In a world that demands everything from us, finding spaces for vulnerability and passion is undoubtedly a powerful reason to follow our dreams—simply for the joy of making our hearts happy. Today at The Walk, we speak with Ximena Lamadrid —actress, producer, and film director— about her inspirations, passions, and what it truly means to be brave. 

Dani MJ: You’re a Mexican who’s lived a nomadic life for the most part. How do you think these multicultural experiences have shaped and inspired you as an actress? 

Ximena Lamadrid: Growing up in a foreign country really shaped me. I lived in a super multicultural environment, surrounded by friends from all over the world… being exposed to so many different cultures expanded the way I see life. I also went to a very creative school and had a really free childhood—it was a time without phones, very genuine. Back then, Dubai wasn’t the modern city everyone knows now; it was basically a desert. Watching the city grow at the same time I was growing up was incredibly inspiring. I was also deeply impacted by seeing my parents start from scratch—my dad was a pilot and my mom worked in HR. They were so brave and built a life far from home. That taught me a lot about determination. 

DMJ: Your career is undoubtedly multifaceted. One day you’re in an indie short film, and the next you’re sharing credits with Bill Murray. What would you say is the common thread that has guided your choice of projects? 

XLM: That’s such a beautiful question. I think the common thread has always been following my intuition and my heart. Choosing honest characters and doing my best to honor them, even in more commercial projects. Sometimes characters find me, sometimes I go after them, or even write them myself. But I always try to find the truth of each character and connect with them from a genuine place. 

DMJ: I know you’ve also explored producing and directing. Speaking specifically about these roles and your experience as an actress, what are the most important lessons you’ve learned from the directors you’ve worked with? 

XLM: I’ve learned what kind of environment I want to create when it’s my turn to direct or produce. I’ve been on sets where there’s yelling and stress, and I know that’s not what I want. I prefer kind, calm environments, where even when things go wrong (because they always do), they’re handled with composure. I’ve also been lucky to work with directors who have a crystal-clear vision, who rehearse, who connect with you and with the script… that really inspires me. Every experience has taught me something valuable. 

DMJ: What does it feel like to step behind the camera and tell such a personal story? 

XLM: It’s a very personal and vulnerable experience. Writing something inspired by yourself or someone close to you is hard. My short film, which premiered in Morelia last year, was written as part of the development process for a feature. It was inspired by some of my mom’s experiences living in Cancún in the '90s, although it also contains a lot of fiction. The biggest challenge was building the character from an honest place, without idealizing her, acknowledging that no one is perfect. Opening up like that is intense—but it’s also incredibly fulfilling. 

DMJ: Has your perspective on cinema changed now that you’re also writing and directing? 

XLM: Absolutely. I used to be more judgmental, but now I deeply value everything it takes to bring a project to life. Writing, producing, acting, editing… it’s all huge work. These days, I watch films with more openness and less judgment, knowing how brave it is to share something so personal with the world. 

DMJ: We all come from humble beginnings—do you remember any cringe-worthy auditions or “please let the earth swallow me” moments from your early days that you now laugh about? 

XLM: Of course! When I was starting out—without a manager—I signed up for this super random casting platform. I did everything from music videos to improvised scenes. I remember one audition where I had to say “Hola… Hi,” and I just couldn’t get it right. I repeated it like a thousand times, and it never worked. Now it’s funny, but at the time it was awful. And the auditions where I had to sing… those were so embarrassing! 

DMJ: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the arts, in any form? 

XLM: Consistency. That’s the key. Believe in yourself and keep developing your talent—but above all, be consistent. Observe, learn, connect with creative people, and do what you love with love—not from the ego. There’s a book that really helped me: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin. It talks about how it’s not the most talented person who stands out, but the one who’s most dedicated. If you do things with love and discipline, the results will come.