“I wanted to build the best version of myself, not others. Initially, I wanted to work in the animation field; I like comics. Then I realized that what interests me is telling stories, films,” she adds. (Jazmin Aguilar)
Jazmín Aguilar is a woman filled with dreams and stories—in her mind. In the pursuit of those desires and goals, she is a decisive woman, trusting in her talent and determination.
“Failure is not an option; I don’t like to waste time. I know what I am capable of, I trust in my abilities,” says this filmmaker residing in East L.A.
It goes without saying how challenging it is for a woman, especially a Latina from Southeast Los Angeles, to break into the film industry. But Jazmin Aguilar’s words are not in vain. In her short career, this young woman has already begun to establish her style and make a mark with “The Letter,” a film that served as her graduation project, and “Kid Ugly.”
I copy this brief introduction from her page to make us aware of the immense talent and success she has achieved so far.
“Her debut short film, ‘The Letter,’ received recognition at numerous Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying festivals and was licensed by HBO in 2020. Jazmin made her directorial theatre debut with ‘The Fruit Flies,’ which premiered at the NBC Short + Sweet Hollywood competition.
“Furthermore, Jazmin received the prestigious title of Best Director at the Young Entertainer Awards at Warner Bros Studios. She is an alumna of the HBO Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today Fellowship.
“Currently, Jazmin creates ads for eCommerce brands, music videos, and is touring the festival circuit with her film ‘Kid Ugly,’ funded by McDonald’s. The film has been showcased at Academy Award and BAFTA-qualifying festivals and was awarded Best Action/Adventure Short Film at San Diego Comic-Con. She is also diligently working on her debut feature film.”
However, modesty and humility are evident in her voice.
“I have always liked drawing. As a child, I used to draw and create characters. The same with dolls—I would set up my little stage where I recreated my stories,” she tells Parriva.
Jazmin received the prestigious title of Best Director at the Young Entertainer Awards at Warner Bros Studios. She is an alumna of the HBO Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today Fellowship. (Jazmin Aguilar)
Born in Lynwood, raised in South Gate, and now living in East L.A., she reflects on her upbringing.
“My father was absent. My mother, along with my grandparents, took care of me. There was no drama in the family. My mother worked at a bank, my grandfather was a tailor, my grandmother was at home. I always had the support of all of them,” she says.
She remembers being alone at home with them but without the presence of other children.
“It was just me,” she says.
That helped nurture her creativity, imagination, and stories.
“They didn’t let me go out; they took care of me a lot. I was lucky that before they cut funds in schools for after-school programs, I still had some art classes,” she says.
Her originality was evident from childhood. She didn’t admire certain characters from movies and television; she focused on what she could be, without looking at others.
“I wanted to build the best version of myself, not others. Initially, I wanted to work in the animation field; I like comics. Then I realized that what interests me is telling stories, films,” she adds.
At 18, the idea of becoming a filmmaker started to take shape in her mind. It was a risky bet, but she was sure of it. She has always had people around her who supported and encouraged her, never letting her down. Aspiring to be a filmmaker as a woman and Latina was not an easy goal, but again, her confidence propelled her to different realms.
“I come from Southeast Los Angeles, there aren’t many filmmakers, not many women in cinema, not much representation in the industry. It’s something we’re building, and I have to play my part. I want to help; the system is not fair. I want to express my best version. Try to create something culturally significant,” she adds.
For her, having Latinos on stage and behind the camera is vital, having our perspective in productions.
“My grandfather, Juan Guevara, showed me many films, a lot of Mexican cinema. He told me that cowboys were not only Americans but also African Americans and Latinos.” (Jazmin Aguilar)
Her first production, “The Letter,” is partly based on her grandfather’s experience migrating to the United States.
“I asked my grandfather for permission; I told him that the story was similar to his but that I had changed certain things. He simply said, ‘Do what you want, no problem.’ This film also helped me close the chapter on my father’s abandonment. Coincidentally, after so many years, he contacted me on Facebook when the production was finishing. I never replied; I blocked him and moved on,” she adds.
Jazmín Aguilar has a very coherent and positive discourse, indicating that nothing and no one can stop her in her goals. A sweet and determined voice.
“My grandfather, Juan Guevara, showed me many films, a lot of Mexican cinema. He told me that cowboys were not only Americans but also African Americans and Latinos. That’s in ‘Kid Ugly,’ a western with a mix of races.
Her mother, Ofelia González, and her grandmother, Ofelia Guevara, along with her grandfather, were proud to see “The Letter.” Jazmín, at just 21 years old, had halted a sector of East L.A. to film her movie.
“People would stop to watch us on Sundays; I would ask for silence, and strangely, they would obey. It was a wonderful experience,” she says, laughing.
“I had no doubts about the result. I am very good at multitasking; I couldn’t let down either my colleagues in the filming or my family,” she adds.
Now, she is working on the script for her first feature film. It is a story in which she wants to explain who she is—an introduction to herself and her community.
“It’s my way of giving back to the community. I will visit places where I grew up, share stories of people who accompanied me on this journey. I want it to explain who I am,” she says.
Jazmín would like there to be more support for young people who want to make films. Many think it’s impossible, but she believes that help exists; you just have to look for it.
“You have to see where to start; you have to apply for funds. The problem I see is that our community doesn’t know where to start; that’s where we need more support, to get this information to them,” she concludes.
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