Laura Bustillos Jáquez stands as a beacon of creativity and advocacy, intertwining her roles as a documentary filmmaker and photographer to amplify marginalized voices and shed light on pressing global issues. Hailing from the borderlands of Mexico and the United States, Laura's work delves into the complexities of immigration, social reconstruction movements, and the rich tapestry of cultures worldwide.
Earning her stripes with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Journalism, Laura distinguished herself with special recognition from the esteemed Brooks Institute in Ventura, California. Her academic journey continued with a profound immersion in the art of filmmaking, culminating in a Master of Arts in Film from Maharishi University in 2015.
Laura's artistic endeavors have transcended geographical boundaries, as she traverses the globe with organizations such as the Hip Hop Diplomacy entity, 'Next Level.' Her lens has captured the essence of Hip Hop culture in Portugal, the Philippines, and Costa Rica, weaving narratives that bridge cultures and communities.
A trailblazer in her own right, Laura co-founded the Femme Frontera Filmmaker Showcase, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented filmmakers. Her commitment to social change and creative innovation has garnered recognition, including being named a Create Change fellow alum of The Laundromat Project in New York City.
In 2019, Laura's expertise and passion led her to Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she served as the Distinguished Global Speaker on Immigration, Humanity, and Empowerment, igniting dialogue and inspiring action. Her intellectual contributions extend beyond traditional academia, as evidenced by her invitations to lecture on "Decolonizing our Identities" at prestigious institutions such as the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez and ISMA in Cotonou, Benin, as part of "Le Festival International de court-métrage des écoles de cinema."
Laura's creative prowess extends beyond traditional filmmaking roles; she excels as a Director, Director of Photography, Editor, Producer, and more. At the helm of LaBú Productions in New York City, she continues to push boundaries and shape narratives that resonate globally.
CV available upon request - laura@labuproductions.com