We recently connected with Sonia Sebastian and have shared our conversation below.

Sonia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From a young age, the arts always captivated me. As a kid, books were my gateway into different worlds, and I loved writing stories to explore my own creativity. The defining moment came when I was just 9. My grandma took me to see ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ in the theater, and it was like a light switched on. I was absolutely enthralled and knew then that theater was my calling. I started attending drama school at 10 and eventually studied drama in college. While in college, I found a side gig typing up scripts. That experience was my introduction to film technique, and it was transformative. I felt the pull of the camera and realized I could bring my storytelling to an even broader canvas. I made the switch but still find myself irresistibly drawn to theater from time to time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Sonia Sebastian, an award-winning director based in sunny Los Angeles, but my roots are in Spain. My journey began with a childhood steeped in the arts, which led me to the Royal Academy of Drama in Spain and eventually to film and television studies at the International School of Film & Television in Cuba. Those formative experiences gave me a well-rounded, multicultural perspective that I bring into every project.

Professionally, I’ve worn many hats—co-directing episodes for Spain’s top TV networks like Mediaset and TeleMadrid, showrunning and directing Spain’s first online web series ‘Girl Seeks Girl,’ and even stepping into commercial work with big names like Netflix and Google.

I like to see myself as an actor’s director and have been fortunate to work with talented names like Dermot Mulroney and Penelope Ann Miller. What sets me apart? It’s the Spanish lens through which I view my work, a knack for storytelling that spans from the stage to the screen, and a comfort level with sets of all sizes, from indie to more grand-scale projects.

Right now, I just finished my latest feature film ‘The Kiss List’ and I’m putting together my next ambitious project, ‘American Kingdom,’ a contemporary take on Don Quixote. This film represents a blend of my Spanish heritage and American experience—something I’m extremely excited about..

What am I most proud of? It’s the leap of faith I took to transition my career to the United States. I arrived without knowing English or having any contacts, yet managed to carve out a new life and continue my filmmaking journey here… and in English!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that encapsulates my resilience is the tumultuous journey to complete ‘The Virgin of Highland Park.’ We were midway through filming when a key producer failed to come through with promised funding. Suddenly, we were left stranded—no money, no plan, and a set filled with uncertainty. I was not just scared; I was devastated.

But instead of packing it in, I rallied the troops. With the encouragement of those still committed, I knocked on every door I could. Calls, emails, pitches—you name it, I was doing it. Just as I thought we could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, the pandemic hit, adding another layer of impossibility to an already challenging situation.

It could have been the final blow, but I doubled down. My persistence paid off when I finally secured funding from a production company willing to back us. The relief and triumph of that moment reaffirmed a simple but powerful lesson: never give up.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is a desire to open minds and hearts. Beyond individual self-discovery, my stories aim to spark a broader social understanding. I want my audience to not only empathize with the characters but also to question and reassess their own perspectives on identity, community, and the world at large.

In each project, from commercial work to feature films, I strive to incorporate these elements that challenge the viewer to think more deeply. This is particularly evident in my upcoming feature, ‘American Kingdom,’ a film that melds cultural critique with personal journey, all set against the backdrop of classic literature reimagined for today’s world.

So, it’s not just about telling stories; it’s about sparking conversations and inspiring a more compassionate, understanding society.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soniasebastian.com
• Instagram: @Soniasebastiant
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-sebastian-363bb451/
• Twitter: @Soniasebastia