Meet Ana Sanchez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Sanchez.

Ana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was raised in the city of Huntington Park California, where we are known for Greece the movie being filmed in our city’s High School. It has been my roots since I can remember, it was the city that led me to pursue to make films and go into the film industry. Recently the city racked in the census report of being most miserable cities to live in.

Being raised in the streets of Huntington Park and having the tools of filmmaking, I decided to take a stand. I decided to work on a documentary to help my city. Huntington Park is populated by 95% Hispanic Latino culture, and I do not want to be ashamed of that because someone in an office in New York, said we are “miserable”. I am fighting to make a difference and to make sure that the people that reside in “miserable cities” remember that we are not miserable and we can make a difference. I thought it was funny how the census released that information at the end of 2019 when we have upcoming census polls in 2020, so how is their data correct to the date? I am a starting filmmaker that wants to make a difference to not give up on hope. I am using the tools I have at reach to help the future and to help others see the good on the less fortunate.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth rode. Filmmaking is a competitive career, we are all trying to succeed. Although my dream job has not landed on my lap, I continue to pursue it and work hard to be where I want to be. And not forget my roots and who has helped me be where I am.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am working on becoming an Assistant Director, going to Los Angeles Film School to pursue my dream and knowledge. What sets me apart is that my goals will always be to better my community and to better the image of my culture. In times like where we are today, it has become a lot harder being Hispanic and overachieving beyond the odds. I am proud of making a small documentary about my neighborhood’s small business owner that is succeeding in so called “miserable city”, I partnered with the business owner of juice bar Root of Life, to show the love he has towards his community and how every cent that he profits will one way come back to the city.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always ashamed that I had a bit of an accent growing up. That I couldn’t pronounce certain words. But then most of my classmates were bilingual with me, and then that just became natural. I am an only child and always had a love to theater and dance. Being a cheerleader in my youth ready to cheer anyone that came across me. A spirited young lady, although in my teen years I forgot who I was. All of my childhood is a symbol of who I am now. I am a Latina filmmaker with an accent and ready to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Phone: (323)797-3074
• Instagram: @anna_smiles_

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