We were lucky to catch up with Karola Raimond recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karola, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

First of all being an artist already withholds a big risk, you decide to live a life that is very unpredictable and definitely not a linear life path. But yes let me share a story: I ended up writing, producing and starring in my short film “The Cuddler.” A tongue & cheek comedy about dating and reverse gender roles.
I had previously written a script and had in mind to shoot a funny scene for my reel. My mentor and dear friend Rick Kellard, an established screenwriter and producer read the script and thought it was hilarious. He said I should shoot a film. Shoot a film?! That seemed absolutely insane. How would I even start? I had zero experience in filmmaking. The whole idea seemed more than daunting. But the more I thought about it the more excited I became for this adventure. So I went on the rollercoaster ride, figuring out and learning all the steps of movie making. I asked Rick to direct it and even so, as he told me, the voice in his head said “no way”, he ended up saying yes. Making a film has everything to do with getting people passionate about your project and come on board to support your vision. It’s a team effort and I was lucky to have an amazing team. It didn’t make the process easy, shooting a film (no matter how long) is never easy and as I had to learn filled with plenty of challenges and obstacles to overcome. But the rewards are wonderful. Watching “my baby” premiere on the big screen at the Oscar-qualifying Cinequest Film Festival was one of those truly magical moments that moved me to tears. A year of Film Festivals followed, with a highlight screening in Cannes. “The Cuddler” even won some Awards. Shortly after a distribution company reached out and suddenly my comedy was showing on Amazon Prime.

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

As a Storyteller and Consciousness-Lifter I’m all about Empowerment & Expression. I’m an intuitive Empath, believing in uplifting and inspiring to create positive change. I grew up bilingual in Frankfurt, Germany. I have Italian heritage and hold a dual citizenship (USA/Germany). Trained in ballet and martial arts my desire for storytelling & expression soon brought me to acting and writing. I graduated with a Master of Arts in Media Sociology and Social Psychology from Frankfurt University.

After relocating to Los Angeles I began appearing in national TV-commercials and film projects, while simultaneously exploring my spiritual studies becoming a Kundalini Yoga Instructor, discovering the powerful language of Astrology & the Akashic Records. The Akasha are a universal energy log. A google search engine for the Soul. They help to find healing, clarity, guidance & direction for those who desire to know.

For the past couple of years, I’ve been creating & writing a limited TV-series with my writing partner. It’s an occult tale of supernatural horror, and we are currently in the process of finding a Production Company/Showrunner to partner up with. We also just finished the feature script for our psychological thriller “Chrysalis”. The film carries the themes of identity loss and fragmentation of self.

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

I believe as artists and creatives we are the changemakers in society. We are the ones who need to push the envelope, question the status-quo and explore the new. We are the modern day Storytellers, Shamans and Gypsies. Often outside of society, for at least part of our journey, which gifts us with a different perspective. We do not need to keep rehashing the old. We are the Alchemists who transform the white wall into a colorful canvas. For me personally receiving the feedback that my storytelling moved or inspired someone, made them feel seen or provoked them to think about a certain subject/theme in a new way, is deeply rewarding.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Humanity is at a threshold. So much is changing at such rapid speed that it’s hard to catch a breath. The new is lurking around every corner, Technology is revolutionizing our daily lives. We can be connected everywhere, all at once and have so many options to life our lives. But at the same time as a whole, we are more disconnected than ever before, hardly taking a moment to find stillness and be in the here and now. I think there is a big desire for more consciousness, to connect with nature and the mysteries of life. As a filmmaker and actress I want to tell stories that intertwine the past, present and future, bringing back the divine feminine codes. We have been living in a patriarchal, left brain, linear society far too long. Time and space is only a concept. It’s time to branch out into the unknown, intuitive, right brain, circular patterns. I want to see more female driven stories that don’t just repeat the same versions of “femininity”, but show other aspects and have a unique authentic voice. Being human means being messy, let’s embrace and express our messiness with an open heart. And most importantly let’s celebrate our differences.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience”
~ Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karolaraimond.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karolaraimond/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karolaraimond/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karolaraimond/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/karolaraimond/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h4PCUVBuRU

Image Credits
Serena Duffin MRPIX Melanie Reisert Lothar Hercher