Behind the Scenes Part 3: The Making of Catalyst Studios' ALIX with Writer & Director Ana Maria Hermida

Hi, Stage 32!

Today, we’re excited to bring you Part 3 in our Behind the Scenes blog series on the making of the international feature film ALIX, brought to life by an extraordinary group of Stage 32 creatives in collaboration with Catalyst Studios. Over the past few weeks, we’ve spotlighted the producers and actors who helped shape this powerful story, and today, we’re honored to hear directly from the visionary at the center of it all: writer and director Ana Maria Hermida.

ALIX made its debut at the world-famous Chinese Theater in Hollywood, with a premiere so impactful it literally shut down Hollywood Blvd. From that unforgettable night to the years of heart, soul, and creative fire it took to get there, Ana Maria takes us inside her deeply personal journey of bringing this story to life.

At Stage 32, we believe in amplifying voices that use the power of storytelling to spark conversation and drive change. That’s why we’re so proud to share these inside looks at ALIX, a hauntingly beautiful and socially resonant film that follows a young girl forced into child soldiering in the Colombian jungle. With elements of magical realism woven into a deeply human narrative, ALIX is a bold and unflinching exploration of trauma, survival, and resilience.

What makes ALIX especially meaningful to us at Stage 32 is that it was made by our very own community members, in partnership with Catalyst Studios, a company fiercely committed to supporting female and non-binary filmmakers. Our CEO Richard Botto and Managing Director Amanda Toney proudly served as Executive Producers on the film, continuing our mission to elevate independent voices and projects that make an impact. Many of you may recall our announcement last year about our screenwriting contest with Catalyst Studios—a first-of-its-kind initiative to develop socially driven feature films (read more on Deadline HERE). Since then, the partnership has only grown, and ALIX is a beautiful representation of what’s possible when creatives from around the world come together with a shared vision.

To learn more about Catalyst Studios, click here.

Shot entirely in Colombia with a local crew, and made possible in part by the country’s 30% production rebate, ALIX is not just a film, it’s a triumph of international collaboration, purpose-driven storytelling, and cinematic artistry.

In this exclusive Q&A, Ana Maria shares the personal journey that led to the creation of ALIX; including the real-life inspiration behind the script, the years of research that went into shaping the story, and her commitment to showcasing the beauty and complexity of Colombia beyond its most familiar narratives. She also opens up about what it meant to premiere the film at the Chinese Theater, how her cast and crew helped her bring ALIX to life, and the emotional toll of directing a story rooted in such urgent and painful realities.

Whether you’re a writer, director, or anyone working toward telling meaningful stories, this interview is filled with invaluable insight into the process of building a film from a deeply personal spark to an international production with global impact.

You can now stream ALIX on-demand through:

• Amazon Prime
• Google Play Store
• Apple

Let’s dive in and hear from Ana Maria herself in today’s exclusive conversation.

A Q&A with Writer and Director Ana Maria Hermida:

What inspired you to create Alix, and what personal significance does this film hold for you?

The inspiration for Alix came from a road trip I took with my family—the last one we shared as a whole—through Colombia’s coffee region, just a year before my younger brother passed away. That journey was magical. As we drove through the countryside, I felt like Alice in Wonderland, encountering beautiful people in tiny houses, some selling homemade desserts, others simply welcoming us with warmth. It was a trip that deeply resonated with me, not only because of its beauty but also because growing up, I was obsessed with Alice in Wonderland—the book and its adaptations. That’s when the idea struck: I wanted to create a Colombian Alice in Wonderland.

At the same time, as a Colombian filmmaker, I had made a personal commitment: I would never make a film about drug lords, guerrilla warfare, or the violence that had dominated Colombia’s narrative for years. While those issues exist, Colombia is so much more than that—it’s a country filled with magic, rich biodiversity, and incredibly talented people. I wanted to showcase that side of my homeland in every film I made. So I began writing a story about a foreigner visiting Colombia and experiencing a wonderland-like adventure. But I kept hitting a wall. The story wasn’t flowing. Then, one day, my cousin called me about a woman—an ex-guerrilla fighter—whose life story had deeply moved her. After that call, I knew I had found my real Alice.

I reread Alice in Wonderland, but this time, I imagined it within Colombia’s internal conflict—the jungle, the war, the children caught in the middle—and it all clicked. That’s how Alix was born: a story about a girl recruited as a child soldier, navigating a world that is both surreal and painfully real. Writing it was heartbreaking because I knew this wasn’t fantasy—it was reality for many children, not just in Colombia but around the world. Finishing that first draft changed me. I wanted to do more than just tell the story—I wanted to understand why this happens and how we can prevent it. I met with former guerrilla fighters and realized they weren’t so different from me; we had simply been born into different circumstances. I also collaborated with actress Natalia Reyes to run acting and writing workshops for ex-combatant teenagers. Seeing how art brought us together was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. After years of research, rewrites, and even working with a script doctor, Alix finally became the story it was meant to be. It’s a film that holds deep personal significance for me—not just because of the journey that led me to write it, but because it reflects my love for Colombia, my belief in the power of storytelling, and my hope for a different narrative about my country. But more importantly, I hope for real change for the children who are still being recruited for war today. That should never, ever happen.

How did the cast and crew contribute to bringing Alix to life, and what was it like collaborating with them?

I was incredibly lucky to have the best cast and crew—every single person believed in Alix and connected with the story from their hearts. Their passion and dedication made all the difference in bringing this film to life.

Cris (Cristal Aparicio), who played Alix, is such a talented actress that she blew me away and made my job as a director so much easier. She didn’t just understand the character—she felt her. Having experienced the guerrilla conflict closely within her own family, she knew exactly what we were talking about. That deep personal connection gave her performance an authenticity that was truly moving.

Robe (Roberto Urbina) also did an incredible job as Conejo. I watched him transform into this hardened, cold man—a victim of war himself but with a heart of gold underneath. In real life, Robe is warm, charming, and full of joy, so embodying a child recruiter was a difficult task, especially in Colombia, where the reality of it is so painful. To prepare, he spoke with former guerrilla fighters and came to understand that many of those men, who seemed so harsh and aggressive, were themselves recruited as children too. That knowledge informed his performance beautifully. By the end of the film, when Conejo’s real self begins to emerge, I saw Robe bring back his true essence—it was a powerful moment.

Working with Natalia Reyes was also a joy. We started making films together years ago, so collaborating again felt like coming full circle. She gave us an incredible Marta, bringing so much depth to her role. Having become a mother, she connected deeply with the core emotions of Marta’s journey.

Carlos Bardem understood the disturbing complexity of his character, Ramón—a man who abuses children yet convinces himself its love. It’s not easy to tap into something so dark, but Carlos was incredibly generous and trusting. Together, we created a Ramón who was deeply human—damaged and broken, rather than a caricature of evil. As this was only my second film, I was deeply grateful for the way Carlos supported me. That kind of energy on set is invaluable for creativity.

La Llorona was played by Carolina Guerra, a character that, while small and quiet, carries immense significance. Caro is a dear friend, and she joined the project at a pivotal time in her life—having become a mother too, she wanted to devote all her time to her child. Alix is my child, so she gifted me her time to help bring it to life. She had also been part of my first film, The Firefly, where she played an internal monster. We both felt it was meant to be—her continuing to bring my beautiful and sublime monsters to the screen.

I was also incredibly fortunate to have a team where many of the department heads were women. My main producer Lemore Syvan is so talented and even though it was the first time producing a film in South America, she did an amazing job. My DP, Sofía Oggioni, has an incredible eye for natural light and always made sure to capture magic with it. Sofía Guzmán, my production designer, and Juan Garcés, our art director, constantly surprised me with the way they helped me build this universe. I wanted it to feel real but also have that “Wonderland” atmosphere, and they not only understood the concept—they brought it to life in a way that exceeded my expectations.

Luz Elena Cárdenas did an extraordinary job as the costume designer for the film, bringing each character to life with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of storytelling through wardrobe. She also helped Felipe Ginebra bring his vision of La Llorona to life. While Felipe designed a sublime interpretation of the mythological figure of La Llorona, Luz Elena helped him translate that design into reality, ensuring every detail—from fabric choices to textures, making it truly unforgettable on screen.

And of course, my editor, Isabel Otálvaro, deserves a special mention—not just for her incredible skill but for her patience in navigating my anxiety! She helped me rewrite the movie so many times in the editing room, shaping it into the best version of itself.

I could go on and on describing every single person who made Alix possible. The entire cast and crew—you know who you are—did an amazing job, and it shows in the movie. I couldn’t have asked for a better team and I will be forever grateful.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the filmmaking process, and how did you overcome them?

Shooting in the Colombian jungle was an incredible experience, but it also came with its challenges.

Nature rules, and the weather is king—especially in tropical areas. We faced intense thunderstorms, unpredictable rain, and the presence of wild animals, some of them poisonous. However, we respected the jungle, honored it, and felt grateful to be filming there. We also had an amazing animal wrangler who ensured both our safety and that of the wildlife. Our crew was eco-friendly—we didn’t use plastics, and we made sure to leave no trace of our presence. In return, we felt that nature conspired in our favor, giving us everything we needed at the right time. But even with that connection, it was stressful.

Another major challenge was shooting with natural light. Sunsets in Colombia happen early, so we were always racing against time. The constant weather changes—going from sunny to cloudy in a matter of minutes—made continuity incredibly difficult. Thankfully, my DP, Sofía Oggioni, did an incredible job adapting to these rapid changes, making sure every frame looked intentional, even when nature threw surprises at us. Her eye for natural light and her ability to adjust in the moment made all the difference in maintaining the film’s visual consistency.

Beyond the technical difficulties, we also faced an unexpected challenge: nature itself became an unpredictable cast member. The jungle had its own way of influencing the film—birds, insects, and the river would sometimes create sound issues, while at other moments, they would magically enhance a scene in ways we could have never planned. It felt as if the environment had its own sense of storytelling, which was both beautiful and unpredictable.

But perhaps the most complex challenge was the emotional weight of the story itself. Alix deals with a reality that is painful and far from fiction—child recruitment in war, child abuse and child trafficking. Filming certain scenes was deeply intense for everyone involved. Some moments on set felt heavier than expected, and as a director, I had to make sure that both the cast and crew felt emotionally supported while navigating these difficult themes. That’s why we had a psychologist on set, ensuring that anyone who was struggling emotionally had someone to talk to. It was crucial for us to create a safe space where people could process what they were portraying and working on. In the end, every challenge, whether physical or emotional, made Alix a more authentic and powerful film. It was an experience that tested us, but it also united us in ways we never imagined.

Can you describe the emotions of premiering Alix at the Chinese Theater and witnessing the audience’s reactions?

Premiering Alix at the Chinese Theatre was an experience beyond words—both surreal and deeply meaningful. Standing in a place so iconic for cinema, where so many legendary films have premiered, was an honor in itself. But what made it even more special was the presence and support of Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar and the Art of Living foundation. Their mission to bring peace and help heal trauma resonated profoundly with the message of Alix, making this premiere feel like more than just a film screening—it was a moment of connection, reflection, and purpose. Seeing the audience’s reactions was overwhelming in the best way.

This is a story that carries so much weight, not just for me as a filmmaker, but for the people it represents. Witnessing how it moved the audience, how they engaged with Alix’s journey, and how some even stayed after to share their thoughts and emotions was incredibly humbling. It reaffirmed why I made this film in the first place—not just to tell a story, but to spark conversations, to create understanding, and hopefully, to be part of a larger healing process for those who have lived through similar experiences.

More importantly, Alix is a call to action—the purpose of this film is to help end the epidemic of child recruitment for war. No child should ever have to experience that, and if this film can contribute in any way to raising awareness and inspiring change, then it has fulfilled its mission.

What does it mean to you to see Alix come to life on the big screen after all the hard work?

Seeing Alix come to life on the big screen after years of hard work was a moment of immense gratitude and fulfillment. Filmmaking is never a solo journey, and I truly wished that every single person who contributed to this film could have been there to witness the incredible work they put into it. This film belongs to them just as much as it belongs to me. More than just pride, what mattered most was knowing that Alix was finally out in the world, ready to connect with audiences.

Every step of this process—from writing, researching, and filming in the jungle to editing and shaping the final story—was done with the hope that this film could shed light on an issue that is still affecting children today. Now, my biggest hope is to bring Alix home to Colombia. This story belongs to my country, to the people who have lived through these experiences, and to those who need to be heard. The true reward will be seeing how it resonates with Colombian audiences and how it contributes to the conversation about ending the recruitment of children for war.

What do you hope audiences take away from Alix, and what impact do you want it to have?

I hope Alix takes audiences on a visually and emotionally powerful journey—one that feels almost like a dream but is rooted in a harsh reality that needs change immediately. While the film explores difficult themes, I want it to leave people with a message of resilience, self-love, and hope. Especially for women, I want them to know that the horrible things that may have happened to them do not define them—that they have the power to heal, to rebuild, and to make their dreams come true. At the same time, I want to showcase the breathtaking beauty of Colombia, its landscapes, its people, and its rich natural resources. Colombia is more than its struggles, and through Alix, I hope to contribute to a broader, more nuanced narrative about my country—one that highlights both its magic and its complexity.

Ultimately, I want this film to spark conversation, to inspire action, and to bring awareness. I also hope that it resonates with fans of Alice in Wonderland, allowing them to experience a familiar kind of wonder but through a distinctly Colombian lens. The film embraces that dreamlike, surreal quality—where innocence meets darkness, where a young girl navigates a world full of both beauty and danger. Just as Alice discovers strange and sometimes terrifying truths beneath the surface of a whimsical world, Alix takes audiences on a journey where reality and fantasy blur, revealing a hidden, urgent story that needs to be told. At its core, this film is about resilience, self-discovery, and breaking cycles of trauma. It’s about finding light even in the darkest of places.

Have Questions for Ana?

If something in today’s blog resonated with you or sparked a question; whether about storytelling, directing emotionally complex material, or producing internationally, drop it in the comments below! Ana would love to hear from you and continue the conversation with our Stage 32 community.

And if you missed it, Ana also hosted a Free Ask Me Anything (AMA) event yesterday in the Stage 32 Filmmaking Lounge, where she shared even more valuable insight into her creative process and advice for filmmakers working internationally. You can read through all the thoughtful questions and her generous responses right HERE!

Let’s keep the conversation going!

Please support your fellow Stage 32 filmmakers and watch ALIX on demand:

• Amazon Prime
• Google Play Store
• Apple

Watch the full trailer of ALIX HERE, or click on the image below!

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