Today we’d like to introduce you to Risa Mara Machuca
Hi Risa Mara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Thank you for the opportunity to share some of my story. I’m an award winning Mexican American indie filmmaker with a surf business (Surf It Out) and bathing suit line (Belle Curves) based in Sayulita, Mexico. Have had the good fortune of growing up going back and forth from Liberty, New York and San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico. Spent 12 years in California learning and working in filmmaking only to move back to Mexico for family reasons. Life took a turn and I became National Longboard surf champion and went on to compete in Worlds representing Mexico, including winning medals at ISA Championships in both team and individual categories. I was blessed to be able to represent Mexico at the first Panamerican Olympic qualifier. What felt like a distant separation from the film world actually turned out to be the major connection for my projects, mostly surf themed and all empowerment based. Never giving up on my filmmaking dreams, I’ve continued to stay creative and work towards making my own film projects. I am currently in development with ASI ES, a feature film inspired by true stories and recently released the ‘proof of concept’ music video called Soy Asi. The short film for ASI ES did very well in the film festival circuit and we are excited to get the feature in motion. Grateful for every day and a life if highs and lows that keep me grounded and focused on what truly matters to me and what I want to put out into the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Lots of struggles, including financial as well as physical. Arrived Sayulita with 300 dollars to my name and have struggled with knee and back injuries since first knee surgery at 15. Was told I’d never be able to surf and here I am…sciatica, hernia and 3 knee surgeries later and close to 48 years young 😉 Resilience is a super power and mindset is everything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Answered in a previous message and will add…..
What I am most proud of that I’ve never given up on my dreams and still strive to thrive creatively and with passion. What sets me apart from others is my unique, personal message. Surf, film and music are my passions and I am aware of who I am and the personal stories I want to tell and will continue to try and get out to the world. I write what I know and have seen first hand. There is inspiration in all parts of my world and I am grateful to be here.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I think success is up to individual interpretation. To me, success is having balance, focus, and knowing what it is that you want to do in life. If you connect with your purpose in life then you’ve already won. Most people never figure out what they want so if you can figure that out, that’s the ultimate success!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asiesmovie.com/
- Instagram: @surfitoutmexico
