In the bustling world of indie filmmaking, few voices resonate louder than that of Natalin Avci. A multidisciplinary talent, Avci has carved a niche for herself as a screenwriter, actor, and producer, with her work receiving widespread acclaim and multiple awards. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Turkish-Armenian parents, Avci seamlessly blends her rich cultural heritage with contemporary issues, creating stories that are both cinematically compelling and socially poignant. In our exclusive interview with Avci, we delve into her creative process, the inspiration behind her award-winning short film Lucy the Lion, and her ambitious future projects that promise to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Indie Shorts Mag: Your work spans screenwriting, acting, and producing. How have these multidisciplinary roles influenced your perspective on filmmaking, and how do you balance them in projects like Lucy the Lion?
Natalin Avci: I think all good filmmaking begins with a great story that is very human and rooted in universal truths. I think that’s what allows you to connect and engage with your audience. People come to see themselves. Storytelling is how we learn about ourselves and each other.
Creating characters that are real and complicated is important to me because they carry my story. As an actor, I know what makes a script standout to me – a soulful story with real dialogue and chewy characters. Actors want meaty roles and audiences want something to sink their teeth into. My job is to write an honest story with gripping characters that captivate both my actors and my audience.
‘Lucy the Lion’ was my first script to film and my first experience as a producer. There are so many moving parts in the filmmaking process. The more knowledgeable you are of each aspect, the better understanding you have of each person’s role, and the more successful the film. My experience as a producer was very hands-on and has been invaluable. Knowing the business side allows me to write scripts that will get made. It informs my writing because I know what works and what is realistic. Staying within budget without sacrificing your art is the ultimate balancing act.
Indie Shorts Mag: Lucy the Lion has received numerous accolades and festival selections. Can you share the inspiration behind the story and what you hope audiences take away from it?
Natalin Avci: This story began from an ending. I pitched the idea to a writers’ group and the next day my phone was blowing up – Roe V Wade was overturned. I kept thinking about how it would push women out of the workforce. I knew I had to make this film. I wrote the script the same day. It was my way of unraveling the complexities of this experience. There was this shared grief and rage bubbling under the surface and I wanted to let it boil over.
I wanted to tell an honest story about what it takes to be a working class single mother today without asking for any sympathy. I hope the audience experiences some form of catharsis from watching this film and leaves inspired to take action in their lives. As this story continues to unfold, I hope it reminds us how resilient we are.
Indie Shorts Mag: As a Turkish-Armenian artist born and raised in Los Angeles, how have your cultural background and personal experiences shaped the stories you choose to tell?
Natalin Avci: Los Angeles is both a sophisticated metropolis and and an urban jungle. I have lived a lot and have been fortunate enough to travel to many parts of the world, so I incorporate all my experiences into my writing, whether is’t consciously or unconsciously. I think my writing walks the line between smart and edgy. I like telling stories that are real and culturally significant.
I’ve never really thought of myself as a Turkish-Armenian artist but damn that sounds like a good screenplay. I would love to write about the challenges of finding group identity. But honestly, I don’t really choose the stories I tell, they usually choose me. I’m always looking for a reason not to write something because I have so many ideas. But then there are those ideas or images that keep me up at night and gnaw at me until I fully commit.
Indie Shorts Mag: You’ve emphasized telling timely stories centered around strong, unconventional female leads. What motivates you to focus on these narratives, and why do you think they resonate with today’s audiences?
Natalin Avci: Audiences are very smart. We are experiencing a paradigm shift in how women are portrayed in film and television. And it’s because audiences are ready for more. Women are redefining their place in the world and art has a way of imitating life. I feel so lucky to be alive during such an exciting era. People are craving fresh female perspectives. I respect audiences terribly, and am doing my best to answer the call.
Indie Shorts Mag: Lucy the Lion addresses contemporary issues like women’s rights and socio-political challenges. How do you approach incorporating these themes into your work while maintaining cinematic and edgy storytelling?
Natalin Avci: I think you try and weave your theme through your story as seamlessly as possible. It’s got to feel organic and relatable. I think finding levity in your story is crucial when addressing sensitive subjects. You do your best and trust your audience. I want someone reading my work to feel like they’re experiencing something happening in real life. I want it to feel intimate and not forced.
Tone is important to me. I focus on what I want the audience to feel. I think I instinctively begin with a certain tempo. It’s a lot like writing music. Dialogue is rhythmic to me, I want it to sound natural and alive. I like to change up the pacing to create tension and suspense. I like using visuals, you can say a lot in a single flash of an image. It really pulls your audience into your imaginary world. I also like plot twists to leave room for the unexpected. I focus a lot on my characters. I want them to be dynamic and jump off the page. I want their behaviors to hook you emotionally. They are always the driving engine of my stories, pushing the limits of convention.
Indie Shorts Mag: You’re developing a range of new projects, including an international folklore horror feature and a dark comedy series. What can you tell us about these upcoming works, and what excites you most about them?
Natalin Avci: The horror film is based on Romanian folklore and delves into the mysterious legends of the Hoia-Baciu Forest. Everything about this project excites me. It’s centered around a strong female protagonist with a beautiful arc. An insta-famous model turns feral badass. Fights to protect her unborn child, slaying a demonic cult leader and pregnancy. Horror is such an expansive genre and this story really reflects some of our deepest fears and anxieties.
The dark comedy is actually my very first script. It’s about a promising med student who becomes a self-proclaimed Rehab Queen and inherits her father’s funeral business. This show takes a deep dive into family dysfunctions and the challenges women face in male-dominated careers. I really love my main character, Lee. She calls bullshit on everyone and everything. Her candidness about her struggles with addiction really draws you in and makes you route for her even at her worst.
Indie Shorts Mag: You’re writing a workplace drama series intended for Laura Dern. How did this project come about, and what themes or messages are you exploring in this series?
Natalin Avci: This project is like a wild beast. I wrote it for Laura Dern – she just doesn’t know it yet. Someway, somehow, I will get this script in front of her. I don’t know if another actor can play this role. Imagine King Henry was a woman and her kingdom was Corporate America. After being betrayed by her CEO, a high-performing exec embarks on a ruthless rise to power. This show explores sexuality in older women, the dog-eat-dog corporate work culture, and the gender gap at the top. It’s a high-octane series where someone is always getting fucked.
Indie Shorts Mag: Having won awards for screenwriting, producing, and acting, what do you find most rewarding about each discipline, and how do they complement each other in your creative process?
Natalin Avci: I am so grateful whenever someone reads, watches, or supports my work in any way. Acting is so damn fun, so I’m always excited to be able to play. Recognition and awards are amazing but I try not to get caught up in that stuff. I think writing has always been my first love. It was so cool to create a role for myself and produce my first project.
I think each of these disciplines lends itself to the other. I want to get my scripts made, so being able to wear different hats has helped me become better all around. The artistic side of filmmaking is much more my lane. I am most comfortable in my creative cocoon. Producing is definitely the most challenging part for me. You got to go out there and get the money, find talented people, and manage a lot of different personalities.
My creative process is well, um, shit gets weird. Lots of pacing, snacking, napping – whatever it takes. But when I do get in my zone, there is this sweet spot, where I completely get out of the way and the script writes itself. Where it comes from, I don’t know but it is bigger than me. It is a very sacred experience. Then, I take my script out into the world and try to convince someone that it needs to be made now.
Indie Shorts Mag: What challenges have you faced as a woman in the film industry, and how have these experiences influenced your mission to tell authentic stories that transcend conventions?
Natalin Avci: All of them. There are so many challenges women face in this industry and every other industry. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I guess each character I write about represents a challenge I have faced in some way. But things are changing in a big way and that’s what I want my work to represent. I am very hopeful about the future. Storytelling has the power to create change. And that’s what I’m passionate about. Telling authentic stories that push the limit and reflect our humanity.
Indie Shorts Mag: Looking ahead, what impact do you hope to make on the film industry, and what legacy do you wish to build through your storytelling and multifaceted talents?
Natalin Avci: I want my work to show how multilayered women are by telling stories that break the mold and offer a fresh perspective. I hope that by watching female characters connect to darker parts of themselves, women will be inspired to reimagine their own identity and place in the world. Challenging industry and social norms by telling stories that are both entertaining and human would be one hell of a legacy.
As she continues to break new ground with her writing, acting, and producing, Natalin Avci remains committed to telling stories that challenge conventions and inspire audiences. With upcoming projects that span genres from folklore horror to workplace drama, Avci’s work not only entertains but also provokes thought and encourages action. Her dedication to portraying multifaceted female characters and addressing socio-political issues ensures that her voice will continue to be a powerful force in the film industry. For Avci, the ultimate goal is clear: to leave a lasting legacy of authentic storytelling that reflects the complexities of humanity and empowers women to reimagine their roles in the world.
Featured Image Photo Credits: Photographer: Matt Kallish | Makeup Artist: Kristine Lisman