Lolita - Film Festival at Hollywood Park - LA Premiere!

After being in J*il for nine years for drug abuse and prostitution, Jesus tries to integrate back into society in order to start fresh all while working hard to get his daughter Lolita back.

Director Biography - Jorge Xolalpa

A rising star and a film festival veteran, Jorge Xolalpa (Sho-lal-pa) is a groundbreaking filmmaker redefining independent cinema. A true auteur, he has forged a path in the industry with sheer determination, resourcefulness, and an uncompromising vision. Born in Mexico and brought to the United States at the age of nine, he grew up navigating the complexities of identity and belonging. As a DACA recipient, his career is a testament to resilience, breaking barriers in an industry that often overlooks voices like his.

After earning a degree in political science, Xolalpa discovered filmmaking almost by accident—picking up an iPhone, a boom mic, and shooting his first feature film, Blue Line Station (2016), for just $100 over ten days. With no formal training, he has turned every project into a lesson, transforming himself into one of the most exciting independent filmmakers of his generation. His second film, Valentina (2017) (made for $500), is now streaming on Apple TV, and his third, Sweet Caroline (2018) ($1,500), won Best Picture at the Sunscreen Film Festival.

With each film, his ambition and scope has expanded. Your Iron Lady (2020), his fourth feature, was based on his mother’s memoir and caught the attention of the Golden Globes, nearly earning him a nomination. His fifth, MELANCOLÍA (2021) ($3,000 budget), starred Mexican pop star Alessandra Rosaldo, Plutarco Haza, and Laura Flores. His sixth, Union Station (2023) ($5,000 budget), further cemented his reputation as a fearless storyteller.

A true film festival veteran, Xolalpa has had his films accepted into nearly 100 film festivals, winning 33 awards and earning 55 nominations throughout his career. His ability to craft bold, intimate, and visually striking films on micro-budgets has positioned him as the next big force in independent cinema.

In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Xolalpa is the president and CEO of Mighty Aphrodite Pictures, a Los Angeles-based production company dedicated to amplifying women’s stories and LGBTQ+ narratives. Founded in 2014, the company has been a driving force in independent cinema, producing one feature film per year since 2016. Under Xolalpa’s leadership, Mighty Aphrodite Pictures has carved out a space for bold, underrepresented voices, championing stories that challenge conventions and bring fresh perspectives to the screen. Through his company, he continues to break barriers, ensuring that diverse and authentic stories find their place in the industry.

Beyond feature films, Xolalpa created the Amazon series STRANGELOVE, which Out Magazine called the “queer Sex and the City,” a groundbreaking exploration of modern queer relationships and identity. As an openly gay filmmaker, he brings authenticity and depth to LGBTQ+ narratives, ensuring that his work resonates with underrepresented voices.

Passionate about storytelling, identity, and pushing the boundaries of independent filmmaking, Xolalpa continues to evolve as an artist. He is married to professional dancer and actor Alexis Vazquez and is a devoted animal lover, sharing his home with a Chow Chow (Bosco) and a French Bulldog (Jimbo).

From shooting a film on an iPhone to working with internationally recognized talent, Xolalpa’s meteoric rise is proof that cinema is not about resources—it’s about vision, tenacity, and the audacity to challenge the system.

Credit

• Jorge Xolalpa - Director
• Jorge Xolalpa - Writer
• Jorge Xolalpa - Producer
• Alfredo Widman - Producer
• Alexis Vazquez - Key Cast - "Jesus"
• Johnny Ortiz - Key Cast - "Angel"
• Plutarco Haza - Key Cast. - "Ricardo"
• Katherine Castro - Key Cast - "Jolene"
• Eric Roberts - Key Cast - "Officer Jones"
• Jason Mercado - Key Cast - "Horacio"

• Jorge Xolalpa
• [email protected]

Host or Publisher Film Festival at Hollywood Park