Personal Portfolio
Film Director & Screenwriter
About me
My name is Ximena Valencia, and I have always been passionate about storytelling.
Be it through written or visual forms, my aspiration to follow this field began with reading and bled into creative writing (which resulted in hours spent planning short plays with my Playmobils).
In middle school, I had the opportunity to dabble in the world of theatre and live performances. However, I quickly realised I preferred to be in the audience, or backstage, rather than on stage in front of dozens of eyes.
I have lived in different countries (France, Switzerland, Netherlands), besides Mexico, where I am originally from. Currently based in the Netherlands, I aim to bring this intercultural vision that grew within me to my works - I love working in international settings and exploring themes such as belonging, nostalgia, and adaptation.
As a film student, I have had the chance to work on different-scale film sets, as a Production Assistant (runner), 2nd Camera Assistant, Co-Writer, and even 1st Assistant Director.
This has finally given me enough confidence to pursue my personal projects, which are outlined below.
Obtained Degree:
Communication Science (BSc) - University of Amsterdam
Currently Studying:
Film Production (BA) - SAE Institute Amsterdam
Currently working on...
Bittersweet
A short documentary series that explores the themes of childhood nostalgia, childhood relationships and the fear of growing up.
(Episode 1 is out!)
Roles: Concept, Director, Interviews, Editing
Dusty Spurs
A Western-style short film (8 min) exploring the dynamics between the old town Sheriff and his new replacement. Serves as a proxy story to dive deeper into father-son relationships.
Coming out in November!
Roles: Director, Writer, Pre-Production, Editing
The Elevator Pitch
Short student film that follows Paul, on his first day at work, as he gets stuck in the elevator with his competitive colleague and his boss.
Roles: Director, Writer, Pre-Production
Other experience
Production:
1st Assistant Director for the short film 'Tattoo', directed by Catherine Tontlinger (2024)
1st Assistant Director for the short film 'It'll Pass', directed by Dalila Bottari (2024)
1st Assistant Director for the short film 'Tattoo', directed by Catherine Tontlinger (2024)
1st Assistant Director for the short film 'Ghost Files', directed by Jesse Ehlers (2024)
UPCOMING - 1st Assistant Director for the short film 'Interlinked', directed by Kylian Molenaar (2024)
Production Assistant for the short film 'Het Vergaat Niet' by Generator Films at the 48h Utrecht (2024)
Production Assistant for the short film 'Power Game', directed by Catherine Tontlinger (2024)
Camera Department:
Camera Operator for Jazz Concert at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (2024)
Camera Operator for the Creative Access Lab in Haarlem (Theatre Performance) (2024)
Camera Operator for the SAE Open Day
2nd Assistant Camera for the short film 'Power Game', directed by Catherine Tontlinger (2024)
2nd Assistant Camera for the short film 'Cempasuchil' by Cortado Studios at the 48h Amsterdam (2024)
Sound Department:
Boom Operator & Production Sound Mixer for the short film 'Dinner is Ready', directed by Dalila Bottari (2024)
Boom Operator & Production Sound Mixer for the short film 'Shadows', directed by Pia Vidal (2024)
Boom Operator & Production Sound Mixer for the short film 'Waiting Around to Die', directed by Aidan Weaver (2024)
Boom Operator & Production Sound Mixer for the short film 'Zo Gepiept' at the 48h Groningen (2024), with the CART HOUSE Studios team
UPCOMING - Boom Operator and On-Location Recording for short film directed by Pia Vidal (2024)
UPCOMING - Boom Operator and On-Location Recording for short film directed by Aidan Weaver (2024)
Lighting Department:
Gaffer for the short film 'Vida', directed by Jesse Ehlers (2024)
Gaffer for the short film 'Narcissus', directed by Marlena Stam (2024)