“You belong there as much as anyone. How do you plan to set your footing and help the next woman? ”
— Maria Servellon
The Interview Q&A
Where are you primarily based out of?
Boston, MA
What role do you typically play on set?
Filmmaker (Writer, Director, Producer, Production Designer)
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
Professionally: 12 years. However, I got my first camera for my Quinceañera (Sweet 15) and that was over half my life ago when I started to document the everyday parts of my life in the beginning eras before YouTube vlogs.
What are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered and how have you overcome them?
Dispelling the myth that filmmaking is a boys club, a solitary career, or that financing is infinite.
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
The different people I encounter for small areas. Whether the people from my small neighborhood in Boston or the people from my family's small native El Salvador, they have big impactful stories for all to learn from.
What does it mean to you to be an inspiration/mentor to someone else?
It means to live authentically, in vulnerability, and in curiosity. Anyone can teach another person and we can all learn from somebody else.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from my neighborhood, people that have come and left in my life, surreal moments in my life, dreams, memories, fears, any life lessons that only I can have a true appreciation from.
If you had one message to share with the world, what would it be?
It's good to see how do you connect with your fellow human being. We all want to be happy, to be safe, to be loved, to be understood. And if you're an artist, you are that connector.
What’s are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
Creating a film and multiple multimedia works that have resonated with others. Being recognized in my small community for the work I've done elevating it. Showing work in different galleries, museums, and theaters to see my work in a bigger scale directly from my mind's ideations. Being entrusted with fellowships and grants to keep making the necessary work.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
Connected with new collaborators, showing new advanced work for new audiences worldwide, having completed a feature film.
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
You belong there as much as anyone. How do you plan to set your footing and help the next woman?
What does being a part of The Women in Film Project mean to you?
Help elevated the powerful messaging that many women are hard at work in film and more than capable. We deserve the recognition for our lives' mission.