Today we’d like to introduce you to Elio Wallace.
Hi Elio, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a child, I was fascinated with fashion, film, beauty, colors, light, and things of that nature, but I was always being told I wasn’t measuring up to societal expectations. I grew up in a small Suburban town in Ventura California, a strict religious father and a mentally ill mother. My entire life revolved around sports and church until I reached the age of 25. I started to go back to my childlike self, and realized my own purpose and potential. I started out as a stylist, which drew me to photography, then that drew me to filmmaking. These creative adventures have helped me heal wounds from the past, and helped me be more confident in owning my identity as a queer creator. I now know I have a purpose to share my story on how my identity has been restored through community, relationships, and self reflection in hopes to give others a similar revelation or different perspective. My brand “Elio’s Room” showcases all of these things. It’s fun, it’s bright, it’s fashionable, and cinematic. All reflecting back to my childlike state. Today I am fully confident in my identity and my creative abilities, and I want to make art to give others the chance to do the same. To see themselves and know they are able to be completely themselves and really go after what they truly desire from this life
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up with in a religious household with a mentally ill mother was not easy. As I child I always knew my identity in my queerness. I also had completely different interests than what my parents and peers wanted from me. At times I felt alone, and outside of my truest self living for the approval of other people. This led to me being depressed and feeling lost, like I had no place in the world. Always feeling unsatisfied with life, and dealing with a lot of self hatred. Pretending to be someone else but truly knowing that’s not who you are is a mental illness in itself. The apple not falling far from the tree.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a filmmaker and photographer. I specialize in digital art. I am best known for my short film “Elio’s Room” which was my first ever film that was selected by “queer here” cinema festival in December 2025. It is a film about self reflection and self evolution. I am most proud of this film because I made it in the midst of my personal evolution. Addressing my feelings of not feeling good enough, or needing to prove myself in someway was how this film was made. I made it with some close friends and family, and the making of this short film was not only a healing experience for me, but for everyone involved as well. I believe what sets me apart from others is my outlook and life and people, which is that you are capable and able to be exactly who you are, or desire to be in this very moment no matter where you are at right now. Life will provide you with people and the things that you need if you truly believe in yourself. Which helps me create an immersive visual experience, with a deep more spiritual message.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The relationships I have built overtime have been the most important part for my success. My close bonds have helped me be a better person overall not just a better creative. Having someone else believe in you is all that it takes to know you’re capable of success. Community has helped me be, unapologetically myself in every way, which has me be a true visionary. The love and support from the people closer to me, and the belief that I am capable is the reason for my success
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elijahw757.wixsite.com/eliosroom?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafiiioUadXTqXXniOBjPHMgxF_a4Ue2rXaV2V_TwnZopkuxn3gy_ka5C8Gtgw_aem_42s7CVSWLdSWVYBhQJ_Lcw
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliosroom
- Other: https://filmfreeway.com/EliosRoom
