Andres Orellana (they/them)- Filmmaker

As a Sagittarius (a zodiac known for its versatility and multitaskers), 23-year-old Andres Orellana found themself acquainted with the stereotypes of their astrological sign. As a filmmaker, they are well-versed in editing, post-production, producing, and of course, directing. Currently working as an assistant video editor for the LA Times, this artist is constantly immersed in the Los Angeles art scene.

Orellana’s parents left El Salvador during the civil war in the 1980s and started their family in East Hollywood near Santa Monica, but eventually moved to North Hollywood. As a first-generation Salvadorian, Orellana did not know much about the art industry which prompted their endeavors to be the first in their family to join the specialized field. From a young age, they often found themself drawing, exploring different shapes, and testing their imagination. Even as a kid, they dreamt of being a fashion designer in New York. As they moved on to high school they felt the academic pressure of the International Baccalaureate program strip away their creative freedoms. Fortunately, upon joining Parsons School Of Design (a branch of The New School in New York), they felt like the encouragement to be creative brought their flow back. In this era of their life, Orellana took a filmmaking class where they were inspired by not only their mentor Jessica Naudzuinas but also the art of talking to the community and storytelling as Orellana describes “I am a student of life and I am always gonna be learning something.”

On top of the experiences they had and the people that inspired them, Andres’ passion for filmmaking also stems from their individuality. “I see the world as moving pictures… our eyes are the first editors, and every blink is a cut”, explained Orellana. This filmmaker instinct drove them to join Newsroom Video Production 101 taught by Jessica Naudzuinas where they were able to hone their skills. Another factor that drives their initiative is their ancestors. The feeling of being supported and pushed by those who came before them encouraged Orellana to pay homage to them.

It wasn’t until one day in New York when an increase in Subway policy urged Orellana and their friend to document protests and interview the citizens. Even now, meeting talent like Riley Keough reminds them of the change they have on the world but also the change this industry has on them.

Now, in their film scene, they wrote and directed a short film titled, The Delusion of Pisces, and contributed to another film titled Fish. Both these experiences highlighted the importance of taking the initiative and just doing something. Orellana expressed the gratitude they had for Fish and the things they were able to learn from the directors Jeremy Hsing and Patrick Zhang but also the different perspectives they saw. On the other hand, they expressed how sometimes “imposter syndrome hits, and it’s hard to feel like I belong here”, said Orellana. But through affirmations and networking, they find assurance in knowing that they are at least growing. In the spiral of competition, which Orellana felt prevalent since high school, they were assured that their path was theirs and the gateway for collaboration with others of similar interest is never-ending. “Yes I’m first gen, yes I’m low income… but that doesn’t define my story. I am here to serve as an example to queer brown boys that you can build yourself up from nothing”, affirmed Orellana.

From someone with an itch to tell stories to someone who attended the 2023 Oscars, the passion to meet new creatives has pushed Orellana to become an artist who is developing a documentary on African American and Hispanic LA citizens’ lives before mass gentrification.