Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Julia.
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Chicago and I’ve always been very passionate about the arts. I grew up dancing and then in college, turned my focus toward acting. While I was pursuing in acting career, I also started writing. Initially, I was writing just to create things for me to star in, but as I continued developing as a writer, I became interested in telling all kinds of stories. In 2023 I got the opportunity to produce my short film Once Upon A Dime which I wrote and directed. It was ultimately selected as a finalist in the 2024 HBO Short Film Showcase at the American Black Film Festival, won the Best Dramatic Short Film Award at the Newark Independent Film Festival and was an Official Selection of the Beverly Hills Film Festival. I’m currently working on my next film project.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road! Just trying to survive in New York and LA as an aspiring artist is a challenging journey on its own. I’ve made great friends with failure and I’ve learned that chasing a dream isn’t always as effective as creating the space, energy and alignment for that dream to manifest. I’ve learned to trust the journey, even the bumps in the road. They often redirect you to greater peaks.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a filmmaker and I specialize in heartfelt stories about humanity. I’m most proud of my short film Once Upon A Dime. I like to be in community with other artists so I don’t think too much about what sets me apart. I prefer to focus on areas of commonality and where I can collaborate with others.
What matters most to you?
Telling beautiful stories that reflect the world as I see it is what matters most to me. I think artists leave behind the most truthful records of how we lived, how we loved, and how we existed in the world. It’s a great gift to be able to add your voice to the great record of humanity and I feel responsible for making sure that my perspective and the perspective of women like me is included.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @itslaurenjulia
