From Colombia to Queens: Sofia Yepes and the Art of Authentic Filmmaking
Introduction: Why Indie Film Still Matters
In a world where blockbuster budgets and streaming giants dominate the headlines, it’s easy to forget the raw, beating heart of cinema: the indie filmmaker. These are the storytellers who turn lived experience into art, who find beauty in the everyday, and who remind us that movies are more than just entertainment—they’re a mirror, a megaphone, and sometimes, a lifeline.
In this wonderful episode of the Make It Podcast, hosts Chris Barkley, Nick Buggs, and Producer Papa Bear sat down with Sofia Yepes—a Colombian-American actor, writer, and producer whose journey from Medellin to Queens, and from childhood playrooms to the indie film circuit, is as inspiring as it is instructive. Sofia’s feature film, “The Low End Theory,” isn’t just a title borrowed from a classic A Tribe Called Quest album; it’s a manifesto for filmmakers who want to tell stories that matter.
If you’re a filmmaker, film student, or just a movie lover, this conversation is a masterclass in authenticity, creativity, and the power of community. Here’s what you need to know—and why you should tune in to the full episode.
Sofia Yepes: A Filmmaker’s Journey Rooted in Real Life
Sofia’s story begins in Medellin, Colombia, but her creative roots took hold in Queens, New York. As a child, she was the kind of kid who turned wallpaper, basements, and attics into stages for her imagination. “I was putting on plays, faking my own death, and giving my poor mother anxiety attacks,” Sofia laughs. “Ever since I could talk, I was super creative.”
But like many young artists, Sofia didn’t immediately see a path from play-acting to a career in film. “I grew up not understanding that could be a career for somebody. I was just having fun,” she recalls. It wasn’t until later—after years of self-discovery, hustle, and collaboration—that she realized her stories could resonate far beyond her own family.
This sense of discovery is at the heart of “The Low End Theory,” a film Sofia co-wrote, produced, and starred in. The movie, which recently secured distribution, is a testament to the power of bringing friends and community along for the ride. “My favorite part is that I got to do it with my friends. Everyone was just like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’ And now we all have this awesome movie we’re proud of.”
The Low End Theory: More Than a Movie Title
For hip-hop heads, “The Low End Theory” is synonymous with A Tribe Called Quest’s groundbreaking album—a record that redefined what rap could be. For Nick, the phrase became a metaphor for filmmaking itself.
In a twist that Sofia wasn't expecting, Nick draws a parallel between the “low end” in music production (the bass, the groove, the emotional anchor) and the emotional core of a film. “What if the low end is actually the raw, authentic, emotional stories in the human experience?” he asks.
Sofia agrees. For her, the “low end” of her movie is the moral complexity at its center: “Do I do something that may hurt someone else, but with the intention of helping somebody else? You’re stuck in a moral dilemma where you’re doing the wrong thing, technically, but for the right reasons—according to you.”
This kind of storytelling isn’t just about plot twists or flashy visuals. It’s about anchoring your film in emotional truth, and trusting that audiences—especially younger ones—are hungry for stories that reflect the real world.
Authenticity, Editing, and the Art of “Killing Your Darlings”
One of the most powerful segments of the conversation centers on the editing process. Every filmmaker knows the pain of cutting a scene you love for the greater good of the movie. Sofia shares a personal example: a fight scene with her character’s best friend that she adored, but which ultimately had to go.
“It was so hard to let it go,” she admits. “But once I saw the bigger picture, I realized we needed to see that bond of best friends. We didn’t have the luxury to have them fight, because there’s a huge payoff in the end. As hard as it was, I’m really happy we did it. It’s so much better that way.”
Chris chimes in with a universal truth: “If you have a great editor, that editor is a storyteller. They help you get out of that space of being too in it, so you can see what the audience sees.”
For filmmakers, especially those early in their careers, this is gold. Editing isn’t just about trimming for time—it’s about serving the story, even when it hurts. It’s about trusting collaborators, test screening your work, and being willing to “kill your darlings” for the sake of clarity and impact.
Cultural Specificity: Why It Matters in Movies
One of the most resonant moments in the episode comes when Sofia discusses her role in Disney’s “Encanto.” The casting call wasn’t just for a “Latina” voice—it was for a Colombian street vendor. That level of specificity, Sofia says, is rare and powerful.
“We haven’t seen ourselves—not in a Disney movie, and not in a lot of content,” she explains. “To be requested specifically, just to be enough in that film, for me was such a proud moment. I was like, ‘Oh yeah, Colombia, we’re on the map.’”
Nick adds that cultural specificity isn’t just about representation—it’s about authenticity. “My buddy is Nicaraguan, and he says, ‘Nicaraguan culture is not the same as Puerto Rican culture. We’re not a monolith.’ When you’re specific, you can talk about your specific experience, and that’s what makes it real.”
For filmmakers, this is a call to action: Don’t water down your story to appeal to everyone. Lean into what makes your perspective unique. The world is ready for it.
Lessons for Filmmakers: Anchoring, Balancing, and Grounding Your Story
Throughout the episode, the hosts and Sofia break down filmmaking into practical, actionable lessons:
- Anchor the Emotional Frequencies: Just as a song needs a strong bassline, a film needs a clear emotional core. What are the two or three truths you want your audience to carry away?
- Balance the Intensity: Not every scene should hit the same emotional note. Quiet moments—like Sofia’s character finding solace with a new love—give the audience space to breathe and make the drama hit harder.
- Edit Ruthlessly: The movie you write, the movie you shoot, and the movie you edit are three different things. Trust your editor, test your film, and don’t be afraid to cut even your favorite scenes if they don’t serve the story.
- Ground Your Characters: Especially with antiheroes, it’s easy to lose the audience’s empathy. Sofia breaks down every scene, every moment before, to make sure her character’s motivations are clear and relatable.
- Let Authenticity Take the Front Seat: Sometimes, the most powerful moments come when the lines between actor and character blur. Sofia describes a scene where real-life emotions of betrayal surfaced, making the performance raw and unforgettable.
Trivia, Rapid-Fire, and the Power of Community
The episode isn’t all heavy theory and craft talk. There’s plenty of laughter, trivia (did you know Patricia Cardoso was the first Colombian-born filmmaker to win an Academy Award?), and rapid-fire questions about favorite films, cheat day meals, and advice for single parents.
But perhaps the most inspiring thread is the sense of community. Whether it’s bringing friends along to make a movie, celebrating the achievements of fellow Latinx filmmakers, or just sharing a love of hot chicken in Nashville, the message is clear: Filmmaking is a team sport.
As Sofia puts it, “No one can stop you from doing art. That’s the great thing about being a creative now. You can be afraid of not getting paid the same, but no one can take it away from you. Do what you want to do, when you want to do it.”
Why You Should Listen (or Watch) This Episode
If you’re a filmmaker, film student, or just someone who loves movies that mean something, this episode of the Make It Podcast is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tips, hard-won wisdom, and a renewed sense of why you started making movies in the first place.
You’ll hear Sofia Yepes talk about the joys and struggles of indie filmmaking, the importance of editing and collaboration, and the power of telling stories that are specific, authentic, and unapologetically yours. You’ll get insights from hosts who have been in the trenches, and you’ll laugh along with a crew that knows how to keep it real.
Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that the “low end” of filmmaking—the raw, the real, the sometimes messy—might just be where the magic happens.
Call to Action: Join the Conversation
Ready to dive deeper? Don’t just take our word for it—listen to or watch the full episode of this conversation with Sofia Yepes on your favorite podcast app or on YouTube. Subscribe, leave a review, and join a community of filmmakers who are passionate about making movies that matter.
Whether you’re in the edit bay, on set, or just dreaming up your next project, let this episode be your soundtrack for creative courage. Hit play, get inspired, and go make your movie.
Listen or watch now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube—just search for “Make It Podcast” and look for the episode with Sofia Yepes. Your next big idea might be one story away.