Meet Luisa Santos Martinez | Filmmaker and Artistic Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Luisa Santos Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luisa, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Everything has duality; what matters is the perspective from which we look at it.

This sentence has been a guiding compass in my life and how I approach situations. It reminds me of how essential it is to understand that everything has many sides, as do people. I truly believe in the multi-dimensionality that humans hold . While the world has taught us to look at things through a black-and-white lens, I think this sentence reaffirms the need to be curious and to expand beyond our usual thought process and to embrace understanding that perspectives can shift based on our experiences and belief systems. It allows me to feed this perspective in my creative endeavors, my collaborations, and my relationship to self. I enjoy the curiosity it brings me to be able to expand my work outside the box.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
. As a creative who is both a digital strategist and artistic director, it has allowed me to expand my work professionally with a different lens. My intention is always to understand how to translate complex issues into tangible work that is accessible for all audiences, especially those the work serve. In a world where social media is becoming overwhelmed with content, I try to be mindful of focusing on the aspects of what makes us human. In my videography work, I try to approach my work from a documentary style intent, to ensure that people can feel connected to the familiarity of the essence of self and others. I am thankful that from an early age I knew I wanted to be involved in the video/digital field. After going for school for film, I realized there were many ways I could merge my interests. While I didn’t necessarily feel drawn to the typical film path, I found myself in many communications internships in college and then recognized that it was something that could merge both my artistic interests and digital with a long term vision of my own production company that is centered around supporting diverse stories.I believe in the power of creativity to disrupt, surprise, and inspire. Through my work, I have found that the best way to empower communities
is by providing them with the tools and techniques to tell their own stories that ripple into becoming
extraordinary changemakers. I am also full of gratitude for all my network that has given me a chance as early in my career especially in my early 20s as it can be challenging to be overlooked as you are just starting your process. I ensure to honor those who nourish me and have since then been in practice of being a student at every opportunity. I would say some of the main lessons that I carry with me so far is the understanding that people feel empowered when you give them options to be understood with intent. That when you are sharing someone’s story it shouldn’t be shifted into what works or is easy to digest, but what stays true to the intent of what is needing to be shared. And as a creative professional I would also say that its important to know how to advocate for yourself and others when it comes to being in work spaces that truly honor you and working with individuals that align with your values.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whenever someone comes and visits, I typically try to hit all the local community spots that are engaging and fun. Typically, you would find me taking someone to Palabras Bookstore or changing hands or any events that the Sagrado has going on in the community. I would also take them to South Mountain if the weather allows as it’s one of the most beautiful mountains. As for food and hanging out, I really enjoy going down Grand Ave as there are many cool little shops and restaurants to check out, finishing off with Novel ice cream!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can’t attribute my growth just to one person or organization. To be who I am has been a collective engagement that extends through time and space with all the individuals and community spaces I have had the opportunity to meet. I would say that every single person that I am in community in locally and nationally, has inspired me to expand within my path. I am in deep gratitude for the AZ communities that do the work it takes whether it is creating opportunities for artists, having hard conversations, or mobilizing communities to strive for a better systems that honors all those impacted. I have been consistently inspired and also motivated to become a better community member and artist with intentionality in my work. Understanding that our work as creatives has a ripple effect into the communities around us is essential and it’s something that I always have at the forefront of my vision. I am made up of many beautiful people that inspire me and also the commitment to honoring my indigenous Colombian ancestry with intent and love.

Instagram: luisaamartinez

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisa-santos-martinez-794437202/

Other: Website is under construction but should be live soon under luisasmartinez.com

Image Credits
Personal Photo shot by Jamie Olguin with Little Den Studio & Grey Box Collective

Where We Stand, in process self developed docuseries.

Black Girl Brown Girl Collective, Queens Rise Event 2023

Taza dance film in collaboration with Delia Ibanez

Breaking Pachanga short documentary in collaboration with Ruby Morales

Collaboration with Grey Box Collective

Documentation of art process with Carolina Aranibar Fernandez

Indigenous People Festival 2023 in collaboration with Local Matriarch and PHX Art Museum