Steven Uribe: From Utah to the Movies – A Journey in Filmmaking and Social Impact

Tell us a little about yourself, Steven. Where are you from and what is your role at LFI?

I’m a first generation Mexican American originally from Magna, Utah where I was born and raised until I came out to Los Angeles to study film and television production at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating college, I started working at LFI and my current role is programs associate where I collaborate with the directors and coordinators to support our education and industry program initiatives. 

You’re a filmmaker through and through. Tell us, what made you pursue filmmaking?

I’m not really sure. One day I just decided I wanted to make movies and the phase never went away. I think it finally clicked for me when I made my first short film in high school, which was a documentary about my dad coming to the United States from Mexico undocumented. At that point, I realized that filmmaking could be more than just entertaining stories, but something that can also be personal and insightful. I think that’s why I enjoy filmmaking so much, it’s an opportunity to share with others different perspectives of how we view and feel about the world around us and we get to express this by telling stories and showing images. It’s amazing.

Filmmaking isn’t for the faint-hearted. What makes you continue pushing with your art?

Even though it’s a tough industry, I feel that the work is really rewarding. You try so hard to tell a story, make it the best that you can, and are thrown so many obstacles and unexpected twists, turns, and discoveries that by the time you get to the end, it’s a miracle that your movie gets made. Then you go out into the world, show people what you made, and hopefully they connect and feel your work. It’s an emotionally vulnerable and special feeling that makes me happy and proud. 

What was the first film that really marked and inspired you?

Probably Star Wars. Super basic answer I know, but it’s true! 

What are your favorite genres of film? Why are these your favorite?

I’d say thrillers, horror, and experimental are my favorite genres. I like to watch weird unnatural things that are surreal and break from reality. If it’s confusing and emotional, I’m all for it.  

Let’s pivot into your current role at LFI. If you had to explain what you do at a freshman career fair, how would you explain it?

I support multiple Latino filmmaking projects that range from elementary schoolers to emerging industry professionals. I oversee the scheduling and subbing with our filmmaking mentors at YCP, give feedback on scripted projects to make sure they come out great, and I get to collaborate and help create new filmmaking opportunities for Latinos. Our goal is to uplift Latino voices, offer life changing opportunities, and make a difference in the industry and our communities. It’s filmmaking with a social impact. 

How do you bridge your love of filmmaking with your current role at LFI? 

I think LFI has enhanced my passion for filmmaking through social impact. Since working here, I’ve gotten a chance to witness and learn the positive real world effects that filmmaking can bring both on and off screen. Whether it’s a kid getting into film school, a young filmmaker getting to make their first big project, or a random audience member watching a movie and leaving with a different perspective, I learned that filmmaking can bring multiple levels of impact to so many different people and I want to bring that kind of ripple effect into my work. 

What do you think is the biggest impact LFI has on creatives like yourself within the industry?

It gives up-and-coming Latino filmmakers the chance to take their creative careers to the next level and offers a place for us to call home and feel supported by our community. I think where we see the biggest impact in our work is in our students. I’ve gotten the chance to work with some of our high school alumni and hear how our program has opened so many new doors for them ranging from college scholarships to working on paid sets right out of graduation. Our impact on younger people is how we are going to bring change to the industry and shape its future.

From your perspective and where you currently sit, what do you think are some of the biggest challenges filmmakers and creatives face today? 

I think the biggest challenge filmmakers face today is getting the opportunity to share their stories. Right now the industry is all about reboots, IPs, and doesn’t want to take risks on creating new original works. If the industry was more bold in creating original work, there would be more opportunities for artists to create new stories that could bring fresh perspectives that can influence our future culture. 

How can institutions like LFI continue to tackle these challenges so that filmmakers feel more supported?

Institutions like LFI give creatives the opportunity to break into the industry and bring positive change into the stories we tell and the reach in our communities. That’s why fellowships like the ones we have here at LFI are so important, it gives artists the space to tell their stories well and leave with polished films that cannot be denied and will open new doors for them to bring change. 

What advice do you have for a recent grad that might not know where to begin in this tough industry?

Keep hustling. This industry is a crazy grind, especially if you have no connections. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to break in. As long as you do what you love, involve yourself in projects you’re passionate about, you will find your community and learn where you want to go and who you want to be.

Looking back at your career, what moment(s) have made you the most proud?

I feel that my career has just started. However, I would say one of the moments I’m most proud of would be when I got into college. As a first generation student, it meant a lot for me and my family to get an education. So, when I got into Loyola Marymount University to study film on a scholarship it felt that all our hard work had paid off. Now, post graduation, I feel incredibly lucky to have found LFI and proud of the work I get to be a part of. It’s filmmaking with a mission and I think it’s helped shape my approach to storytelling and the way I view film’s impact on people’s lives. 

What comes next for you? What do you hope 2025 brings for you both professionally and creatively?

I hope that 2025 will be full of learning and growth. Professionally, I’m excited to be involved in more projects at LFI and learn how to develop my skills as a producer. Creatively, I’m looking forward to beginning pre-production on my next short film and seeing where it will go.