Origins of Lenina

Lenina Crowne and her character arc in Brave New World, is symbolic of the struggle between individuality and the need to socially conform. 

Lenina’s personal tragedy is her yearning for deeper connections yet the perverseness of Soma (a drug used to escape all negative feelings), reinforces superficial connections and  shallow pleasures. 

The World State creates a paradox: it promises stability and happiness, but at the cost of individuality and the authentic experience of love, passion, pain, and personal choice. 

I made Lenina at a time in my life when I was experiencing a lot of firsts, right after I graduated college. I'd never lived in a big city nor fallen in love. This time in my life was marked by intermittent moments of hope, uncertainty excitement, doubt, unbounded curiosity, fear, infatuation, sadness- themes that seeped their way into the film. 

"LENINA" is a short film I had the privilege of writing, directing, producing, and sound designing. A heartfelt thanks to my sisters, Vanessa Ortega and Laura Ortega, for bringing the story to life.