Biography
Laura Perez is an award-winning filmmaker, experienced educator, and Juris Doctor whose work centers on storytelling, performance, and amplifying underrepresented voices. She brings a unique interdisciplinary background—spanning film, education, and law—into the classroom, equipping students with the creative and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in any professional environment.
Perez’s filmmaking career is rooted in powerful, character-driven stories that reflect the lives and struggles of marginalized communities. She co-wrote, produced, and starred in Harvest of Redemption, a bilingual feature film based on the true story of a Latino migrant farmworker family which was shot for $25k, with a law school colleague. Harvest won the “Best Foreign Feature” award at the International Family Film Festival in Hollywood and was distributed commercially in both the United States and Mexico.
Her narrative feature, The Place in Between, which she co-wrote, produced and directed, is a mother-daughter road trip movie that explores identity, generational trauma, and reconciliation, and has been recognized for its emotionally resonant storytelling and inclusive production model. It was produced by an all-women team and has won the Best Narrative Feature Award at The Miami Women's International Film Festival, and the Founder's Favorite Film Award at the L.A. Life Film Festival. This feature set, designed to elevate marginalized voices both in front of and behind the camera is set for commercial release in 2026.
Her documentary American Orange (currently in post-production), chronicles an investigates the environmental and health crisis in a South Texas Latino border town that once secretly manufactured Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. The film follows the lives of critically ill residents—including the man known as the most chemically contaminated person on Earth—and explores themes of justice, resilience, and environmental consciousness. American Orange has received grant support from the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture and the Ford Foundation.
In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Perez utilizes her law degree to bring valuable legal and practical experience into her academic instruction. Her legal background enhances her teaching of acting and performance by incorporating skills such as persuasive communication, critical analysis, professional discipline, and confidence under pressure—all of which are essential to both courtroom advocacy and live performance. She uses this perspective to prepare students not only for careers in the arts but also for success in a range of fields requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.
From 2015 to 2022, Perez taught at a Title I high school in North Austin, focusing on performance, technical production, and musical theatre . She directed numerous full-length productions and implemented inclusive, culturally responsive teaching practices that encouraged ensemble collaboration and student-driven storytelling.
In the classroom, Perez creates a hands-on, real-world learning environment that blends industry-based performance techniques with transferable life skills. Her approach combines acting fundamentals—voice, movement, character development, and improvisation—with a strong focus on self-awareness, empathy, and critical thinking.
She empowers students to take creative risks, build confidence, and apply the lessons of performance to any path they pursue. Whether directing a film or mentoring students, Laura Perez is committed to the belief that the arts are a transformative force for connection, equity, and personal growth. She strives to create inclusive, empowering spaces where emerging artists and thinkers can find their voice and thrive.
A passionate advocate for emerging voices, Laura has judged major screenplay competitions including Final Draft’s Big Break and the American Screenwriters Association’s International Competition. Her work is defined by a strategic commitment to narrative authenticity and cultural integrity—spotlighting the strength, complexity, and resilience of underrepresented communities.
Laura has a Juris Doctor with concentrated experience in entertainment law, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Minor in Communications, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre.
Perez’s filmmaking career is rooted in powerful, character-driven stories that reflect the lives and struggles of marginalized communities. She co-wrote, produced, and starred in Harvest of Redemption, a bilingual feature film based on the true story of a Latino migrant farmworker family which was shot for $25k, with a law school colleague. Harvest won the “Best Foreign Feature” award at the International Family Film Festival in Hollywood and was distributed commercially in both the United States and Mexico.
Her narrative feature, The Place in Between, which she co-wrote, produced and directed, is a mother-daughter road trip movie that explores identity, generational trauma, and reconciliation, and has been recognized for its emotionally resonant storytelling and inclusive production model. It was produced by an all-women team and has won the Best Narrative Feature Award at The Miami Women's International Film Festival, and the Founder's Favorite Film Award at the L.A. Life Film Festival. This feature set, designed to elevate marginalized voices both in front of and behind the camera is set for commercial release in 2026.
Her documentary American Orange (currently in post-production), chronicles an investigates the environmental and health crisis in a South Texas Latino border town that once secretly manufactured Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. The film follows the lives of critically ill residents—including the man known as the most chemically contaminated person on Earth—and explores themes of justice, resilience, and environmental consciousness. American Orange has received grant support from the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture and the Ford Foundation.
In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Perez utilizes her law degree to bring valuable legal and practical experience into her academic instruction. Her legal background enhances her teaching of acting and performance by incorporating skills such as persuasive communication, critical analysis, professional discipline, and confidence under pressure—all of which are essential to both courtroom advocacy and live performance. She uses this perspective to prepare students not only for careers in the arts but also for success in a range of fields requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.
From 2015 to 2022, Perez taught at a Title I high school in North Austin, focusing on performance, technical production, and musical theatre . She directed numerous full-length productions and implemented inclusive, culturally responsive teaching practices that encouraged ensemble collaboration and student-driven storytelling.
In the classroom, Perez creates a hands-on, real-world learning environment that blends industry-based performance techniques with transferable life skills. Her approach combines acting fundamentals—voice, movement, character development, and improvisation—with a strong focus on self-awareness, empathy, and critical thinking.
She empowers students to take creative risks, build confidence, and apply the lessons of performance to any path they pursue. Whether directing a film or mentoring students, Laura Perez is committed to the belief that the arts are a transformative force for connection, equity, and personal growth. She strives to create inclusive, empowering spaces where emerging artists and thinkers can find their voice and thrive.
A passionate advocate for emerging voices, Laura has judged major screenplay competitions including Final Draft’s Big Break and the American Screenwriters Association’s International Competition. Her work is defined by a strategic commitment to narrative authenticity and cultural integrity—spotlighting the strength, complexity, and resilience of underrepresented communities.
Laura has a Juris Doctor with concentrated experience in entertainment law, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Minor in Communications, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Theatre.
Research Interests
Women in Film
Underrepresented Demographics in Film
Underrepresented Demographics in Film
Teaching Interests
Scene Study and Character Development
Voice, Movement, and Improvisation
Storytelling and Performance for Social Impact
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Legal Communication and Advocacy through Performance
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Art, Law, and Social Justice
Voice, Movement, and Improvisation
Storytelling and Performance for Social Impact
Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Legal Communication and Advocacy through Performance
Interdisciplinary Approaches to Art, Law, and Social Justice