It can be safely said that Leslie Lluvet is a deeply fascinating woman. First off, she immediately strikes you as a sort of Jane of all trades, at least in the film industry, since Lluvet dons the hats of actress, producer, writer, and of course, filmmaker. This, she attributes to her early years in film school, where she learned the importance of having a multi-faceted view of the industry.
“When I went to film school I realized if I wanted to be a good filmmaker, I needed to know how to do all aspects of things. From costumes to the makeup to the set design to even the smallest thing like catering. So, acting became an interest in me when I was into school. I realize great directors are also actors.”
Most recently, she has directed, produced, written and starred in her very own movie, “90 Miles”, which tells the story of her family, as they struggle to escape the despotic regime of Fidel Castro in their native Cuba. Painting a fascinating picture of Communism, as well as the search for freedom, “90 Miles” is as brave as it is riveting, with Lluvet taking on the title role, that of her own mother, Tammy.
Right out of the gate, Lluvet comes at you as more than just an actress, but a deeply invested creative, one who will stop at nothing to tell a good story. In Lluvet’s own words, doing “90 Miles” opened her eyes to what a huge pleasure producing your own movies can be, and actually making her regret not doing this sooner.
But Lluvet, above all, is also an entrepreneur and businesswoman, a role she’s had to take on, in order to thrive and accommodate her artistic independence.
“I love the part that I can just create without having to wait for anyone. I can write a movie, or a pilot and I can just look for funding and do it on my own.”
Deeply inspired by the great directors of the 20th century, such as Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, and Alfred Hitchcock, as well as more modern and unusual directors, such as Alejandro González Iñárritu, Lluvet has been focusing recently on finding the best way to tell her story.
She has always had an affinity for movies that explore controversial, or otherwise deeply moving topics, and has always chosen the stories that were difficult to tell those that were bland. Lluvet has also always maintained a keen interest in stories with an LGBT take.
Although Lluvet speaks of the limitations and politics that hide behind the filmmaking industry, she doesn’t allow these to make her lose interest or heart, as she struggles to navigate the twisting, winding universe of cinematography.
Above all, Leslie Lluvet strives to offer inspiration and strength to young people with an interest in filmmaking, encouraging them to be themselves, and not allow anyone to affect their future.
“Create whatever you want. Don’t let anyone’s opinion put a limitation on you.”