Today we’d like to introduce you to Kohl Avalos Bybee
Hi Kohl, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Kohl Avalos Bybee. I’m from Mesa, Arizona, I come from Ecuadorian and Mexican descent, and I’m a Taurus. My passion for filmmaking was born in 2019 when I watched Parasite. In 2021, I moved to Salt Lake City where I currently live and work. Since then, everything about me has changed.
Growing up, I was anxious and shy. I was so uncertain of myself, and it caused me endless stress throughout my youth. Without going into the details of my high school trauma, I had a deep, awful belief that I didn’t belong. I felt like I wasn’t good enough as I was. I couldn’t grasp the concept of identity and individuality, all I understood was acceptance and rejection. As a teenager, I tried everything to be accepted; continuously conforming and contorting to the tune of whoever I spoke to. I existed entirely within my anxiety, enclosing myself in insecurity, looking anywhere but within myself for value.
The COVID pandemic started just before my high school graduation. Unbeknownst to me then, quarantine was the best thing to happen for me. Passing friendships faded away, and I was left with my friends and family who truly cherished me. I finally felt free from the stress to conform, ushering in an incredible time of healing and self-discovery. For the first time, I was open to inspiration for who I was and what my life could be. My youth was a stressful and anxious time, but as a young adult I’ve transformed completely; an incredible change I could not have foreseen.
This is a story that most of us know or can relate to. Storytellers have woven their personal stories of growth into their art, inspiring us as we write our own. Through the experiences of characters, manifestations of real stories from real individuals, I began to see a path that I too could travel. I witnessed the beauty of individuality and forgiving your past, overcoming what you know and realizing what can be. As did the characters, I felt the emotions as they maneuvered a transformative time in their life. Watching these characters and being moved by their stories would help me identify my own transformations, leading me to today.
In 2024, I no longer characterize myself by my past. Instead, I am filled with the joy of who I am and the life I am living. I am filled with my passion for filmmaking that propelled me to the premiere of my first film and the start of my career. I am filled with the love and admiration of my community that supports me in my pursuits. I am grateful for other artists, whose experiences of realization propelled me toward my own. I’m grateful for their art that changed my life and continues to inspire me to follow joy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I moved to Utah in the fall of 2021 attending the University of Utah. Reintroduction after the first year and a half of the pandemic was incredibly difficult, compounded by the fact that I contacted covid before I arrived and missed the entire first week of introductions. I immediately felt like an outsider, consequently, I behaved like one. My college dream eroded immediately and it stung every time I thought of it; thus, I withdrew my efforts from school, community, and film. My response was to bottle my dream, preserving it for when circumstances improved. Preservation to such an extent, though, that I did not put any energy into it, fearing that disappointment would cause further despair.
Self-doubt tormented me as a teenager, but as a young adult it only frustrates me. The sting has worn off, but I recognize how my lack of self-belief limits me; I simply don’t even try. I’m so afraid of my doubts being confirmed that I struggle to give myself the chances to challenge them. For as long as I can remember, it has kept me from living how I’ve wanted to. This year, I actively began practicing self-belief. It isn’t perfect, but I attribute a lot of my success in the past year to this act. Only by taking a chance on myself have I had the courage to take the professional opportunities that have come my way. As I’ve succeeded, I’ve been rewarded with undeniable proof that I possess the skills and abilities to achieve.
As I write today, I feel like I’m cracking the code. My world has opened and filled with community, opportunities, and art. I believe in a future filled with pursuits and accomplishments, and I feel motivated like I never have to continue toward my potential.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a filmmaker! In 2024 I wrote and directed my first film, titled Dusk. It is about a teenager, named Dusk, who creates a gender non-conforming outfit for a school dance; unbeknownst to their mom who tries to surprise them with a dress. Though she is confused when her surprise isn’t met with enthusiasm, she recognizes that there is something she simply hasn’t understood, and she opens herself to Dusk. Spoiler alert: Dusk shows the outfit to their mom, who surprises Dusk with a tiara, completing the outfit.
What I am most proud of is how resoundingly positive the film is. I wanted to make a film that was not only uplifting to audiences, but also the people who worked on the film. I organized an incredible crew led by kind, inspiring people. Together, we invited the spirit of creation onto set. I am so proud that in an industry sometimes marred by results and haste, we had the magic. It fills me with joy to hear from individuals who were touched by the story, who too were filled with joy. I am proud that my film had such a positive impact.
So far, Dusk has received selections and honors from several film festivals across the country. Dusk was selected by the Utah Film Center to be shown at their BIPOC Creator Showcase where I got to speak on identity and Dusk. I was also invited to share my film and join a discussion on the grounding nature of art at the Queer Spectra Arts Festival in Salt Lake City.
My past year of work has been nothing short of incredible. Aside from my own project, I’ve worked as a Camera Assistant, Digital Imaging Technician, and Production Assistant on several other projects this year. I am so proud to have made the film I have, and to have had a positive impact on the other productions I’ve been a part of. I’m so proud that I’m known not only for being a professional on set, but also for being kind and cheerful. I’m so blessed to be surrounded by a community of artists and their passion, together we take on the improbable and lift ourselves closer to our potential.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As I studied filmmaking, there was one thing I was told the most: it is all about who you know. It’s true, but only half true. The other half is about who you are. By being yourself, you will make personal connections with the people you meet, and those personal relationships will get you so much further than you are led to believe.
No matter what, it is imperative that you are honest. Honest about what you can do, honest about what you do not know, and honest in your interactions. Filmmakers especially surround themselves with people they know, people they trust. “Fake it until you make it” is a quick way to damage your reputation before you even have one. Ask questions, ask clarifying questions, and show curiosity! It is important for people who may take a chance on you to have an accurate gauge of who you are and the skills you have, any gap in your knowledge can be solved in a day of shadowing.
What I have learned pushed me from the fleeting hope of success to anticipating success. In every interaction with every person you meet from now on, be yourself! I know how hard this is, but you must not let your insecurities keep you from connecting with others. You are a wonderful, deep, and admirable human being; as you boldly embody yourself, you will attract community. Within this community will be people who adore you, who believe in you, who see you and your art! This community will support your journey in every way they can. They will bring you opportunities where you will be surrounded by like-minded people with whom you can bed your roots, grow your confidence, and thrive within your craft; all while making meaningful connections within your industry! To every uncertain artist, I implore you to take a chance on yourself; the wonderful thing about art is there will always be a community that welcomes it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kohl55.my.canva.site/kohl-avalos-bybee
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kohlavalosbybee/
- Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/kohlavalosbybee
