The model-actress-writer-producer Lutza Gayot got the first inkling that she wanted to pursue a creative career while pursuing a degree in International Business. Weary of the negative images that were floating of Haiti in the international media, Lutza put together an animated documentary Haiti Through My Eyes, a positive exploration of what Haiti meant to her. The documentary, she recalls, was widely covered in the media, including WSVN-7 Miami, BET, Fox, and countless newspapers and other media outlets in Europe. It also established her as an early player, if not pioneer, in Haiti’s international makeover.
Besides her love for film, Lutza was enamored with modeling, and strutted her stuff for such brands as Coogi.
Her latest film-related project is a documentary entitled My Mission, written by Jepthe Bastien. She’s just finished writing her first book. Kreyolicious cheries, you shall learn about that tome at another time. In the meantime, check out this interview with her discussing body image and her career.
Kreyolicious: You’ve worn so many different hats over the course of your career. You’ve been a model, film producer, researcher and actress. If you could assume only one of those roles for the rest of your life, and you could only choose one…which would it be?
I would say modeling. I love dressing up and and role-playing…that would be my first pick—since you ask for one.
Kreyolicious: Do you ever get those moments when your creative juices get stalled?
Uh, yes and no. I get at a place sometimes [when] I need to make the proper decision on my next move. It’s always so serious for me.
Kreyolicious: Say you were assigned to be big sister to someone who is entering college right now. What would you say to her to help her make up her mind on how to choose a career?
I would say pick a career you enjoy and one that can help other people. I’ve learned in life you can enjoy what you do, [and] yet [if] you’re not participating in the growth of others—that leads to nothing at the end.
Kreyolicious: When you were in high school, did you ever struggle with yourself in terms of self-image.
Yes, I did. I was told negative thing about my butt, my lips my walk, my height. So, I used to hold my lips inward, and wore a butt garment to flatten my butt.
Kreyolicious: How did you get over this?
I [came to] understand [that the things] I was struggling with made me a woman. So, I embraced them all, and [that made it] better.
Kreyolicious: When you’re undertaking a creative project…say a film…what steps do you take to take it from the idea stage to the completion stage?
I spend time with the casting director to figure out what he’s looking for—and also—I weigh in details on my side. I was called in for a principal role on a movie with Vivica A. Fox. I got the part, but i had to back out. I look at many aspects.
Kreyolicious: Entertainers tend to have five-year plans. What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?
In all that I do, helping my country is my plan.
