Creative Incubator Artist of the Day: Ximena Rios

Get to know an artist! Today’s Incubator spotlight is on Ximena Rios (she/her)

Indie filmmaker Ximena Rios has swagger. When asked what her imaginary autobiography is called, she answers, “Sicario, because my films are killers.” It’s funny, it’s bold, and contains a film reference. It hits all the marks. 

As part of the filmmaker cohort of the Creative Incubator, Ximena will be documenting the creative process of 4 different artists. There are creative challenges in that all the films will be shot in the Studio Theatre here at cSPACE. Ximena is tailoring each film, and each shot, to show off the artists’ individual personalities and feature their particular art mediums. 

cSPACE: What excites you about the Creative Incubator?

XR: I think this is a cool project because I get to be creative and meet other creative people. I like the vibe of everyone involved and getting to know people in the local art community. After a year without any creative work, I thought this would be a great opportunity to jump on a new project that would push me creatively. I like cSPACE’s sense of community and passion towards art. 

cSPACE: What have you learned since working with the artists?

XR: This is the first time I’m working with dancers, so it’s been quite a discovery process. I’ve found that learning the dancers’ choreographies makes it easier to capture their movements, plus, it creates a more intimate interaction between the dancers and the audience – through the camera.

I think working with all 4 of my assigned artists gave me the opportunity to explore different ways of filmmaking – and documentary making…I wanted to give each artist their own spotlight, despite filming in the same space, which led me to think creatively and adapt to the artists’ necessities. This adaptability will help me in future projects, with limited locations, to make a space suitable to the film’s needs. 

cSPACE: At cSPACE we live by the 4C’s: Creativity, Community, Collaboration, and Change. Which of these resonates the most with you right now?

XR: Creativity and collaboration. As I mentioned before I like creativity and people with [similar] interests. Filmmaking consists of multiple departments, each with dozens of different creatives, all working together with a shared goal.

cSPACE: Where do you see yourself in five years?

XR: Directing a fully funded feature length film from one of my scripts.

cSPACE: That would be totally exciting. Please invite us to the TIFF opening! Or maybe we’ll see you on Netflix! 

If you want to keep up with Ximena, who is obviously going places, be sure to follow her:

On Vimeo/YouTube: L120 Films or Ximena Rios (Vimeo)
Instagram: @l120films, @xime.riav