Influential Woman · Film and Public Policy
Desiree De Anda
President of Golden Eagle Films and Founding Board Member, Teasurer and Director of AI Visual Storytelling, Golden Eagle Films and Golden Eagle AI / The AI Cinematic Film Guild (AICFG)
Los Angeles, CA
Her Story
About Desiree
I am a filmmaker and documentarian with more than 18 years of experience in the film industry. I began my career as an independent filmmaker and later returned to higher education as a first-generation graduate to expand my knowledge and impact. Throughout my career, I discovered a deep passion for documentary filmmaking and storytelling that drives positive social change.
I am particularly committed to advancing human rights and raising awareness of issues affecting vulnerable populations, with a special focus on North Korea and China. Motivated by a desire to better understand policy solutions and contribute more effectively in these areas, I pursued a second master's degree in Public Policy from Pepperdine University at the School of Public Policy, specializing in international relations, national security, and dispute resolution (Caruso School of Law).
In addition to my work as an independent filmmaker and documentarian, I have served as the president and co-founder of a nonprofit film organization, Golden Eagle Films. My films have been distributed nationally and internationally, earning recognition at festivals worldwide and receiving more than 100 awards. Through my work, I strive to use the power of storytelling to inform, inspire, and advocate for meaningful change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Desiree
01What do you attribute your success to?
God is my oxygen. As a Christian woman, I believe our time here is brief, and I feel deeply called to use mine to help others. From a young age, I was drawn to understanding human suffering, resilience, and the forces that shape societies. After reading Anne Frank's diary, I became fascinated by history, spending countless hours in libraries and studying documentaries about World War II and other atrocities, always asking what could have been done differently.
My passion for helping others is also rooted in personal experience. After enduring an abusive marriage for 16 years while raising four children largely on my own, I came to understand how God can use our greatest struggles to bring healing and hope to others. As I became more open about my journey, I realized that our wounds can become a source of strength and encouragement for those facing similar challenges.
Whether through filmmaking, advocacy, research, or everyday acts of service, my mission is to help set captives free both literally and spiritually. One of the most meaningful moments of my career came when a man shared that he was on the verge of relapsing after 10 years of recovery, but watching our documentary on addiction and recovery gave him the strength to keep going. Stories like his remind me why I do this work.
In January 2027, I will begin pursuing a Ph.D. in History to further research subjects I have studied for decades, including propaganda, media influence, applied history, and the role of storytelling in creating positive social change. My goal is to continue using scholarship, film, and faith-driven leadership to educate, inspire, and empower others. Through every project, I seek to bring hope, healing, truth, and freedom to the people and communities I serve.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As a Christian, my Jesus is the foundation of everything I do. I strive to live each day with the purpose of serving God and using the gifts He has given me to make a positive impact on others.
If there is one piece of advice I would share, it is this: don't allow difficult circumstances to keep you from pursuing your purpose. As a first-generation graduate, I married young and followed a path that was familiar to many in my family. After 16 years in an abusive marriage, I made the difficult decision to leave and raise my four children largely on my own. Today, they are grown adults pursuing their own education and futures.
Throughout that journey, I often reminded my children that our circumstances can either sink us or propel us forward. I chose to let mine propel me. Challenges do not define your future; your response to them does. Don't allow others to determine your worth or your potential. Instead, believe what God says about you and the purpose He has for your life. That belief can carry you through even the most difficult seasons and empower you to accomplish more than you ever imagined.
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