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

Joaquina , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Although most of my recent time is taken by experiential events, social media campaigns and content creation and curation – I find ultimate joy in those “blood ,sweat and tears” passion projects. Those that change the trajectory of a year for the better , or that change someone else’s life in a way.

” Tracers ” a Play by John DiFusco, is a moving play about Vietnam soldiers and their experience during and post war.

A group of fellow friends and incredible actors did a first run of the show directed by Joe Garcia. John, the author, was so moved that he agreed on waiving part of the rights for this same team of creatives to perform it once again to the public, mid 2023 in the heart of Hollywood.

The project was the definition of a challenge when it came to production.We had multiple challenges regarding set construction, time restraints, lighting limitation, budget and scheduling.

Despite all technical unforeseen challenges, the ensemble, of not only the cast but the crew and director , produced a moving play. To such an extent that the Veterans who inspired the stories that John wrote about , left the theater in tears. Their words, and acknowledgement was the best thing that our team could receive.

The ensemble of cast and crew doubled up in roles and made magic happen- the cast helped with props , us the producers helped with wardrobe changes, sound Deisgner doubled up as truck driver and so on and so forth.

Blood Sweat and Magic – Magic not only for us and our sold out nights, but for our special guests and the amazing audience. And of course, for John.
This is why it’s important to have meaningful projects in the midst of all the business and busyness. Because it joins people, It reminds us that we are nothing without each other and rekindles the sense of community, love and respect.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Creating has always been in the core of my identity.. Making things happen. Being driven.

I am originally from Argentina , but my creative journey has taken me around the world, and it started off in the performing arts and as an actress. Although I keep acting, I believe this Journey helped me become the producer I am today, culminating in projects with brands such as NBA Con, Sneaker Con, Complex Con , Sean Wotherspoon , Billboard and Honda among others. .

As a creative producer and indie producer I find that listening and truly tuning in to what the client , brand , project, event or story needs is key. It’s not about how great my idea is but about bringing their vision and imaginary realm to life.
How? That is when the magic of creative problem solving begins. That is where the thrill lies.

From theater, films, podcasts, experiential events, to social media campaigns and content creation – all projects carry a challenge of their own.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

We, as a society, need to create more free spaces for experiences to happen. Where creatives can freely try things without being censored, where artists can explore, and where people can rekindle with humanity.

We live in such a paradoxical world – we are all connected , yet some people have never felt lonelier. Where there is so much supply of information everywhere, that people find it harder and harder to focus on one thing.

I often oscillate as a creative between the thoughts of ” Oh my God – there are so many opportunities ! This is a huge blank canvas !” to ” I need some silence, and to close my eyes, everything is too much”

I think we, as society are living in a weird time where it feels like there is no time at all. No time to waste , to disconnect, to turn off your phone and just freely create. ” Oh – but with social media, and the internet the platform online is infinite for people to keep creating ” some will say.

But how about connecting in person? What about experiencing new feelings and new sensations?

There is a reason why despite all the streaming some people still go to the movies. Why despite TV , some people go to the theater. Why despite Spotify , some people go to concerts : Its the experience, the human connection, the realness of things, sharing it with other people, even if they are complete strangers . And I think that it is our job as creatives and artists to provide this to them … But we also need to figure out free, blank spaces and opportunities to create this.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I am a hustler, by nature, and that is not something I am necessarily proud of. Don’t get me wrong – I love my drive and my perseverance.

I grew up, fortunately, in a very loving household , but with two very hardworking parents. The motto always was ” Work your hardest, and things will happen”.

I took that to the core- but to an extreme : perfectionism. So I thought that working 12+hrs days, not sleeping and living off caffeine would solve my problems, and I would finally be happy.

When I finally got some of the things that I was working so hard for, life had other plans for me, or in other words, my health had other plans for me. And I was not feeling like myself.

I realized I was working so hard to survive and reach an “ideal” that I not only neglected myself, but I forgot to live and enjoy the process.
I was far from happy- it was like I woke up from a 4 year autopilot drive and realized my body changed and was not working in my favor, my emotions changed and what I wanted changed.

It’s not about working harder, but smarter.

I had to pivot, 180 degrees. Not only did I have to change my lifestyle, but my habits. The way I approached work, my craft, my relationship with responsibilities, the way I took care of my body, the food I ate. Because no matter what the job is, it is not worth more than the only body you will have for the rest of your life.

Contact Info:

• Website: joaquinagentil.com
• Instagram: @joaquitax
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joaquinagentil/

Image Credits
Joanna Degeneres