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

Hi Fabiola, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The project that holds the most significance for me is my most recent short film titled *My Safe Place*. I wrote and directed it, making it the first story that is deeply personal to me. Completing it over a span of two months was challenging, as I grappled with how to convey something so profound in a way that the audience would understand. This short film is based on the theme of anxiety.

The backstory of this project is that, unbeknownst to me at the time, I experienced a simultaneous anxiety and panic attack. This was a new experience for me, as I had never before encountered such issues. That night, the onset of these feelings was triggered by stress and the fear of not meeting my parents’ expectations. I felt overwhelmed, being in a foreign country far from my family, and the pressure to fulfill promises I had made to them was immense. The short film reflects my experience of relocating and starting anew from scratch, facing the challenge of adapting without immediate support, especially at a young age.

*My Safe Place* highlights the role of family as the constant support in our lives despite any circumstances. It also represents my personal sanctuary—the beaches, where the sound of the waves and the gentle breeze bring a sense of peace. This was the essence I aimed to capture in this special and personal short film. I strive to connect with my audience and for them to find resonance in such stories. Creating and seeing this film on screen was incredibly rewarding for me, as it gave me a profound sense of fulfillment. I am eager to continue using my voice to share more stories like this one.

Fabiola, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

To provide a better understanding of who I am, I would like to share that I am a highly active, creative, and proactive individual in all my endeavors. I consider myself to be empathetic and dedicated to everything I do. When working on a project, such as writing a script for a film, I focus intently on all elements leading to my final idea, breaking it down into key points. Similarly, in my life, I aim to integrate experiences that are beneficial both in the present and for the future.

There are aspects I may not fully understand yet, but I am committed to learning and expressing these experiences with others. I write and direct my own short films, and through each story I present on screen, I strive to convey both personal and universal messages.

I take great pride in the progress I’ve made at a young age, even though I sometimes encounter challenges that I find difficult to manage. I search for guidance and alternative perspectives to navigate these obstacles. Despite the difficulties, I view them as opportunities to find solutions and grow. It is not easy to undertake what I am doing, nor are the decisions straightforward, but I am determined to take the less conventional path, facing complex challenges rather than opting for the easier route.

My work in filmmaking and my journey through adulthood drive me to continually strive for more and to set higher goals. At times, I may feel inadequate in my efforts, but I recognize the value of my work as a test of my perseverance. I am motivated by the vision of advancing the film industry in Panama and contributing to its growth.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Firstly, being a Panamanian filmmaker is a challenging achievement, especially within my own country. However, there are steps one can take to gain recognition and connect with others. In my opinion, pursuing a career in the arts is particularly demanding, given the abundance of talented individuals. It is essential to distinguish oneself uniquely and navigate carefully regarding whom to collaborate with and where to focus one’s efforts.

I acknowledge that I am still growing in this artistic realm, having only accomplished part of my journey so far. At my age, few have achieved similar milestones, and I take great pride in this. What I strive to do is to be noticeable through the messages I aim to convey to my audience, ensuring they find a connection with my stories.

While many claim to be experts in the field, few truly demonstrate their expertise. The entertainment industry is inherently challenging, but I am determined to make my voice heard, even through small efforts, to gain the experience that typically takes decades to acquire. I am eager to accelerate this process, but I understand that the best approach is to build a path or staircase, ascending step by step.

Becoming a filmmaker was never something I initially envisioned, but meeting the people I have and witnessing their work has been a gift from destiny and God. I never imagined I would fall in love with cinema, let alone create it. It is a complex field with substantial background work, but as I continue to learn over time and alongside the right people, I encounter brilliant minds working under one roof. I aspire to maintain this trajectory, demonstrating to the world and Panama that I am committed to elevating both my name and my country.

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

Throughout my ongoing journey and daily efforts to understand my capabilities, I have encountered significant challenges, including a period of depression that affected my ability to write and express myself. This setback led me to withdraw from my surroundings, as I struggled to meet the goals I had set for myself. During this time, I experienced a profound sense of emptiness and uncertainty, feeling as though I could not continue alone. I needed to take a step back.

During this period of reflection, I began to reassess my ability to achieve my goals. Despite this, I initially struggled to envision myself making a renewed attempt as I had planned. It’s important to recognize that even when things seem bleak, taking the necessary time to recover is crucial. However, it is equally important to persist and continue striving towards your goals.

I am continuously working on improving both personally and emotionally. These challenges have tested my mindset and heart, but they have also reinforced the importance of resilience. Recognizing that I am capable of rising and trying again has been vital in overcoming obstacles on my path. Although I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the difficulties of reaching my goals, the key is in recovery and emerging stronger than before.

It’s essential to accept that it’s okay to not be okay and to understand that there will always be something you can do to maintain motivation and capacity to continue your journey. I remain committed to working on myself and pushing forward, continually seeking ways to stay motivated and on track.

Contact Info:

• Website: ttps://fabiicamposs13.wixsite.com/happy-place-by-fabi
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabiicamposs_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiola-campos-2bb688234/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBR1XXzfxInqYMtLPasaLYA

Image Credits

Dagniel Mantilla