Conversations with Carmen Halphen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Halphen.

Hi Carmen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Panama, and from as early as I can remember, I was fascinated by the arts and creativity, it always sparked joy in me. My first glimpse into storytelling came through acting as a child, since my mom often did commercials and would take me along. Despite a challenging childhood, the cinema became my sanctuary. Every week, going to the movies felt like a breath of fresh air. I remember sitting there and thinking: one day, I want to give others this same feeling, an escape, the chance to live other lives, to spark joy and inspiration, and most importantly, to educate.Over time, I learned that film wasn’t only entertainment. It was one of the most powerful tools for education and inspiration.

My creative journey began with school and high school theatre productions, where I fell in love with the stage. From there, I transitioned into professional theatre and had the privilege of working with some of the best theatre directors in my country. In total, I participated in more than a dozen productions, mostly as an actor but also behind the scenes. Those experiences gave me a foundation in performance, collaboration, and discipline, while sparking a deep respect for the power of live storytelling.

By the time I was 16, I was already diving headfirst into the creative world. That year, I produced my first concert, a Steve Aoki show in Panama, while still in high school. It was incredibly successful, and no one could believe it had been pulled off by a teenager. For me, it was the first time I proved to myself that I was unstoppable, even at 16.

Curiosity kept leading me to explore different fields, concerts, event planning, fashion shows, radio, but the more I tried, the clearer it became that film was where my heart belonged. That same year, I landed my first internship at the International Film Festival of Panama (IFF), which gave me my first real immersion in the industry. From that internship, I connected with the CEO of a film company who is now my associate. One connection and opportunity led to another, and that relationship has grown into a collaboration that has lasted more than seven years.

During the pandemic, I lived in Spain, which was another world creatively. Being in Madrid allowed me to reconnect with my roots, and with that came deep self-discovery, especially in how I create. I met incredible artists and thinkers who shaped my perspective and expanded my approach to storytelling. It reinforced my belief that art evolves with us. The art I make today is completely different from the art I made 10 years ago, and that evolution is a gift.

Eventually, I moved to the United States to pursue my dreams and studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). SCAD was one of the best things to ever happen to me. It was the first time I felt truly heard, understood, and comfortable with myself. Growing up in Panama, I often confused people because I expressed myself and thought differently. At SCAD, those differences were celebrated, and I flourished.

During college, I worked every single summer on professional productions while also dedicating myself to my own work as an artist through short films. Balancing industry-level jobs with my personal creative projects, and doing it all on top of classes, wasn’t easy, but it was possible. I managed and juggled both worlds, staying committed to telling stories with my film friends while also building a professional resume. As I like to say, I don’t need easy, I need possible. That philosophy carried me through SCAD and still guides me today.

Now, I live in Atlanta, Georgia, where I focus mainly on independent filmmaking. I have made over 10 short films that have screened at different festivals, opening the door to new opportunities and collaborations. Alongside my own projects, I work as crew for feature films across the United States and in Panama, my home country, constantly flying back and forth from production to production.

Through this journey, I have also had the privilege of working with major studios and companies, as well as independent and local productions. My credits include Warner Bros. (The Suicide Squad), AMC (The Walking Dead), Leyline Entertainment (Eye for an Eye), and Bambú Producciones in Spain, alongside indie companies like OK Productions, Al Bravo Films, and Array Filmworks. In Panama, I have collaborated with renowned local studios such as Treehouse Studios, Jaguar Films, Silver Productions, and Wiznitzer Films. Each project has given me new skills, perspectives, and collaborators, reinforcing how much I love being part of this industry at every scale.

A deep source of inspiration for me is my father’s story, an extraordinary journey I hope to one day bring to the screen. It fuels my belief that storytelling is one of humanity’s most powerful tools for change. Stories remind us of our resilience, our capacity for empathy, and the ways we are all connected.

I deeply thank every experience I have had. Each one has led me closer to filmmaking. Today, I call myself a multidisciplinary artist because I truly can do it all. From theatre to film, concerts to festivals, design to production, I have never stopped creating, experimenting, and learning.

What I have discovered is that my role in this industry will continue to evolve, but my purpose remains steady. Storytelling makes me happy. It made me happy then, and it makes me happy now. If through my work I can inspire someone else to never give up, then I will know I am doing exactly what I was meant to do.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not. The path of an artist is rarely linear, and for me, it has been a journey filled with challenges, sacrifices, and constant growth. I started in this industry ten years ago, and in many ways, we’ve grown together. Filmmaking demands so much: long hours on set, endless production and pre-production days, and the ability to juggle countless things at once. Along the way, I’ve missed important family moments, weddings, birthdays, even funerals, because of the sacrifices this career requires.

One of my biggest struggles has been maintaining balance. I’ve learned that my mind and body need stability, proper rest, nutrition, and care for my nervous system, in order to keep up with the demands of this industry. Filmmaking taught me that taking care of myself is not optional. It’s essential if I want to create at my fullest.

As a young woman in film, another challenge has been learning to say no, to stand firm in my values, and to protect my safety and integrity. Early on, I often felt pressure to stay quiet or simply go along with things, but over time I discovered my voice and the leader within me. I’ve learned to speak up about what truly matters, without asking for permission, especially when it comes to safety and respect on set. Beyond myself, I know I am paving the way for the next generation of young women in filmmaking, and that responsibility drives me to hold the line even stronger.

The road has also not been smooth because filmmaking can sometimes be a very lonely path. The key is building a strong support system, finding artists who share your values, and holding onto each other tightly. Most of my family understands what I do, but I’ve also created a network of creators who share my dreams and with whom I’ve built mutual support. Peer pressure is another huge obstacle in this industry, which is why I have very strict personal rules that keep me grounded in my beliefs and morals. Life itself often gets in the way while you’re making a film, and the road isn’t smooth because filmmaking demands sacrifice, perseverance, and constant problem-solving.

For me, the answer has always been to unite with people who share my values, vision, and positive mindset. Because as much light as there is in filmmaking, there can also be darkness in the process and in the people you meet along the way. I believe there are many creators like me who want better for this industry, and I’ve been fortunate to find and work alongside them. These are the leaders I envision building with in the future. One day, I hope to create a production company with all of these individuals, one built on respect, where women are treated as equals and minorities are truly welcomed.

Staying in my craft is a daily choice I make, not because it is easy, but because I love what I do and I believe deeply in the power of storytelling. The industry is going through constant evolution, and while that makes the road rough at times, I know that every obstacle has shaped me into the filmmaker and person I am today.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a director, producer, and script supervisor. Over the years I have worked in nearly every department, wardrobe, electric, art, production design, makeup, which gave me a well-rounded perspective, but I have come to focus on these three roles as the heart of my career.

Producing was my first love. At 16, while still in high school, I was offered my first producer role after an internship. The director trusted me before I trusted myself, and that experience showed me what I was capable of. Today, we are business partners, and we are developing a film school in my home country. Script supervising came shortly after, when I discovered the craft through continuity work in wardrobe. It opened my eyes to the precision and discipline that filmmaking requires, and I embraced it fully. Directing, for me, is where leadership, vision, and creativity merge with my fascination for emotions and psychology. I love exploring how human behavior shapes stories, and I strive to connect that knowledge with the artistic process.

My career is a balance between working as crew on feature films and developing my own stories through short-form work. In my personal projects I often focus on family dramas and psychological thrillers, while also experimenting with dance as a storytelling tool. All of my films share a distinct aesthetic because I consistently shoot with ARRI. One of my proudest works is El Alma de la Sed, a short film produced in Panama with my college peers, where we turned a thesis project into a professional production filled with heart, discipline, and love. Recently I was also awarded a grant backed by the Government of Panama and the Ministry of Culture to create another short film. I am incredibly excited to return to Panama to bring this new story to life, especially since El Alma de la Sed was also shot there.

I am best known as a producer, for my problem-solving, resourcefulness, and persistence in making the “impossible” possible. What sets me apart from others is being a strong voice in this field. I protect my crew, I don’t take no for an answer, and I exhaust every possible path until I find the right one. I also bring humor and warmth to every set, keeping the atmosphere positive and my team entertained. I believe the energy of a set directly shapes the outcome of a film, so I make it a priority to create an environment where people feel comfortable, respected, and inspired. At the end of the day, storytelling is why I do what I do, and I am most proud of the worlds and emotions I have been able to bring to life.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have so many people to thank. I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible mentors and collaborators throughout my journey, as well as people who showed me exactly who I don’t want to be. Both sides of the coin have been important, because they allowed me to shape my own path and create my own magic.

The first person who truly believed in me was Arianne Benedetti. I’ve been working with her for over ten years. She gave me my first gig when I was just 14 years old, and we continue to collaborate today. Recently, she welcomed me on stage when my team and I received a government grant to direct a film in Panama. That moment felt like a full circle, and one of the most beautiful milestones of my career.
Luis Pacheco has also been a huge mentor. I started as his intern, and eight years later we are now business partners. Alfa Montenegro is another guiding light. She is a phenomenal woman who leads with grace and clarity, and she always seems to know exactly the right thing to say. Working alongside her showed me that women can lead with both strength and elegance.

The people who believed in me and the people who didn’t, the ones who tried to convince me to go for a more ordinary path and the ones who validated my calling and pushed me toward my dreams, were both equally important for my journey. They helped me see both sides of the road and gave me the strength to choose for myself. Above all, I have to thank my family. They never made me feel crazy for choosing a career in film and never let me give up, something I know is not the case for many people. For that, I will always be grateful. My friends, too, even if they don’t fully understand what I do, have cheered me on every step of the way and have accepted every change in my persona and identity. They’ve seen it all and still stay by my side, because they see the value in what I do and the value in who I am.

The more I’ve connected with my purpose and with myself, the more phenomenal people I’ve been lucky enough to meet along the way in this industry. They’ve inspired me, challenged me, and reminded me that this journey is not one I take alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10965499/
• Instagram: @halphen.carmen
• Facebook: Carmen Halphen
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmen-halphen-18707016b/?originalSubdomain=pa

Image Credits
Brenden Mascherino, Rommel Rosales and Tyler Heydon