Today we were privileged to have a conversation with director Lena Báez. Lena Báez is a passionate Ecuadorian film director, producer and writer based in the city of Los Angeles. As a sympathetic artist, Lena Báez employs the tools of filmmaking and psychology to explore social issues, mental disabilities and taboo subjects present in our society through her stories.
Q) A lot of your work is about mental health and Identity, what draws you to these subjects?
R) I’ve always seen films as a reflection of human emotion, regardless of genre, and I’m focused on capturing those emotions as truthfully as possible on screen. My stories are largely character driven, I like to follow a character closely to portray the genuineness of their feelings, their struggles, and their relationships. I’m also deeply curious about the human mind and behavior. I have a degree in psychology, which has allowed me to explore these subjects more deeply. My curiosity extends to the world around us, how we understand ourselves and how we treat one another. Ultimately, I’m drawn to these themes because I want to keep learning about who we are as individuals.
Q) For a lot of your projects you are the director, producer, and writer, how has your work been influenced by wearing multiple hats on a project?
R) I’ll admit it’s not an easy task. I strongly believe that collaborating with other creatives can expand a story in ways you might not reach on your own. At the same time, wearing multiple hats gives you a unique kind of creative freedom, it allows you to shape the story exactly as you envision it.
That balance can be both empowering and limiting. On one hand, there’s a real satisfaction in knowing your vision is being translated directly onto the screen. On the other, collaboration opens the door to new perspectives and ideas, which can strengthen the work in unexpected ways. I value both experiences, and each one influences how I approach a project. Regardless of the situation, I always seek external feedback. I like to keep an open mind to better develop the story as a whole, for the success of the project.
Q) What was the first film that you saw that made you want to be involved in filmmaking?
R) Many films have captivated and inspired me to pursue filmmaking, but one that stands out is “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. What draws me to it is its romanticism, not just in the relationship between the characters, but in the artistry it embodies. The film is beautifully shot, the performances are exceptional, but what truly stayed with me is the story itself. I’ve returned to it many times because of the way it explores time as a metaphor, and how deeply it shapes the characters’ lives. It touches on philosophical ideas like “what if” and the fear of regret, which makes it emotionally powerful.
Even though the world of the film is not entirely like our own, it feels emotionally truthful. That allows us to connect with the main character despite his differences. From the very beginning, it invites empathy and curiosity, carrying us through to a deeply satisfying end. For me, it’s an imaginative, emotional, and visually striking piece of art, one that truly represents the kind of storytelling I aspire to create.
Q) What are the challenges about working with a small budget? Are there any hidden advantages?
R) I think small budgets push you to be more creative; in other words, limitations can actually inspire new ideas. Small budgets can restrict the tools and resources you want as a director for a project, but they also force you to find inventive solutions, whether that’s through framing, sing longer lenses, or making creative choices to achieve a cinematic result.
There’s usually a solution for everything; you just have to be persistent in the pursuit of it. Sometimes the ideas that come from working with small budgets can be surprising and even lead to a better outcome for the film you are making. It’s important to stay adaptable and embrace those challenges as part of the creative process.
Q) You’re coming off two successful projects with the music video Beautiful Blur and the short film The Café, do you know what you’re going to be working on next?
R) I’m really happy with the outcomes of both projects, and I’m glad they are resonating with audiences and festivals here and in other parts of the world. I have several projects coming up, some are already in production, while others are in development. I recently shot a horror short film, which marks the first time I’ve experimented with this genre. We filmed it using both digital and analogue formats, and we’re hoping the Super 8 footage enhances the look and heightens the sense of tension and drama in the film.
Q) If people want more information about your or your projects, where should they go?
R) They can find more information about my work and projects on my website, http://www.lenabaezfilms.com. I also have an IMDb page that includes my filmography. I keep my social media, especially Instagram @lenisa.films, updated with the latest news and project updates.
Final four questions – we ask everybody.
Q) When the zombies take over the world where will you be?
R) I’ll be home. If it’s the end of the world, I’d want to be with the people I care about, my family. I think that with them, we could survive anything together.
Q) What is your favorite Fandom (could be sports, pop culture, favorite director or author)
R) I wouldn’t say I belong to a specific fandom, but I’m a big fan of podcasts. I enjoy listening to conversations about culture, politics, and mental health, especially interviews with experts. It helps me stay updated and constantly learn new perspectives about the world, which also influences my work as a storyteller.
Q) What piece of art, be it in the form of music, a book, a film or picture, do you think people must experience before they die?
R) I think the paintings of John Singer Sargent are absolutely worth experiencing, especially in person, where you can fully appreciate their scale and magnitude. There’s something powerful about seeing the smooth brushstrokes up close and noticing the level of detail in his portraits. When I experienced his work, I felt a strong sense of intimacy between the painter and the sitter, a level of closeness and trust that comes through in the final image. His portraits seem to capture people as they truly are, almost unposed moments that feel alive rather than staged. I’m not a painter myself, but I deeply admire the dedication, thought, and care behind each brushstroke. There’s a story to tell in every painting, and that’s what makes his work so unforgettable.
Q) Give one fact that most people would not believe about you?
R) I like building things from zero, like puzzles. There’s something really satisfying about seeing everything come together piece by piece. It helps me disconnect, it’s almost like a stress release. I can spend hours just putting things together.