We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elizabeth Soto Lara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elizabeth below.

Elizabeth, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I believe that being an artist means you have to befriend uncertainty, which eventually prompts you to question whether your life would be easier if you had chosen a different career. I’ve had these moments, and they persist as I navigate new stages in my career. At times, I grow weary of being perpetually physically and mentally exhausted, and I wonder what it would be like to have a 9-to-5 office job. I don’t believe I’d be able to sit in a room with my eyes glued to a screen every day.

In my role as an Assistant Director, I grapple with a significant amount of stress every day. I bear the weight of the budget and the responsibility for everybody’s safety on my shoulders. Some days, it feels like I can’t take it anymore, and that leads me to question if I’ve chosen the wrong profession. However, those fleeting moments of being overwhelmed and letting anxiety take over are easily surpassed by the rewarding feeling of witnessing a community of artists giving their best to bring those pages to life. I consider that as close to magic as I’ve ever seen. It’s an ineffable feeling that reminds me why I chose this path and why I should continue on it.

As a writer, I can attest that the most challenging part is sitting in front of the computer and writing, but I derive immense joy from the process of developing stories and characters. I relish the evolution of a character from a simple concept into a fully realized person with traits, flaws, backstories, motives, and relationships. It’s akin to therapy in a way. I discover a lot about myself as I explore these characters, and it’s an indescribable feeling.

Those fleeting moments when I contemplate whether life would be easier with a conventional job are the impactful moments in life that reaffirm my choice. They echo the sentiment famously expressed by Bukowski: ‘Find what you love and let it kill you.’ I have found what I love, and I want to keep pursuing it for the rest of my life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a writer and filmmaker based in Los Angeles and I’ve been working in this lovely industry for a decade now. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, I discovered my passion for writing at a very young age. I found solace and clarity in crafting fiction and poetry since I was 8 years old. However, given that pursuing a career as a writer wasn’t commonly seen as a ‘productive’ choice, I felt the need to find a profession that could strike a balance between art and financial stability. So, when it came time for college, I opted for a BA in Mass Communication and Audiovisual Production, which provided me with insight into bringing written work to life on screen, and I furthered my education with screenwriting certificates under the guidance of mentors like Guillermo Arriaga (known for ‘Amores Perros,’ ‘Babel,’ and ’21 Grams’).

After college, my professional journey led me into the world of advertising, which was intriguing but ultimately not my true calling. I also ventured into TV production with a local channel, gaining a glimpse into the business side of things, but it didn’t quite ignite my passion.

Three years of exploring different career avenues left me feeling like a lost soul. It was then that I applied for a Master’s in filmmaking, secured a generous scholarship, and made the life-changing decision to relocate to Los Angeles—a decision I’ve never regretted. Of course, I’ve encountered ups and downs here in L.A. that tested my resolve, but I’ve never been happier.

I had to let go of the notion that financial success outweighs personal happiness, which was particularly challenging, given my upbringing in a culture where I learned to suppress emotions and prioritize financial gain. However, this shift was perhaps the most difficult yet rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I finally allowed myself to feel, and I’ve concluded that filmmaking is my first love, while screenwriting is my sanctuary. Devoting my life to this craft and honing my skills daily is a source of immense fulfillment.

One of the defining moments of realization occurred when I saw my name in the credits as the writer of the film ‘Un Regalo Esencial’ (An Essential Gift) by Jose Mario Salas. I had dreamt of that moment since my teenage years, and witnessing it become a reality was surreal.

Another impactful moment transpired when I was hired to write the script for the film ‘Open Up Your Heart.’ I collaborated closely with one of my dearest friends, Kankana Chakraborty, and it opened my eyes to the striking similarities between our cultures and countries—Mexico and India—even though they’re on different continents. This was a profound moment of reflection, highlighting how, as humans, we often seek out differences and divisions when, in truth, we share more commonalities than we realize. It deepened my love for writing.

Currently, I’m gradually transitioning into producing through my LLC, Soratola Productions. Our mission is to tell soulful stories, amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, and showcase narratives with strong female leads—both in front of and behind the camera. We are actively developing several projects in the United States and Mexico, with plans to commence production next year.

I hope these anecdotes serve as inspiration for those who believe their dreams are too lofty to become a reality. It doesn’t matter if you hail from a small town or a country that may not fully appreciate the value of art. You don’t have to abandon your dreams in pursuit of a “real job.” None of that is worthwhile if it leaves you unhappy. The only pursuit truly worth fighting for is your own happiness; money comes and goes.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn the importance of rest. I grew up believing that rest was a sign of laziness and that if I wasn’t constantly engaged in productive activity, I wouldn’t achieve anything worthwhile.

After experiencing several burnouts and finding myself constantly operating in default mode, I realized it was time to take a step back and reassess my life. Was this the kind of life I wanted to lead? Did I want to keep jumping from one burnout to another until I inevitably collapsed?

I had been so preoccupied with staying busy that I never paused to consider the consequences, and my health was suffering as a result.

It took months of therapy for me to unlearn my toxic relationship with the concept of rest. It was a challenging journey to come to the realization that rest is not a sign of laziness, nor is it a luxury; rather, it is a necessity. I need to rest just as much as I need to work.

These days, I approach one project at a time, taking breaks to reset before embarking on the next one. I’m still working on finding the balance necessary to safeguard my physical and mental health, as that is the one thing that matters most, but I have made tremendous progress.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I have several life and career goals, but my current objective as an artist is to assemble my tribe—a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creating art for its own sake and who support each other’s ideas and projects. My aim is to bring stories with depth and soul to the screen, narratives that resonate with the audience, making them feel understood, inspired, and comforted during their difficult moments.

Growing up, I turned to art whenever I felt isolated and misunderstood. Now, I aspire to create the same safe space for those who, like me, have never quite felt like they belonged in their surroundings.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.elizabethsotolara.me
• Instagram: @elizabethsoratola
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethsotolara
• Soratola Productions website: www.soratolaproductions.com
• IMDb: www.imdb.com/name/nm9002684

Image Credits
Pablo Chacón. Lara Arsinian.