We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Achim Mendoza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Achim thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

I actually think this is an excellent question because as someone who had desk job back in the Philippines (as a translator of Filipino soap operas no less!), I do sometimes fantasize what would have happened if I did start my serious transition to film a lot later (or just decided to not work the day job altogether). However, I realize that working as a soap opera translator for one of the biggest TV companies in the Philippines made me learn so much about the industry, about having a work ethic, and dealing with colleagues and co-workers. I really do look back at my time at ABS-CBN with much fondness.

That said, while working my day job, I did do some freelancing as a filmmaker, which I also enjoyed immensely. I don’t think I could ever handle having a day job and a night job in my 30s—that was a lot of energy. On top of that, I was also doing my own creative endeavors on the side. I think my point here is that while I did not have as much of a solid creative career as I do now, I was still very much involved creatively, which still nourished my soul and my passion. I think that’s very important to feel whether or not you have a career in the creative field you want to be in. Just being involved somewhat creatively is enough.

Achim, 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?

Hi! I am Achim Mendoza, a director, writer, and editor who is also the creative director of Dusty Films, a production company that aims to help underrepresented filmmakers with their projects. At the moment, we are focusing on the post-production aspect of filmmaking, but between my partner and I, we have enough skill set to even provide assistance and help for any project at any given stage of production.

Before Dusty Films, I was a freelancer. I was also the head of the video team of Stages Sessions, which is a large YouTube Channel based in the Philippines. I have directed and written several shorts, which include Connection and A Karaoke Space Odyssey. My films have been nominated for many awards, including Best Film and Best Screenplay in several festivals. They have also screened in big festivals such as the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and the Los Angeles International Shorts Film festival.

I have also recently edited the short documentary ALOK, featuring gender non-conforming icon Alok Vaid-Menon, directed by Alex Hedison and executive-produced by Jodie Foster. It recently held its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. Currently, I am working as an editor in several shorts, and am in the pre-production for a documentary I hope to direct and edit.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The best thing about being a storyteller is creating art that can connect people, or can help make people feel more connected and less lonely. I feel that there is so much disconnect with the world right now. There is a hopelessness and despair that I feel among my friends and peers whenever I hang out with them. Whenever I have the opportunity to screen a film I am involved with, and whenever I talk with people about how these films help them see the world in a different light, it always makes me feel validated about the kind of work I chose to do.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As someone who edits and is therefore mostly working in the office, I think there is this false idea that our work is not as intense as other jobs that involve people being out there in the field. This theme is evident when discussing non-creative/regular/office jobs vs artist/creative/non-traditional jobs, but I also feel it a lot more intense as an editor because even that misconception can be present in the film industry. There is a lot of brain power, thinking, and prep work that goes even before I start cutting a film. So it’s never just me moving the mouse and tapping my keyboard till I get the next Scorsese out; It’s a lot of journaling, researching, and organizing ideas into index cards. There is also the health hazard of sitting in front of your computer way too long. I always stress this with my collaborators that just because my office is not too far from the bed and that I am not exposed into the elements, does not mean I am not exposing myself to harm. This is amplified with how many of us creatives do not necessarily have sufficient health coverage. I always factor that in when I give my rates to potential clients but I am usually met with skepticism when I bring it up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/addik_92/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/dustyfilmsllc/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12816212/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_6_q_Achim%2520Mendoza

Image Credits
Sthanlee Mirador