We recently connected with Lu Mendoza and have shared our conversation below.

Lu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Any advice for creating a more inclusive workplace?

For me, creating an inclusive space is not only about seeing people and including them in discussions or spaces. I believe creating inclusion comes from seeing people with talent and actively lifting each other up to showcase those talents. As someone who belongs to both the queer and Latinx communities, I have experience and understand how important it is to create inclusive spaces. However, throughout the years, I have also come to see how important it is to feel valued beyond the categories. There have been multiple times where it seems as though I am merely a checkbox on an inclusive checklist. I have felt that my value only comes from my identity instead of being recognized for my abilities and skills.
Inclusivity has now become a throwaway word for people to feel good about themselves. Even I have used it thinking I am doing the right thing. Slowly, I am understanding that inclusivity is giving everyone an equal chance to shine and prove their worth. Sometimes, it’s not the people we expect who get the spotlight, but I keep believing that inclusivity is about seeing people for who they are becoming.

Lu, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a cinematographer and film producer. I love wearing multiple hats. As a cinematographer, I help bring a vision to life. I read scripts, analyze colors and shadows, and find the most efficient way to tell a story. As a cinematographer, I have to translate the director’s vision into achievable and organized chaos of images. However, as a producer, I have to bring order to that chaos. I have to be the main brain in a sea of voices, working to turn everyone’s visions into realities. As a producer, I strive to be the voice of reality. Sometimes, I have to deliver unpleasant truths, but I always prioritize the vision of the characters. Sometimes, it is challenging to balance both of my roles. They work hand in hand, yet they seem to be on opposite ends of a spectrum. Nevertheless, I hold every project I work on close to my heart. People trust me with their stories, parts of themselves that they have shared with the world, and I always strive to protect those stories and help make them the best they can be. Regardless, I am always proud of all the stories we have created – stories about adversity, inclusivity, fights of self or discomfort with others. I am proud of every person that comes to me and the trust they see in me.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I believe my social media audience consists mostly of people who want to see me grow and want to grow with me. I don’t share a lot on social media; I spend a lot of time on it, but I don’t really interact much. Lately, I have been drawn to using TikTok. It might be the silent peer pressure or just the software itself, but TikTok has become a good pastime for me. There is always something new going on, and I think that’s what keeps pulling me back. It is a flexible social media platform, and you can find people who are interested in what you do. One piece of advice that I should have given myself earlier, and to this day I still struggle to follow, is to not care and just do it. As long as you are not hurting anyone, do what you love, and people will love you for it.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is to see the final product. It is impressive to see how people react every time a product is finalized and shared. I recently had the opportunity to work with Mexican director Ayesha Fernandez to produce her short film “Clocked”. Due to schedule conflicts, I wasn’t able to be present during production, but a couple of days ago, I was able to see an almost final product, and I was once again reminded why I do this. I read the script and worked alongside Ayesha to get her vision as close as she saw it. However, it was a completely different experience to actually see it happen. A part of me always doubts how well a product will end, and I struggle to know if I have done a good enough job. However, it is in that final product that I know everything went well, and we are able to do it over and over again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lumendozae.notion.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumendozae/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lumendozae/