Loren Escandón shared that her experience working on the film “Shirley” was transformational for her. She emphasized the importance of learning about the remarkable story of the first-ever Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, and urged everyone to watch the movie. Escandón, a Colombian actress and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, expressed her initial unawareness of Chisholm until she landed an audition for the film. She highlighted the camaraderie among the cast, including renowned artists like Regina King, Terrence Howard, and the late Lance Reddick. Despite the challenges of a busy set and unpredictable weather, Escandón noted the commitment and dedication each actor brought to their roles. She also shared insights into her work and travels on Instagram, X, and Threads under the username @lorenescandon.
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Q: What were some challenges faced during the filming of “Shirley”?
A: Filming on location presented unexpected challenges and opportunities. Escandón recalled a rainy day in L.A., a rare occurrence in the city’s typically sunny weather. The weather forced adjustments to the scene, showcasing the director’s ability to adapt creatively. The rain added an authentic and emotional layer to the scene, enriching the performance and enhancing the depth of the storytelling.
Q: How has your ethnicity and nationality influenced your career?
A: Initially, Escandón struggled with feeling unseen and underestimated due to her ethnicity and nationality in both the U.S. and Colombia. Over time, she recognized her cultural identity as a source of strength and embraced it to challenge societal biases. Her unique perspective as a multicultural artist has enhanced her creative expression and fueled her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the creative industry.
Q: Any upcoming travel plans?
A: Escandón expressed excitement about an upcoming trip to Portugal. She shared a mysterious connection she feels with the country, possibly tied to its historical significance in the transatlantic slave trade. Eager to immerse herself in Portuguese culture, language, cuisine, and music, she looks forward to exploring the landscapes and embarking on hiking adventures.
Q: Favorite vacation destination?
A: South Africa holds a special place in Escandón’s heart, from the vibrant capital of Johannesburg to the natural wonders of Hluhluwe and the captivating city of Cape Town. Her experiences in South Africa challenged her perceptions of identity and societal biases, making it a magical and impactful destination for her.
Q: Standout childhood trip?
A: Escandón’s memorable childhood trip was to the pristine island of San Andres in Colombia, marking her first plane journey at the age of 15. The experience was epic and diverged from traditional celebrations to offer a unique and enriching travel experience.
Q: Must-have items for travel?
A: Essential travel items for Escandón include vitamins, a camera, comfortable shoes, a cozy jacket, and versatile clothing for different occasions. She emphasizes the importance of capturing memories, staying healthy, and maintaining comfort while exploring new destinations.
Q: Best and/or worst vacation memory?
A: Escandón reflects on her positive vacation memories, recognizing challenges as part of the adventure. One memorable experience was dealing with a canceled flight on her husband’s first trip to Colombia, turning a potential setback into a unique travel story.
(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. Visit her website at www.jaehakim.com and follow her on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae for more travel insights.)
