Angelique Letizia: A Master Storyteller with Depth and Vision
Angelique Letizia’s creative journey reflects her dedication to storytelling that resonates on a deep, emotional level. From her beginnings in musical theatre and ballroom dancing to becoming an award-winning screenwriter and director, Angelique has consistently used her craft to explore societal issues and highlight underrepresented voices. As the founder of Starr Films, she has produced a wide range of impactful projects, all guided by her commitment to authenticity and artistic growth. Through her blog, *Keep Seeking*, she shares insights from her personal and spiritual journey. In this interview, we’ll delve into how Angelique’s approach to storytelling shapes her films, how she balances creativity with the demands of the film industry, and what drives her to push boundaries in every project she undertakes.
You write and direct short films. What do you love most about this form of storytelling?
Is there a particular scene you’ve written that stands out to you?
Short-form storytelling tests your ability to convey a complete story quickly, pushing you to use visuals and master language nuances to express your vision in a way that resonates both emotionally and viscerally. One of my favorite scenes in Confession is where we created the image of the therapist moving toward Joe like an oncoming train. Since Joe was so close to revealing his secret, the train symbolized urgency, both physically and metaphorically, adding layers of meaning that we explored in other scenes. Setting up that shot was a favorite of mine the team had to come together to place the couch on the tracks, with two crew members pushing the chair forward as the camera moved slightly, creating the illusion of an anxious mind.
You’ve lived in Manhattan for 15 years and have a deep connection to Paris. How have these two iconic cities influenced your creative journey? Do you find that your experiences in these places shape the way you approach storytelling?
Manhattan is both my home and, in many ways, my heart. As a child, I always dreamed of living in the city and working as an actress on stage.
Though my path didn’t align exactly with my vision—I imagined myself in musical theater but ended up in the Off-Broadway circuit—it was one of the best times of my life. The stage is, for me, one of the most incredible places to be as an artist. It allows for full, unfiltered expression in the moment, letting the energy flow naturally. Paris, on the other hand, is a place I’ve yet to visit. Yet, having done several past-life regressions,
I’ve discovered my deep love for Paris actually stems from multiple past lives. One reader even told me that when I finally step off the plane at Charles de Gaulle and onto the Parisian streets, I might be so overwhelmed that I’ll cry.
I've adored everything French since my teenage years. Though my heritage is Italian, my name is French—a choice my mother made after her favorite character from Dark Shadows, her favorite show as a child. My French is actually better than my Italian, and I often find myself drawn to all things French.
Your films often tackle societal issues and amplify underrepresented voices. What drives you to focus on these themes, and how do you approach telling these stories?
My focus on these themes is deeply personal. My attraction to underrepresented voices stems from my own experience of feeling voiceless.
When you feel like you’re shouting into the void and no one hears you, it can be isolating and even traumatic. This led me to realize how many people in this world suffer at the hands of those who try to silence them.
History has shown that humans often attempt to eradicate those with a different consciousness or worldview.
My aim is for the stories I tell to promote unity consciousness and global healing. I seek to inspire, inform, and entertain so I can (1) remind you that you are never alone, (2) affirm that you are worthy and your voice is heard, and (3) encourage you to live truthfully, never allowing others to oppress, repress, or suppress your light.
You’re an award-winning screenwriter and director. How did receiving this recognition impact your career, and what project are you most proud of during this journey?
I'm proud of all my projects, from the smallest to those still awaiting their debut. Each accomplishment helped me understand how my work resonates with audiences a challenge when the projects aren’t compared against others in their category. The one I’m most proud of is probably BLACKOUT. It took six years, three novels, a pilot, a series bible, and a great deal of research to bring it from concept to creation. Truthfully, I feel a part of my soul is in everything I do, and I have deep love for every project I've had the honor to work on.
Starr Films has been your creative outlet since 2008. What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on with Starr Films, and how do you see the company evolving in the future?
The most rewarding project I’ve worked on with Starr Films is SARINA’S SONG, a film we made over a decade ago that introduced me to visual storytelling on a higher level than I’d ever imagined.
It was a period piece with extensive pre-production, including securing three different mansion locations to create the film's singular estate. Working with Margot Kidder, my childhood idol and the original Lois Lane in the SUPERMAN films, was a dream come true.
She imparted invaluable wisdom, and we stayed in touch after the film wrapped, hoping to work together again on a project called OAK, ASH, AND THORNE before her untimely and tragic passing.
Michael O’Keefe was also a pleasure to work with. Everyone on that set from the crew above and below the line to the cast in front of the camera is truly special to me. I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for them, no matter what else comes along. As they say, you never forget the first time you fell in love.
If your life were turned into a short film, what genre would it be, and who would you cast to play yourself?
Oh, that’s a fabulous question! I’d say the story of my life as a short film would definitely be a suspense thriller. Life has had its twists, unexpected challenges, and moments that felt like they were straight out of a suspense movie, so it feels like the right fit. And as for casting, I’d choose Eve Hewson to play me—her depth and intensity would capture the complexity of the journey beautifully, and I think she’d bring just the right blend of vulnerability and strength to the role.
Where do you find inspiration for your films? Are there any unusual places or everyday situations that have sparked brilliant ideas?
I find inspiration for my films everywhere art, dance, you name it. SARINA’S SONG, for example, was inspired by Jack Vettriano's iconic painting THE SINGING BUTLER He even gave us permission to use the painting, though we couldn’t quite match the image to the final shot, so we commissioned an original piece for the film. Inspiration can come from something I read, someone I meet, a story I hear, or even a thought floating through the ether. Whatever the universe wants me to bring to the screen, I’m here for it…except horror. I've always said I’m not into horror, and every single time I try to get involved in a horror film, it falls through. At this point, I’m convinced the universe is telling me, “Hard pass.”
What’s one project or script idea you’ve always kept on the back burner because it felt too wild or out there? Would you ever consider bringing it to life?
A project I’ve kept on the back burner for a while is called The Blue Side. It’s a drama set post-9/11 about a woman who loses her husband to squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer common among first responders after the attacks.
The story follows his journey to the other side and her struggle to cope with his loss, only to discover that there may actually be life after death—and perhaps he isn’t entirely gone. I would definitely consider bringing it back to the table.
If you had the opportunity to direct the wildest, most impossible project with no budget or time constraints, what would it look like?
Oh, that is a phenomenal question! If I could direct anything, I’d dive into a series that explores the sacred history of the world a true origin story of humanity, told through every form of artistic expression imaginable. Imagine being taken back to the very dawn of “time” as we understand it, journeying from our earliest roots to today, and maybe even peeking into what lies beyond. It would delve into questions like where we came from, where we might be headed, and what truths about ourselves we’ve forgotten along the way.
The series would explore prophecies and eschatological events, the ones said to mark the end of the human journey, and ask: How can we raise our vibration and return to our highest, truest selves? It would blend mythology, spirituality, art, and science, sparking questions that maybe don’t have definitive answers but inspire viewers to seek, reflect, and connect.
Are you open to different types of collaborations like writing a column or co-creating content in another format?
I absolutely love collaborations, especially with like-minded individuals who share a passion for inspiring, informing, and entertaining.
There’s something truly magical about coming together with others to create something meaningful. I’m particularly drawn to projects that focus on uplifting the spirits of others and guiding them on their journeys. Whether through film, art, or any other medium, collaborating allows us to pool our ideas and energies, amplifying our impact. I believe that when we work together, we can create transformative experiences that resonate with people on a deeper level.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelique-letizia?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BgaZk%2FbHRRmOmiDpJcCGD%2BA%3D%3D
https://angeliqueletizia.com/
https://starr-films.com/
http://www.keep-seeking.com/