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

Lilith, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

My story actually began in the opposite direction, one that seemed like the conventional path to many. Growing up, I never fit in in any school. While other kids were scribbling notes and competing grades, I was reading books in my desk drawer. Those books took me out of boring classrooms and brought me on thrilling adventures. Before moving to LA, I was studying for a degree that would lead to a stable, stress-free 9-to-5 job. Weekends on sandy beaches, sausage sizzles and afternoon tea, it was the kind of life that I enjoyed for a long-time. But as I progress more in my study, I found myself dreading that kind of predictable stability. I found myself spacing out in classes again just like when I was a kid, yearning for a real adventure.

This yearning led me to enroll in a summer beginning filmmaking program at USC. It was a bold step that uprooted my perfect suburban Aussie life. Despite never having held a camera before, I threw myself into this new world. At the end of the summer, the professors encouraged me to pursue the MFA program and wrote recommendation letters to support my journey.

Now, as a creative, I can confidently say that I’ve found my true passion. The path I initially took, one that seemed conventional, ultimately led me to this fulfilling creative journey. While film is a demanding industry, the fulfillment from pursuing my artistic dreams far outweighs any longing for the comfort of a regular job. I’m genuinely thrilled with the direction my life has taken.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m currently producing an independent thriller titled “They Know Not What They Do”, the feature debut of director Oscar Ramos, which is scheduled for production in the Central Coast area this October. I am proud to say that as a producer, I have demonstrated a strong history of narrating stories that shine a light on minorities. It’s also my mission and joy to spotlight female and LGBTQ+ cast and crew members in key positions. One of the core motivations for me as a producer lies in my belief that elevating underrepresented voices demands more than securing a seat at the table – but also nurturing a culture of mutual support, propelling one another to leadership roles.

As a director, I recently completed co-directing “Jack & Lou”, a feature film about the love story of Al Capone’s right-hand man, “Machine Gun Jack”, starring Linda Hamilton. My background as an international citizen positioned at cultural crossroads serves as a primary wellspring of inspiration. I’m fascinated by narratives that delve into multicultural viewpoints on universal themes such as generational trauma, gender identity and cultural belonging.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a filmmaker for me is the power of storytelling to connect with people on a profound level. I believe that human conditions are universal, and good stories transcend languages and backgrounds, fostering understanding and empathy among diverse groups of audience. And there’s another layer of reward: the like-minded people I’ve met along the way. Throughout the years, some of my closest colleagues have become not only long-term collaborators; they’re lifelong friends with shared passion and experiences (trauma bonding lol). Together, we navigate the turbulence of film careers, inspire each other to grow, and support one another’s visions. I am grateful for this network of support and it’s an invaluable part of my personal and creative journey.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Growing up in a conservative Asian family, I know that the unpredictability in a creative career can really worry my parents. Taking risks and being prepared for an occasional faceplant is part of the rollercoaster ride. So going down this artsy path was a curveball for my parents. It was hard for them to understand why I would let go of the stability of a 9-to-5 job and stress-free life in Australia. Regardless, they took this wild ride with me and saw me grow, not just as an artist but as a person too. They noticed that chasing my passion and being surrounded by a community of creatives brought me immense joy, and now, they’re genuinely happy for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lilpeachxm_?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11472051/

Image Credits
Lisa Hu Ben Wilson