Exclusive – Carolina Espiro (F.B.I., Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) an accomplished actress who has successfully transitioned into the world of directing, continues to make waves in Hollywood. Her short film, The Avon Lady, has been received with critical acclaim, winning numerous awards, including Best Comedy in every single Festival in which it has screened. Additional awards include Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor awards and numerous nominations at LA Shorts, Burbank International Film Festival (where her film received the most nominations) and Lady Filmmakers Festival.
She joins a growing trend of actresses taking the rein, and she is in good company. From Angelina Jolie and Jodie Foster to Eva Longoria, women are stepping behind the camera and making movies that have garnered awards and critical acclaim.
Joel Zwick, director of comedy hit My Big Fat Greek Wedding expresses his enthusiasm for the comedic short, “Itʻs terrific. A remarkable directing debut, directed with love from Carolina a remarkable actress” Zwick directed Espiro in 6th Actʻs hilarious production of $5 Shakespeare and is no stranger to her comedic style. He has been a supporter of her career shift into directing since its inception.
What sets Espiro’s The Avon Lady apart is that she turned the film into a heartfelt family affair during the challenging times of the lockdown. Her husband, Matthew Jaeger, served as Associate Producer. Her supportive parents, Jose and Elena Espiro, were all cast in the film, adding a deeply personal touch to the project. The collaboration and dedication of the entire family brought a unique dynamic to the production.
“I love the whole family!” said Kurt Patino, Director of the Burbank International Film Festival, referring to the Espiro- Jaeger’s charm and unity.
Carolina cast her mother Elena as the lead role of the film, based on her real-life experiences as an Avon Lady when she immigrated to the US. Elena Espiro, who up to that point had only done a couple commercials, just won Best Actress at Lady Filmmakers Film Festival 2023.
The film was produced by Espiro, Caity Ware and Associate Produced by Matthew Jaeger, a fellow actor and winemaker. Their expertise and guidance contributed to the success of The Avon Lady. Their commitment to the project ensured a seamless production process and allowed Espiro’s creative vision to shine through.
Carolina Espiro’s journey to success is marked by her resilience and determination. Having emigrated to the United States from Chile at the age of two, she faced numerous challenges, including bullying and the struggle to find her place in a new country. The experience of being both an outsider in the United States and a foreigner in Chile shaped her perspective and fueled her passion for storytelling.
“Growing up in the United States was challenging at times. I felt I didn’t fully belong here. But when I went back to Chile, I didn’t belong there either. This began a search for personal identity, a box I could fit in. I had been waiting until I could define myself before I was ready to direct. I soon learned that there was no box. This is me. Layered, quirky, irreverent and intentional, telling stories about misfits that surpass any definition. The success of ‘The Avon Lady’ tells me that people want to hear these stories. That people relate” said the director.
Espiro’s realization has been transformative both behind and in front of the camera. As a Latina filmmaker, she represents a powerful voice in an industry that still lacks adequate diversity and representation. Espiro’s commitment to telling stories that resonate with marginalized communities has marked her as one of the few up and coming Latina directors in Hollywood.
Carolina Espiro’s newfound success as a director, recently sharing the stage with legendary director Tim Burton who was also receiving an award at BIFF was almost surreal.
Carolina Espiro is represented by Synergy Talent, Innovative Artists and Coast to Coast Talent Group.
