Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Mendez.
Hi Laura, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I come from a background in fashion marketing and creative production, but my journey really comes alive when I moved to Miami. That’s where I began working closely with my husband, Augusto Mendez, a filmmaker, through our production company Black Mambo Films.
We’re both deeply creative in different ways: he brings the directing vision, and I step into the role of producer. Together we start building visual worlds across branded and artistic projects. But very quickly, we feel the pull to go deeper into storytelling, into something more cinematic and intentional.
In 2020, we take that leap and create our first short film, “Where is Berlin”. What begins as a simple idea evolves into something much larger, a universe, a language, a body of work. And today, we’re incredibly proud to say the film has just been awarded Best Animated Short Film at the Lugano Film Festival this past Saturday, April 25.
Just the night before, we hosted our avant premiere at Miami Ironside it was not just as a screening, but as a visual ceremony, with a live performance of the soundtrack. Bringing together a community of cinephiles, artists, and collaborators around the film.
What makes this project especially meaningful is how it expands beyond us. It becomes a platform for collaboration. Working with incredible artists like Eniatt, whose visual language helps shape the world, and Steinlausky, who composes the original soundtrack and brings an entirely new emotional dimension to the film.
That’s really where everything shifts for us. Where is Berlin marks the beginning of our journey in the film industry, not just as creators, but as world-builders developing projects that live at the intersection of film, art, and culture, and that invite people into a visual experience, not just a story.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. This film has been six years in the making, and along the way we’ve faced a lot of ups and downs creatively, emotionally, and logistically.
The pandemic was a major turning point for us. It forced us to slow down and really question everything, how we wanted to tell the story, what kind of world we wanted to build, and why we were making it in the first place. There were moments where we even reconsidered starting points and directions.
Another challenge has been navigating a time where everything is becoming increasingly driven by speed, technology, and perfection, especially with the rise of AI. At some point, we had to make a conscious decision to stay true to what we started, particularly in the visual language of the animation.
We realized that perfection can actually take away from the soul of a project. Today, the eye is so used to hyper-polished, almost artificial imagery that when you see something real, something human-made, with texture and imperfection. It feels different. It connects on a deeper level.
So for us, the struggle became part of the philosophy. We chose to embrace imperfection, because that’s what makes the work feel alive. And in a world that often prioritizes perfection, that human touch becomes the most powerful thing we can offer.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a producer working at the intersection of film, fashion, and visual storytelling. My work is about bringing ideas to life from concept to execution, whether that’s a film or a brand campaign, always with a strong focus on narrative, aesthetic, and emotional impact.
Through Black Mambo Films, I produce video and photography campaigns for brands, while also developing original projects that lean more into cinematic storytelling. I’m very hands-on in the process, shaping both the creative direction and the production, making sure the final result feels cohesive and intentional.
What I’m most proud of is Where is Berlin. Not just because it’s now an award-winning film, but because of the journey behind it—six years of building a world, staying true to a vision, and collaborating with artists across disciplines to bring something meaningful to life.
What sets me apart is my ability to connect people and recognize the right collaborations. I have a strong instinct for bringing together creatives who elevate a project, and I’m very driven when I believe in something. I know how to persevere through challenges and stay committed to a vision, especially when I feel it has real potential.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I don’t really see mentorship as coming from one single person. For me, it’s more about collecting influences over time, being shaped by different creative voices and ways of thinking. I’ve always been inspired by people like Yohji Yamamoto, Bob Dylan, and Emerald Fennell, individuals who have such a strong point of view and aren’t afraid to stay true to it. In a way, that becomes its own form of mentorship.
When it comes to networking, what’s worked best for me is being intentional. It’s not about being everywhere or going to every event, it’s about finding the right rooms, the right conversations, and the right energy. Sometimes, having coffee with two or three incredibly creative people can be far more valuable than being in a large, traditional networking setting.
I think real connection happens in smaller, more genuine moments. So my advice would be to trust your instinct, seek out people who truly inspire you, and focus on building relationships that feel aligned rather than just expanding your circle for the sake of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whereisberlin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laura.comeasur
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/8lWEVbZR77U
- Other: https://vimeo.com/1129017134
