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In Conversation With Lucia Saavedra
In this first edition of In Conversation With, we speak to actress and creative force Lucia Saavedra. From battling breast cancer to stepping behind the camera to tell her own story through film, Lucia shares her inspiring journey of resilience, vulnerability, and creativity. Her upcoming short film, Headscarf, explores themes of life and the emotional complexities of illness.
Tell us about yourself.
I am an actress and overall creative from Galicia, Celtic Spain. The land of witches, rain, forests and delicious food. Well into my late twenties, I struggled with social anxiety and could barely talk. So, art became my way of expressing myself and connecting with others: through drawing comics, acting, singing, comedy, collaging, photography and also writing.
In July 2024, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During this whole journey, writing was like medicine. And, inspired by it, I wrote a short called Headscarf, which is currently in pre-production!
What inspired you to step behind the camera and tell your story through film?
At first, I thought I’d just write and act in it and find someone else to direct. But I soon realised how personal and nuanced the story was, so I had to tell it. I've always wanted to direct, and this felt like the perfect project to finally take that step.
Who are some filmmakers or films that have influenced your storytelling style?
I love Almodóvar and how good he is at creating complex female characters and the way he blends comedy and drama. I also love the French New Wave, especially directors like Eric Rohmer and Truffaut. And then there’s Wong Kar-wai with his poetic approach to filmmaking.
If you had to describe Headscarf in one sentence, what would it be?
A woman undergoing chemo must face her deepest fears of rejection when her long-absent lover returns, forcing her to choose between vulnerability or isolation.
What has been the most exciting part of developing this film?
The people! I’m working with such an incredible team, and seeing everyone come together to bring this story to life is just unreal. I’m also obsessed with the process: thinking about how to visually tell the story, how to make every scene more impactful. I’m loving exploring every tiny detail.
What emotions or messages do you hope audiences take away from your film?
When I first got diagnosed, I rarely thought about death. I was mainly scared of how my life would look like during treatment and, looking back, I also felt ashamed of it. I didn’t want people to find out because I was scared they would perceive me as weak and ill, and I hated the idea of people treating me differently. At some point during treatment, I realised I felt that way because of film and TV, where cancer is always depicted as devastating and as a death sentence.
So I want to tell my version of cancer and chemo to bring light and hope to those coming after me and to their loved ones. I want to show a different side of cancer, one that’s about life, not just survival.
What’s your dream for this film? Where do you hope to see it screened?
Of course, I’d love to see it at major festivals, but, to be honest, I’m trying not to think about it too much. I think it’s easy to get caught up in the outcome, but the only thing I can control is the work I put in. So my main goal right now is to just make the best film I can. I want to make something I’m proud of.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn a personal story into a film?
In my experience, telling my story felt very vulnerable. I was very scared to share it. But then, when I did, people were very moved by it. I’ve heard people say, "If it’s embarrassing to share, then you are on the right path." Vulnerability is scary, but it’s also beautiful and the only way we can truly connect with others.
What are some things you’re doing in development? Any tips to pass on?
Right now we are getting the team together and the cast, sorting location, equipment, crowdfunding… My producers are helping me with all that. Then I am working with the DOP to plan the shots and figure out the best way to tell the story visually. And slowly, other people are joining the project, adding their vision and creativity to it. In the end, we are all telling this story together, which is very exciting!
As a tip, personally, I’m learning not to be afraid to ask for help. We can’t do it all alone!
What are some challenges you’re facing in making this film?
Honestly, the biggest challenge is myself. Fear and insecurity creep in all the time. But I won’t let that stop me. I keep telling myself: the difference between the people who make films (or who make anything happen!) and the people who don’t, isn’t the absence of fear, it’s pushing through it. So that’s what I’m going to do!
Follow Lucia’s Journey and Support 'Headscarf' on Indiegogo
Her courage, creativity, and dedication to telling a personal and powerful story through Headscarf is truly inspiring. If you’d like to support Lucia directly and be part of her vision, you can invest in the Headscarf film via her Indiegogo campaign.
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