Today we’d like to introduce you to Alma Langshaw.
Hi Alma, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a filmmaker based in Miami with a passion for storytelling that explores the intersections of identity, belonging, and human connection. Growing up as a ‘third culture kid’ I moved every couple of years, living in nine countries across six continents by the age of twenty-one. Always the “new girl”, storytelling became my way to connect with people, share who I was, and create a sense of belonging wherever I landed. I found comfort in books and movies, which taught me the power of stories, not just in helping us feel less alone, but in giving courage, perspective, and a way of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Creativity runs deep in my family, starting with my mom, a natural-born storyteller and a big influence on me. My grandmother is an amazing painter and my grandfather, already an avid writer, transformed his father’s tailoring business into an academy, encouraging his students to express themselves through fashion. Growing up surrounded by so many forms of creativity taught me that art and storytelling aren’t just hobbies, they’re ways of living and connecting with the world.
However, my path to film wasn’t linear, I studied International Business and worked in marketing for a few years, which challenged me to think strategically while keeping that creative side alive. I also attended film classes after work and explored creative projects outside of my job. When the pandemic hit, it finally gave me the pause to fully commit to what I had always wanted: a career in film.
Since then, I’ve been working as a Director, Producer and Assistant Director, exploring new ways to tell stories that honor complexity, foster empathy, and celebrate the beauty of human connection. At the core, it all comes back to the same thing that sparked my passion as a child: storytelling as a way to connect, to make people feel seen, and to bring us closer together.
Miami has been the perfect home for this chapter. Its diversity and cultural richness mirror my experiences as a third culture kid, and the community here inspires me every day. Being surrounded by such creativity and drive constantly pushes me to grow and reminds me why I love what I do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most creative journeys. On set, every production comes with its own challenges, and I’ve learned that those moments are often where the real magic happens. I find the key isn’t in stressing over why a problem arose, but in how you respond, staying flexible and problem-solving on the spot. More often than not, those hurdles end up giving new life to a project and strengthening the end result.
On a personal level, breaking into film came with its own obstacles: navigating a career change, building my skills, and carving out space in a competitive industry. Most of what I know today I learned hands-on, figuring it out in real time and teaching myself along the way. That path wasn’t always easy, but it taught me resilience, patience, and the value of persistence. Ultimately, both in life and on set, I’ve found that focusing on solutions and growth, rather than obstacles, is what allows creativity to thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work as a Director, Producer, and Assistant Director across narrative films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos. I am drawn to stories that reflect the richness and complexity of lived experiences, particularly the subtle ways people navigate belonging, desire, and self-expression, and I aim to create work that resonates both visually and emotionally.
My credits include producing and assistant directing short films and collaborating on features such as Know Me, The Old Man and the Parrot, and Fallen Fruit. In the commercial space, I have directed spots for Project Makeover and Viva Casa Spirits and assistant directed campaigns for Puma, SheaMoisture, and Celsius. Moreover, I had the opportunity this year to work on a global Instagram campaign with one of my favorite artists, Rosalía. I also produced and assistant directed The Cherry Picker, a short film that recently won two awards at the South Beach Film Festival.
I am especially proud of the trust and partnerships I’ve built within Miami’s film community. I’ve been lucky to meet and collaborate with so many talented people through film collectives like White Elephant Group and programs like the Oolite Cinematic Residency, and those relationships have shaped me as much as the projects themselves.
I believe what sets me apart is my unique global upbringing and my balance of creativity and organization: I’m invested in the artistic vision while bringing a practical, problem-solving mindset. While I am proud of my achievements to date, I look forward to continuing to learn and grow and become a better filmmaker. Above all, I aim to bring positivity, clarity, and enthusiasm to every set, helping everyone feel seen, heard, and inspired to do their best work.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out is to trust your gut and take big leaps, even when the path feels uncertain. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there, but being willing to be vulnerable and take risks is how growth happens, both personally and creatively. I also think it’s very important to protect the spark that first drew you to your passion. That excitement and curiosity are what will carry you through the challenges and keep your work authentic and meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://almalangshaw.com
- Instagram: @almalangshaw
