Today we’d like to introduce you to Alba Morera.
Hi Alba, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’m a Catalan filmmaker and photographer based both in LA and Barcelona.
Photography is my gift. Film is how I channel my stories. Stories give me a container for my feelings. I tell stories to connect. I write to contact a truth that is unknown to me. Risk and edge are part of my writing. I have a fervent desire for growth. Authenticity moves me to the core. I’m committed to developing my craft on a daily basis. I have a relentless passion for telling stories, especially those with nuanced female characters. I believe in Art as a universal language. Change starts with oneself. “Don’t think, just do it” is my motto.
My first film credits were under the direction of Peter Greenaway and Isaki Lacuesta.
After receiving a BFA in Film, I was awarded the Beca “la Caixa”, which offered me the fantastic opportunity to complete my studies in Directing and Screenwriting at The Los Angeles Film School. I wrote and directed several shorts, including “Wall/Paper”, which was well-received in film festivals and got distribution.
I worked as an Assistant Director and Script Supervisor before becoming the Personal Assistant to film director Fina Torres. I went on to being a Script Reader at Esperanza Productions and, later on, the Director of Development at Goff Productions.
I have more recently completed three full-lengths scripts and directed various short films, as well as music videos.
My photo partner Hal Masonberg and I love collaborating with musicians in live concerts and studio recording sessions. We’re both committed to capturing the intimate connection between musicians, the audience, and ourselves, feeling into the aliveness and magic of a shared moment. We are thrilled that Barcelona Jazz Festival is providing a creative space to take our artistic photography to the next level.
My original screenplay TORNA’M LA VIDA is being made into a film, which I will direct in Spain in 2023, in collaboration with dancer/choreographer/performing artist Marta Carrasco.
I continue to investigate authentic storytelling through embodiment practices with Rie Katagiri and Joan Scheckel Filmmaking Labs alums that are committed to feeling deeply.
I’m always looking for the next challenge. To me, it’s about the human experience and the openings that come when I embrace the unknown. As an artist, I create from that space. In life, I grow when I take risks.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I’m deeply grateful for the great amount of opportunities I’ve had along the road, which I earned with hard work and through developing relationships, both personal and professional. Treating others the way I want to be treated has served me well. There have been plenty of obstacles, which I’ve always seen as an opportunity to assess what is truly needed and take action, after assessing what works and what doesn’t.
Moving to a new country by myself at the age of 22 is the biggest leap I ever taken. I came with the usual challenges of adapting to a different culture and creating the life I wanted as I forged new connections and followed my passion. I have gathered many tools during my 20 years in Los Angeles and have learned a whole lot through every single experience, including my day job while I was consolidating my film career. I never stopped dedicating at least 4-5 hours daily to my passion no matter the circumstances of the moment, independently if I was being paid or not. This constant dedication and tenacity allowed me to create a body of work I’m now proud of. As I navigated the up and downs, I found my way, my place and the strength to be unapologetically myself. It is precisely the struggles that brought clarity to my voice.
I recently went back to my home country to open new doors on a professional level, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. Integrating the two worlds I’m part of (Spain and United States) makes me happy and I will continue to nurture this newfound joy.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for being a high-energy people’s person that loves feeling deeply into anything I do. People trust me easily and I can quickly create a safe space for collaborators to go beyond the point they think they can achieve. This also facilitates a closeness and professional intimacy that allows for a richer human experience in any artistic project I do. It fulfills me endlessly, even though it demands a tremendous amount of energy and care. Holding space for other to take risks is intense yet highly rewarding. Using the tools I have at my disposition has allowed me to enjoy these joyous moments where magic is being felt by everyone involved.
I’m very enthusiastic and my upbeat personality helps me move through any challenge. I’m often told that my enthusiasm is contagious. My strong work ethic in combination with my desire to have fun while working makes for a good recipe. I’ve also developed a great capacity to work which, together with my resilience, comes in handy to make the long hours on film sets and other kind of shoots.
I’m currently focusing on directing feature films and music videos, in addition to doing music photography which always nourishes my heart. I can’t conceive life without music! I’m shooting a feature documentary about renowned dancer/choreographer/performing artist Marta Carrasco and developing another documentary about several iconic music bands in Barcelona that played a key role in activists’ movements during the Spanish Democratic Transition, after dictator Franco’s death. I’m also prepping TORNA’M LA VIDA which I will direct in 2023.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
-curiosity
-openness
-tenacity
-listening skills
-holding space with empathy
-strong work ethic
-passion & enthusiasm
-ability to take risks
-resilience
-people’s skills
Contact Info:
- Website: www.albamoreraphotography.com
- Instagram: @albamoreraphotography
Image Credits
Marta Carrasco
Alba Morera
Jolie Kinga
Ali Joseph
Hal Masonberg
