'Everyday Shit" is a short film inspired by true events about violence against women. "Everyday Shit" narrates the story of three young Latinx women who go out to party in the city of Los Angeles and the unexpected events that follow after they meet a couple of guys at a nightclub. The latest screening of the dramatic short film was at the Fine Arts Theatre of Beverly Hills as an official selection of the LA Independent Women Film Awards which screens its annual Women's Lens screening at the iconic theatre in LA. The short film is directed by Lorena Gonzalez. She is also the writer and the lead actress of "Everyday Shit".
Lorena Gonzalez is a Mexican American actress, producer and directer born in San Antonio, Tx. and raised in México. Lorena attended Yale Summer Conservatory for Actors at the Yale School of Drama in 2018 and graduated from USC’s MFA Acting program in 2021. Lorena has acted in various plays such as "Mother Sisters" at The Echo Theatre Company in LA, feature films such as "Switch Up" (2024) produced by Elizabeth Avellan. And short films such as "Everyday Shit" (Oscar Qualifying LA Shorts International Festival Official Selection and “Cash Prize” Award Winner '23, Oscar Qualifying Hollyshorts Monthly Screening Series Official Selection, Venice Shorts Film Fest "Best Indie Film" and "Best Producer" Award Winner, LA Independent Women Film Awards "Best Emerging Filmmaker" Award Winner), a film about violence against women, which Lorena also produced, wrote, and directed. Apart from acting, Lorena is a UNICEF's Next Gen LA Board member and an advocate for several other social justice organizations and causes. Lorena is a Buddhist practitioner and meditator.
What inspired you to work on Everyday shit?
The desire to work with friends and my Latinx community of creators and the desire to create a positive helpful impact after the shock of hearing about that devastating crime against women that happened so close to us in Los Angeles which the movie is based on.
When did you start making films and what was the first film project that you worked on?
I started making films during my master's at USC. About 4 years ago. The first short we did was Covid Love. We started with short films and now after graduating I am continuing with the short films on my own and also working on some great feature films with colleagues.
Themes such as harassment, sexuality, drugs and safe dating are an important part of your project. What kind of impact would you like to make in society with Everyday shit and what is the message of your project?
The message is to respect women. It’s a call and a shout for gender equality and justice against abuse and crimes against women. We are showing this story in honor of women so that people now about what goes on in the world and only then things can begin to get better.
You also work as an actress while directing the film. What was it like to experience directing and acting in the film at same time?
It was a nightmare! Well. Not always, but yes, there were times where I felt very pressured and disappointed that I wasn’t able to give my 100 to my acting especially. So, it’s a good lesson for the future and anyway the story came out great! So, no regrets, only lessons!
What is your next film project and what are you currently working on?
I have 3 upcoming feature films, 2 which I produced and all I acted in! 2 American productions and one Mexican production. Also, I have a Shakespeare play coming up in June with the Theatre Truck and The Echo Company in Ladera Park. And a couple short films in the making!
What were some of the challenges of distributing an indie short film in this particular genre?
We had to take a chance and be conscious that the film could be rejected because of its particular controversial theme. But in reality, it was very welcomed, and we are very grateful about that! I am incredibly grateful to live in such an advanced, diverse and “woke” state like California.
Where do you see yourself in the film industry in the next few years and what would you like to achieve through your work as a filmmaker?
I would like to give voice to all those stories and people that don’t have a space to express themselves. I would like to bring honesty and truth and substance to as many people as possible to be of as much benefit to the world as possible. I would like to share stories that contribute to social justice, joy, empathy and life. And I would like to use my popularity and visibility to be a good example and help people in other areas apart from film like working with nonprofits etc. And I see myself in the next few years doing this. Achieving greater goals and working with beautiful talented artists and creatives.
Watch 'Everyday Shit"
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