Scholars of Color- Malinalli López Arreguín
What is Scholars of Color?
It is a platform in which scholars of color are purposefully celebrated. It’s a space where scholars of color are showcased front and center. It is a digital space where we feel empowered and resilient. Let us get to know each other. Let us cheer each other on AND show the world what we have to offer.
Let us now welcome Malinalli López Arreguín to the Scholars of Color space!
Name: Malinalli López Arreguín
Gender Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
What do you currently do for work and/or school?: I am the CEO and Founder of XQL media, a company dedicated to producing films and commercial videos that create a positive impact. The core of my craft is as a film producer and director and I also really love the business side of filmmaking. I am adjunct faculty at Sonoma State University where I teach film in the Chicano Latino Studies, American Multicultural Studies Departments Departments and also the Film Studies Program.
Without positions or titles, how would you describe yourself?: Ambitious, entrepreneurial, spiritual, healer, creative, artistic, visionary.
What are you passionate about?: I am most passionate about entrepreneurship and also filmmaking. Latinas are the fastest growing segment of all entrepreneurs in the US. By launching my company XQL media in 2015 I was able to combine both of the areas I am most passionate about. I was discouraged for a long time to do what I do, yet I found overtime that I needed to follow my goals to stay true to my authentic self. As a film producer, I have found that the films I make are healing for me and also have been healing for the audiences I have had the honor to interact with at screenings. Aside from teaching film at the university, I also offer classes for low-income youth in the Summer to learn film production and this also keeps me motivated and passionate.
Why is the representation of scholars of color important to you?: The representation of scholars of color is critical because film production needs more scholarship with a focus on people of color and their positioning in films. Both films and scholarship production are important in dismantling harmful stereotypes. We need more stories about healing and more scholars of color who can critically analyze the films of Hollywood and also films produced around the world. Most recently, we have more new and exciting scholarship on the success of women and people of color in the filmmaking world yet we still need to see more.
If people are interested in getting connected to you, how can they?: For those who are interested in my work you can visit my website at www.xqlmedia.net.
Anything else you would like us to know?:Please support Chicana made films. In total, Latinas are less than 3% of directors working in Hollywood. To find out how to support, follow me on Twitter and Facebook under Malinalli López Arreguín.
Thank you Malinalli for sharing space with us!
Stay tuned everyone for more Scholars of Color profiles. Interested in being showcased yourself? Please email the Scholars of Color team at scholarsofcolor@reclaimingyourhappiness.com and we will get back to you shortly.
