Saying that Lauren Elizabeth Harris is one to watch would be an understatement. Although new to the industry, Harris has already made her mark with impactful projects, meaningful films, and numerous awards under her belt.
The globe-trotting filmmaker has shared her art with many around the world, and all of her travels and journeys abroad has shaped her into the filmmaker and actor that she is today.
Harris saw great success in 2022 upon making her directorial debut with Defining Dodo, and premiering her short film The Black Hole. Her podcast “Damsels in Distress” also continued to rise on the charts, showcasing Harris’ multidimensional skillset as an entertainer. A game-changing year that culminated with her enrolling at Columbia University to pursue her MFA in Producing, Harris shows no signs of slowing down as she pushes her foot through the door and makes her mark in the industry, one purpose-driven project at a time.
We chat to Harris, who is new to the scene, about charting her promising path to success.
How does it feel to have received international praise and celebration for the projects you've worked on?
Incredible! The fact that the projects I've had a hand in have impacted anyone at all is my motivation to keep going, and really all I can ask for as a filmmaker.
You're a world traveller at heart! How have your adventures abroad shaped your experiences as a filmmaker and actor?
In so many ways, seeing the world really allows us to develop empathy for other communities and become inspired by others' stories. From traveling to 37 countries and studying in 5, I feel so privileged to have learned that there's so much to learn from when you get out of your own box. As an actor, it allows you to have a glimpse of what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes, and as a filmmaker, to chase the stories that aren't being told, but need to be.
What are some of your favorite places you've traveled and why? Have you ever been to Africa?
Such a tough question! My favourite city that I've traveled to is Hoi An, Vietnam as there's such a blend of cultures there and so much history. For natural beauty, Palwan in the Philippines, and as an avid hiker, doing the Inca trail to Machu Piccu in Peru, which was actually my first hike ever, and kicked off my love of hiking! I've been to Morocco and loved it, and definitely want to explore more of Africa!
How do you think the entertainment business has shifted in the wake of COVID-19?
I think it's become more accessible to people who may not necessarily be in LA/NY with the rise of self-taping, and also opened our eyes to a wider market of actors who there weren't opportunities there for before. There's still a long way to go, but I'm happy to see the industry shifting to become more inclusive and create more seats at the table for all kinds of people.
Tell us about Defining Dodo and what it means to you.
Defining Dodo is such an impactful story, and one that shows the importance of authenticity and finding community in unlikely places. We really never know what people are going through, and I think Defining Dodo shows how finding one person who sees you for you can make the difference in allowing you to find your genuine self. I hope it shows audiences to look for the humanity in people and develop empathy for one another.
Were you always drawn toward projects centred on intentionality with a greater message?
My mother was in politics while I was growing up, and actually took me with her to Democratic National Conventions, and rallies like The Million Mom March, starting at the age of two. I think because I had the opportunity to hear from so many great activists with a mission to help people, I started asking questions like, "how do we make our lives mean something, how do we have an impact?" at an early age, and wanted to find how I could incorporate my social activist side with my love of entertainment. So I guess yes, but I think I've developed a better understanding of that as I've gotten older.
As a busy actor and someone always on the go, how do you balance wellness and mental health?
I think it's extremely important! It's so easy to burn out in this career and so vital to have check ins with yourself to be fully present for others. I try to meditate, journal, and exercise everyday, no matter where I am. I will meditate on a plane, train, or car, because I really see how taking that pause allows us to have deeper quality of thought, and respond to situations with a more level-headed presence. I am also a huge advocate of therapy.
What's your greatest advice for women looking to seek careers in entertainment?
Persist. Don't give up, ask for help, and don't be afraid of hearing no. If I had a dollar for everytime I hear no, I'd be rich. I have learned so much from asking successful women to get coffee or talk on the phone and tell me about how they got to where they are. Listen and learn from the people who are in the places that you want to be, and when you get there, make sure you help the people who are beginning their journeys.
What is one of your proudest projects to have worked on, and why?
I feel really proud of my work on The Black Hole, which is a documentary that takes a look at human trafficking outside of the Philadelphia area. The project is loosely based on A Shield Against the Monster, by Anne Marie Jones & Carol Metzker, who are two of the most persistent, courageous women I have ever met. They took me to Kensington, which is right outside of Philadelphia, and showed me what life looked like for human trafficking victims. I hope that this project brings more awareness to how trafficking really happens in our backyards.
What are your future goals as you continue making strides in your career?
I'm really excited that I started my MFA in Producing at Columbia University in the fall, where I hope to connect with other filmmakers to bring more impactful stories to the screen. I also associate produced and starred in How to Hack Birth Control, which takes a look at the importance of women's access to birth control and understanding their options. That project is currently in the festival circuit, and I hope it continues to educate and enlighten more people. Above all, I hope to continue to have a role in telling impactful stories that allow others to feel seen, understood, or represented.
