By Katie Chambers
Welcome to NYWIFT, Lorena R. Valenica!
Lorena R. Valencia is a Mexican writer-director based in New York. Her directorial debut and MFA thesis film, Cuanacaquilitl (Dandelion), received the 2022 National Board of Review Student Award and is an Official Selection in several international film festivals, including the Morelia International Film Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, the New York Latino Film Festival, and the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Film Festival.
Lorena is passionate about both narrative and documentary storytelling and is interested in addressing issues such as reproductive rights, identity, and belonging. Currently, she is directing Mi Ranchito, a documentary short film that explores resilience and love for the land, while she is developing her debut feature film, Mayahuel.
Lorena spoke to us about inspiring empathy through storytelling, the overlap of narrative and documentary filmmaking, and her latest projects.
NYWIFT Member Lorena R. Valencia
Your work deals with major issues like reproductive rights, identity and belonging, and motherhood. How do you envision storytelling as a pathway toward creating positive change?
I believe that storytelling has the unique ability to connect people on a personal level. I’m driven by the idea of using cinema as a medium to inspire empathy, making even the most complex issues relatable, and ultimately fostering positive change through a deeper understanding.
You work in both narrative and documentary – do you prefer one over the other? What draws you to each of the mediums?
No, I love both. At the end of the day, I am a storyteller. What changes is the way I tell a story. In fact, I apply my narrative skills to my documentary projects and vice versa. My goal as a film director is to create hybrid films in which the audience interacts with them just asking themselves, “What am I watching?”
In narrative films, I like that I can create a whole universe from scratch, and I deeply submerge myself into that world, whereas in documentary films, I like the fact that I find the story while I’m documenting and it’s pretty much about flowing with the story and being present.
I’d love to hear more about your latest film, Cuanacaquilitl (Dandelion), which you wrote, directed, and produced. What inspired you to tell this story, and what do you hope audiences will take away from the film?
Cuanacaquilitl is a narrative short film created with a deep sense of passion. It draws inspiration from the often challenging and real-life experiences women face worldwide, especially within marginalized communities like my own in Mexico.
While the topic of abortions has persisted for centuries and will continue to do so, I wanted to emphasize the significance of having someone by your side to support your choices and to showcase the strength of sisterhood. This story revolves around themes of friendship and companionship.
What kinds of projects excite you?
I’m all down for stories that challenge the hegemonic gaze in cinema.
What is the best advice you ever received? And the worst?
The best advice: When I was in grad school, a very wise professor advised me to write about something that kept me up late at night. She believed that, especially for first-time filmmakers, this approach would provide the necessary stamina and passion to develop, shoot, and complete the project, and she was totally right!
The worst advice: Someone very close to me once told me, “Stop dreaming and get back to your reality. Find a full-time job and stop wasting your time.” I immediately dismissed that unsolicited advice. Only you know what truly gives you joy, and you shouldn’t let anyone dictate your life choices. The worst that can happen if you fail is that you start over, and over again. But with patience and time, you will ultimately reach your goal.
What inspired you to join NYWIFT? How do you hope to engage with the organization?
I love the fact that I’m part of an exciting organization that truly empowers women and elevates their work. I feel seen, protected, and most importantly, I feel that I’m doing the same for other sisters.
And what is next for you?
I have two projects coming: Mi Ranchito, a documentary short film that I wrote and directed, and my Opera Prima “Mayahuel”, a feature narrative film.
Connect with Lorena R. Valencia on her website lorevalencia.com and on Instagram at @lorena_rvalencia.
Katie Chambers
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Christina Brennan
Welcome to NYWIFT, Christina Brennan! Christina is a New York–based filmmaker whose work explores the emotional complexity of young womanhood through bold, conversation-driven storytelling. She is particularly drawn to dystopian, psychological thriller, and comedy genres, often blending tension and humor. As a recent graduate, she made her directorial debut with the short film Dear Nora, which won first place at AGBO’s No Sleep ’Til Film Festival—marking an exciting start to her creative career. In addition to her work behind the camera, Christina is the founder of Onore Films, a community dedicated to supporting and connecting young women in film through collaboration and shared resources. With experience across multiple areas of production, she approaches filmmaking as both a creative practice and a way to foster meaningful connection. In our interview, Christina discussed her journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind Dear Nora, and her passion for building community among emerging women in film.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Kash Blagrove
Welcome to NYWIFT, Kash Blagrove! Kash is a New York City–based producer with a background in advertising and a strong commitment to authenticity, diversity, and inclusion in media. Over the past decade, she has produced campaigns for major brands including eBay, European Wax Center, Peloton, and the WNBA, working across projects ranging from small-scale productions to multi-million-dollar campaigns. As a champion of body positivity, Kash brings a thoughtful perspective to her work, advocating for greater representation both in front of and behind the camera. Her work on the WNBA’s Line ’Em Up campaign earned multiple honors at the 2025 Clio Sports Awards, reflecting the real impact the project had beyond the screen. In our interview, Kash discussed her journey into producing, her commitment to inclusive storytelling, and the projects she’s excited to bring to life next.
READ MOREFrom Set to Screen: Katherine Filaseta and Ellie Sachs Celebrate Lucy Shulman at Tribeca
The 25th anniversary of the Tribeca Festival is shining a spotlight on bold storytelling, unforgettable voices, and films that capture the spirit of New York City — and Lucy Shulman is doing exactly that. Premiering as part of the festival’s prestigious U.S. Narrative Competition, the sharply funny and deeply heartfelt feature follows a young woman navigating heartbreak, family dynamics, bad dates, and the complicated journey of finding herself again. Written, directed by, and starring filmmaker Ellie Sachs, the film blends humor with emotional honesty in a way that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
Behind the scenes, NYWIFT member Katherine Filaseta played a vital role as Second Assistant Director, helping keep the ambitious production moving while supporting the creative vision that brought the story to life. In this exclusive conversation, Ellie Sachs and Katherine Filaseta open up about collaboration, creative trust, independent filmmaking, the realities of balancing multiple roles on set, and what it means to premiere a deeply personal New York story at one of the city’s most celebrated film festivals.
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Seohee Lee
Welcome to NYWIFT, Seohee Lee! Seohee is a filmmaker, content curator, and marketer working at the intersection of storytelling, cultural exchange, and audience engagement. Based in New York, she works at the Korea Creative Content Agency New York Center, where she leads international marketing strategies and content-driven programs connecting Korean creative industries with global audiences. Her work spans promotional video direction, film program curation, and large-scale cultural collaborations with institutions such as the Korean Cultural Center New York and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. Seohee holds an M.F.A. in Film Directing and an M.A. in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University. Drawing on both creative and strategic experience, she focuses on enhancing the global reach of cultural storytelling and fostering cross-border dialogue through media and programming. In our interview, Seohee Lee discusses her journey as a filmmaker and content curator, her work in international cultural programming, and the projects she hopes to explore next.
READ MORE
Comments are closed