Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Aguila.
Hi Sophie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a bicoastal film director based in Burbank, currently specializing in short-form narrative storytelling! I love blending realism and fantasy in my work, since the world could always use a bit more magic. I often use filmmaking to showcase multi-dimensional and empowered female and queer characters, and to discuss universal stories of art and humanity.
I was born and raised in South Jersey, where I nurtured my passion for the arts in my hometown’s drama and music departments and television education program. During COVID I began film school remotely, and finally was able to move to Philly in 2021 to continue studying in-person. I graduated in Spring 2024 with a Film and Media Arts BFA at Temple University as a member of the Directing masterclass, and as a double major in Music Studies. During my time at school, I was also active in the school’s live television community as the Season 15 director of TUTV’s live sketch comedy program Temple SMASH. The filmmakers, media professionals, and visionaries I’ve met through Temple University, both as peers and instructors, constantly acted as role models for my own creative collaboration.
In Summer 2023, I participated in a work-study in Los Angeles as a development intern at HIVEMIND, an LA-based production company behind projects including THE WITCHER and THE EXPANSE. During my time in this program, I learned more about the LA industry, and identified this as the next city I would need to move to in order to begin making my dreams a reality. In Summer 2024, made the cross-country drive to set down new roots in Burbank, California. I’ve met so many amazing creatives so far, and look forward to upcoming collaborations this summer on a few new short films currently in pre-production!
I’m also always on the look-out for new clients and stories to tell as a creative director. When I’m not directing, I’m busy freelancing throughout the Los Angeles, Philly, and New York markets as an assistant director, production coordinator, sound mixer, and creative development and marketing consultant. My passion for production was fostered in the tight-knit and inspiring film communities of Philly, and I’ve carried this spirit with me into the West Coast network I am working to create with like-minded creatives. I’ve gained experience in projects ranging from indie web series to studio features, and I look forward to every new collaboration that lies ahead!
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?
As a collaborator in the entertainment industry, I have always strived to foster an environment in which everyone feels that their experiences and perspectives are valid and valued in the work they are doing. This is an important spirit to manifest both behind-the-scenes and on-screen.
I have worked in environments in the past where team leaders foster an environment in which it feels like being different is a weakness. Whether as a director or as a crew member, I have fallen for this lie, and been trampled completely by my male counterparts and colleagues in the past.
I was nearing complete exhaustion when I began collaborating with Gabriella “Shun” Hsu, an incredible producer, writer, and post-production leader. She recruited me to direct two of her recent independent short films, first WHERE WE NEVER HELD HANDS and then HOW TO PLAY ANQI, both films set firmly in her female and Asian-American experience and perspective. Working closely under her guidance helped me to rebuild my confidence, and to re-prioritize active listening, empathy, and trust as the key tenets of my directing style. Only through utilizing these tools is a director able to truly comprehend and convey the stories they are responsible for telling.
In my most recent projects, these tenets have been especially supported by amazing collaborators. On my senior thesis film MEET ME UNDER THE BLEACHERS, which I wrote and directed about the young adult experience as a young queer woman, we were also led visually by a queer and female DP and editorially by queer co-editors. My emphasis on representation on- and off-screen has continued to be a calling-card I am proud to bring to productions.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have founded my directing vision on being unapologetically passionate about giving unique stories the range of emotion, expression, and stylization that they call for. To enact my mission to foster an industry where happy endings are unique and plentiful, my most important goal as a director is to keep telling diverse stories whenever the opportunities arise. I am constantly searching for like-minded collaborators and showcasing these projects to a world too often filled with negativity and hate.
My most recent short film, MEET ME UNDER THE BLEACHERS, is currently in the beginning stages of its festival run. Our team had an amazing world premiere at the Garden State Film Festival this March, where we were awarded Best Home Grown Drama Short – College. This was such a meaningful milestone for me, as the majority of the film was shot in New Jersey as a love letter (and partially a goodbye letter) to my hometown upon graduation. Our next screening will be this May at the FirstGlance Film Festival Philadelphia, which our Temple film family is thrilled to attend next month!
I am also currently in post-production for an independent long-form documentary about a renowned muralist based in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. I am working with Texas-based long-time collaborator Gabriella “Shun” Hsu to tell the story of the installation of a massive community-produced mural on the iconic Crane Building, entitled “The Past Supporting the Future”.
How do you think about happiness?
Whenever I witness the power of moviemaking, I’m reminded of why I love this industry. People can find escape, uncover hard truths, and build community based around their experiences with movies. Whenever I’m discouraged, I’ll watch comfort movies to feel better. Whenever I want to learn more about our world, I’ll find a well-informed film about the subject. Even the majority of my social interactions these days surround either movie-making or people’s opinions on recent releases. This is such a wonderful career, and I’m so excited to continue finding happiness in this art!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sophieaguilafilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophieaguilaproductions/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-aguila/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sophieaguilafilms
Image Credits
Shawn Salomon, Kacie Kridlo, Lilly Dolhancryk, Tyrone Zhang, C-Show Live!, Lyss Marrero, Kaitlyn Schnorbus, Maya Corwin, Victoria Wilcox
