already booked, so I seized the moment to write and direct my own play ‘Dirt is Where Flowers Grow’ that premiered off-off broadway at Teatro LATEA in the Lower East Side. That experience was a revelation, pointing me toward writing and directing, yet it also illuminated my desire for the precision and control film offered over live theater.
Transitioning to film wasn’t straightforward, given the financial hurdles, but I remained committed to nurturing Blended City. Our mission evolved, focusing on supporting underrepresented artists in disadvantaged communities, a cause close to my heart. My journey took an exciting turn in 2021 with directing opportunities for virtual plays and my short play ‘Papi’ that grabbed first place at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe’s online festival. That same year, Blended City became a nonprofit, broadening our impact.
My directorial debut in film came with ‘Pokeno’ which received local recognition, and was selected for the Latino Film Market and The Mott Haven Film Festival. ‘Pokeno’ taught me invaluable lessons despite its shoestring budget and the challenges of a one-day shoot. Little did anyone know, just days before filming, I discovered I was pregnant with my son. This personal milestone didn’t slow me down; instead, it propelled me to adapt my short play ‘Papi’, into a film. It tells the poignant story of Hector Jr., who, amid his father’s COVID-19 crisis, navigates the challenges of reconciliation while striving to stay true to himself. With $10,000 raised and an eight-month belly, I embarked on the four-day shoot. It was a whirlwind but the entire time on set I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be. ‘Papi’ is currently having its festival run and was recently selected for the Latino & Native American Film Festival, The African Film Festival, and The Austin Lift off Festival. The response has been incredible, and I’m thrilled about how it’s being received. Wanting to focus more on my film projects, I launched Wyld Child, a production company with my husband. Drawing from his background as a NYC general contractor, he now co-produces with me. It’s interesting how construction and filmmaking overlap, and he enjoys applying his skills in this new realm. Currently, we’re developing a sci-fi drama short film and a feature-length drama I wrote.
It’s been a journey from the Bronx to behind the camera, juggling life, art, and now motherhood. Every step, mistake, and win has taught me something vital. I’m truly grateful for it all and everyone who has supported me along the way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth road in showbiz? I don’t think that exists! Seriously, this industry is like a game where every level you beat just unlocks a harder one. The biggest hurdle? Funding. It’s the indie filmmaker’s dilemma. You have these awesome ideas but getting the funds to bring them to life is another story. Fundraising is a job in itself. But you know what? It’s possible. The trick is having a story you’re so passionate about that it’s contagious. If you believe in it wholeheartedly, chances are, others will, too. It all starts with you. If you have that fire, it can light the way for your project, attracting the support and resources you need.
Additionally, balancing my career with my responsibilities as a mom presents its own set of challenges. However, I count myself incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system throughout this journey. Having the peace of mind that my son is in good hands with my mother while his dad and I are on set is invaluable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I hold the position of Executive Artistic Director at Blended City and serve as the Festival Director for the Universal Lens Film Festival, now in its fourth year. At my core, I’m a filmmaker, involved in writing, directing, and producing my own films. Through Blended City, we have established a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in marginalized communities. Additionally, with Wyld Child, my aim is to create films that resonate deeply with diverse audiences, delving into the essence of the human experience and untamed spirit.
What sets me apart? It’s my relentless work ethic. Growing up in The Bronx taught me that talent alone isn’t enough. You need to go that extra mile and outwork everyone else. That drive, that hustle—that’s what gives you the edge, and it’s woven into everything I do.
What I’m most proud of? It’s being a mother. It’s showing my son by example that it’s possible to follow your dreams, no matter where you come from or what obstacles stand in your way. Through Blended City, and in my personal projects, I’ve faced challenges head-on, from directing my own play out of necessity to pushing through a film production while eight months pregnant. These aren’t just professional milestones; they’re lessons in perseverance and passion I’m passing on to him.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking risks is in the DNA of filmmaking. To me, risk isn’t just about facing uncertainty; it’s about trusting in your vision enough to step into the unknown. Choosing a career in filmmaking itself is a gamble. It’s a path filled with challenges where success is far from guaranteed. Despite the potential for a more predictable career, I’ve often found myself returning to the unpredictable world of being an artist. The decision carries even more weight now that I have a child to support. Fortunately, my husband’s unwavering support allows me to pursue my dreams while ensuring our family’s needs are met. You can’t embark on a journey in filmmaking if you’re risk averse. Every step I’ve taken, including this career choice, underscores my belief that taking risks is essential to chasing what truly fulfills you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
blendedcity.org/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ashleylcanfield/ - ‘Papi’ Film Trailer: https://vimeo.com/
923601043?share=copy - Universal Lens Film Festival: https://filmfreeway.
com/UniversalLensFilmFestival
Image Credits
Margherita Andreani
Daquan Nelson
