Natalia Ortiz

Why did you make your film MEMORY, and what is it about?

Memory is a short documentary that deals with the fragility of who we are, our identity and culture. It’s currently available for viewing on Vimeo. I made the film as a tribute to my mother, who was a story teller and whom unfortunately has completely lost her memory. I felt the need to talk about how memory and memories play an important role in our lives, particularly when we are so far away. I needed to express my frustration, sadness and guilt for not being next to her in such a difficult moments and gave her the care and support she deserves.

Where is it being shown?

The film has been screened in Australia, Colombia, Argentina, USA, Chile and Spain. At the moment is in competition in Valencia.

How was it part of your Masters degree?

I did a Masters in Media Arts and Production and I did the film as a major in Documentary.

What skills that you learned in your degree helped in making the film?

Although I have been involved in the film industry for over 25 years, I had never written and directed my own film, let alone as a “one person practically does everything” type of production, so you can imagine how much I learnt! Yet the most important aspect was the writing process. The role of my UTS supervisor was crucial to help me to understand and process such a personal story. She had to witness lots of tears believe me!

What are you next projects?

Currently I am doing a Masters in Creative Arts by Research (also at UTS) supervised by Paul Allatson, who has been also incredible inspirational and supportive. As part of the creative component of the MCA I am doing a web blog containing mini docos of Spanish migrants in Australia. I am also writing my next short, called “Home Sweet home”, but at this stage I cannot reveal much more than that!

I am extremely grateful for the opportunities and support I have always encountered at UTS at all levels. When 3 years ago I decided to do the M.A.P (Media Arts and Production) I never expected to be at UTS 3 years later and enjoying it so much!

Background

I arrived in Australia 20 years ago from San Sebastian (Spain). Soon upon my arrival I funded the Spanish Film Festival in Australia. The first years I combined my role as the Creative and Executive Director of the festival while working as an Assistant Editor in films such as Babe 2, Paradise Road, Doing Time for Patsy Cline and Fresh Air. Once the festival became a national event in 6 states of Australia I decided to dedicate myself full-time, so I gave up my role in the film industry (which was not an easy decision).

In 2010 the festival expanded to New Zealand, becoming one of the biggest Spanish Film Festivals in the world.

In 2012 during the 15th anniversary of the Spanish Film Festival I decided to pursue other career opportunities and some studies. After some research I decided to undertake a Masters in Media Arts and Production at UTS, which lead to my short MEMORY and further studies.