We recently connected with Paula Cajiao and have shared our conversation below.

Paula, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most meaningful project to date is the narrative film I’m currently working on, Let There Be Light, where I serve as the Co-Writer and Director. The story follows Alex Álvarez, a battle-hardened veteran struggling with the weight of PTSD after returning from war. When faced with an ultimatum to seek help or face jail time, she embarks on a life-changing journey, ultimately turning to psychedelic therapy as her last hope for healing.
Let There Be Light is profoundly personal to me as both a combat veteran and someone who has experienced the transformative power of psychedelic therapy. I intimately understand the struggles faced by my brothers and sisters in arms because I’ve lived them myself. But I also know there’s a way out—a way to heal. There is light.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Paula Andrea Cajiao, and I am a Writer, Director, and Actor driven by a deep passion for storytelling. Born in Cali, Colombia, I moved to the United States at the age of 16, embracing a new world of opportunity and challenges. Shortly after high school, I made the bold decision to join the U.S. Army as an active-duty nurse, a choice that forever shaped my perspective. During my deployment to Iraq in 2008-09, I witnessed the raw realities of war—experiences of camaraderie, loss, and resilience that profoundly influenced my creative voice.
Those powerful moments became the foundation of the stories I now bring to life on screen. As the first in my family to step into the arts, I embarked on a self-taught journey in filmmaking, fueled by sheer determination and an unyielding curiosity for the craft. Without formal training, I immersed myself in the world of film, learning by doing, observing, and experimenting. The challenges I faced along the way only deepened my resolve, turning obstacles into stepping stones.
My dedication caught the attention of the industry, leading to my first major recognition: the “Excellence in Directing” award from New York Women in Film & Television in collaboration with the SOHO International Film Festival for my short film, Shell Shocked. This film, a deeply personal reflection of my own journey, also earned Best Actor at the GI Film Festival, was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Richmond International Film Festival, and was a finalist for Best Film at the GI Film Festival.
Shell Shocked is more than just a film—it is a testament to the power of healing, understanding, and finding light in the darkest places. My journey, from the battlefields of Iraq to the world of cinema, is a reminder that through resilience and creativity, we can transform pain into purpose and inspire others to find their own light.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Where I come from, becoming an artist is a dream no one dares to imagine. My mother worked tirelessly as a factory operator, raising my brother and me with unwavering strength and love. My father, driven by hope and sacrifice, crossed into the United States through Mexico when I was just two years old. It took him fourteen long years to bring my brother and me to join him—a journey marked by resilience and an unrelenting belief in the promise of a better future.
I am the first in my family to break away from the expectations society placed upon us. I am the first to choose my calling, to honor the voice inside me that yearned to create. And I am the first to proudly call myself a Director, an artist, and a warrior of the heart.
For me, the most fulfilling part of my work is being of service to underrepresented communities—giving voice to their stories, their struggles, and their humanity. Through my films, I strive to reflect the world as they see it, to bring laughter, compassion, and understanding to their experiences. Art has the power to heal, to connect, and to shine a light on the issues that shape our society. It has the extraordinary ability to reach places words alone cannot.
I want my films to do more than tell stories—I want them to pave the way for others. To create space for those who come after me, so they too can tell their truths. My dream is not only to build my own body of work but to help others build theirs, to leave behind a legacy my family can be proud of.

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

What drives me right now is my passion for my project, Let There Be Light. This film is a deeply personal and urgent message of hope for my brothers and sisters in arms, as well as for society at large. It sheds light on the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy for veterans suffering from PTSD—a treatment that, when paired with hard work and honesty, offers the possibility of healing and a life beyond what many could ever imagine.
The veteran community has become one of the most vocal and powerful advocates for the psychedelic movement. These are the same men and women who sacrificed so much in service to our country, yet many return home only to face a new battle—one fought within themselves. Haunted by the scars of war, they often turn to anger, substances, and isolation to numb their pain, leading too many to the brink of despair and suicidal ideation. This is the journey of the film’s lead character, a story that echoes the reality of countless veterans across the United States and the world.
This project comes at a critical moment, as the FDA recently voted against the use of psychedelic treatments for PTSD, dismissing years of compelling research that proves their efficacy. That decision disregards the countless lives these therapies have saved, including my own.
As a veteran who has personally undergone psychedelic treatment, I know its power firsthand. I am living proof—alongside many of my fellow soldiers—that this treatment works. This film is not just a story; it’s a call to action, a testament to resilience, and a plea for change. It’s a chance to show the world that healing is possible, and that those who have sacrificed so much for us deserve every opportunity to reclaim their lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artisticninjaproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistic_ninja_1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-andrea-cajiao-61a782144/

Image Credits

all pictures taken by Jeven Wagner