RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2023
Lorena Gordon
Lorena Gordon is an award-winning writer/director hailing from Queens, New York. Lorena began her journey in film working as a production assistant on sets at the age of 18 with directors such as Martin Scorsese, Sam Mendes, and Ben Stiller. She then made her way to the director’s chair after feeling inspired and determined to tell her stories.
As someone who was born and raised in one of the melting pots in the world, Queens, New York, Lorena is committed to telling character-driven stories that are authentic and personal. The stories Lorena feels most passionate about telling are about the human condition and give a platform for the Latinx, queer, and disability communities. Lorena feels it’s her responsibility to give a voice to communities whose stories often don’t get told. Lorena has directed, written, and produced the short films Times Like These and At Last. Both of her films have been picked up for distribution. At Last starred Zack Gottsagen and George Lopez, garnering her awards for Best Director and Best Short Film throughout its festival run. The short film was picked up and is now streaming on HBO Max. She was recently a Semi-Finalist for the New Voices Filmmaker Grant in partnership with Netflix, as well as a finalist in the MTV First Time Directors Initiative, and for the 2023 Seriesfest and Shondaland Women Directing Mentorship Award. Currently, Lorena is in development for her first feature film.
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After an extensive search and interview process, 20 individuals were invited to participate in the Los Angeles Cohort of RespectAbility’s 2023 Entertainment Lab taking place May 1 – June 9, 2023. This 6-week Lab aims to develop and elevate the talent pipeline of disabled entertainment professionals working behind-the-scenes in television, film, and streaming, while connecting them with industry professionals and creatives. Participants include people with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and other disabilities ranging in age from people in their 20’s through their 50’s. The Lab is a recipient of The Roddenberry Foundation Impact Award.
