Rising Stars: Meet Sofia Garza-Barba

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sofia Garza-Barba.

Hi Sofia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Monterrey Mexico, surrounded by music, movies, and everything art. I embarked my journey in filmmaking after my father exposed me to films and music videos at a young age. I was so mesmerized by what I saw on the screen that I wanted to be the one making it. Obviously, first it was all play, shooting school projects and telling stories filmed on cheap cameras. But without forcing it, I wrapped myself in this world of fantasy I kept creating in my head and trying to tell to the world. With the support of my parents and computer teacher, who taught me to edit, I pursued my dream and moved to the USA. To this day, I wake up with a story in my head, eager to be written and told. From shooting school projects, I transitioned to directing and producing music videos for bands I loved, then TV commercials, then shorts. Now, I am heading to the next chapter of my career, which is features and Series. Very excited to keep growing in this field and discovering new stories to tell.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If it was a smooth road, I wouldn’t be here. I love challenges and bumps in the road. Let me tell you, it’s been a crazy ride, but there’s nothing I would rather do than stay on this road. As a female Latinx director in the United States, a struggle is just part of our journey. Even if it means struggling to convince clients and investors that I can write and direct stories that go beyond a Latinx story or fighting to get a seat on the table, I think at the end of the day, it’s been worth it. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize all my accomplishments, especially when the road gets bumpier. But then I look back and notice I have come a long way, and it would be silly to turn back.

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 a multidisciplinary genre-bending writer/director with an imaginative POV working between LA & Mexico. I direct music videos, commercials, and films that will keep your eyes entertained. I’ve directed monsters, vampires, children, animals, food, and everything you can think of.

I love stop-motion animation, mixed media art, food, color, monsters, dark humor & magical realism. My work is highly art-driven, hand-crafted, planned and harmonized from the idea to the screen. I love mixing genres and cultures to find a balance between the two. You’ll find fantasy in every story I get to tell.

I’ve worked with Grammy award-winning bands like Kinky, Natalia Lafourcade & Aleks Syntek and clients like Sony Music, Nickelodeon, Universal, Coca-Cola and Carl’s Jr.

Some of my work been shortlisted, awarded or screened at festivals like SITGES, GIFF, CINEQUEST, LAShorts and others.

I’m a 2018 mentee of Ryan Murphy’s Half Initiative program, a 2019 graduate fellow director of the CDDP (Commercial Director’s Diversity Program), a 2021 SANFIC-Morbido Lab participant, and a fellow director of 2021 Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today by HBO. I proudly work both in the U.S. and Mexico and I’m currently in development for my first feature called Santos Remedios (Holy Remedies).

What sets me apart from others? Hire me or spend time with me, and find out for yourself… =)

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I love taking risks because those are the moments when I grow the most. Without taking risks, you end up doing the same thing over and over, and people are always excited to see new things. I take risks constantly when I shoot commercials or when I write stories. As a director that likes blending genres, part of my storytelling is risking how people will perceive or understand concepts or worlds that live in my head. I feel that all creatives should take risks, because it is then when not only we grow, but also the ones who appreciate our art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sofiagarzabarba.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofilala/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sofilala 

Image Credits
Photos by Mayra Lopez