Paola Baldion is a multi-talented and accomplished actress, director, and producer, boasting a rich cultural heritage that spans both Colombia and Europe. Born in the City of Light, Paris, and raised in Italy and Colombia, Paola is a true Latina artist, fluent in not one, not two, but four languages: Spanish, English, Italian, and French.
Her artistic journey began at the tender age of four, when she started performing in her parents' marionette theater. As she grew older, Paola sought out the guidance of renowned masters Edgardo Román and Paco Barrero in Bogotá, Colombia, followed by rigorous training at HB Studios in New York and Stephanie Feury Studio in Los Angeles. Her academic pursuits led her to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater and Film Studies from Concordia University in Montreal.
Paola made her feature film debut in the lead role of Marina in Retratos en un Mar de Mentiras (Portraits in a Sea of Lies),a film that premiered at the prestigious Berlin and Guadalajara film festivals. Her outstanding performance earned her numerous accolades, including the Colombian Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as Best Actress honors at the Guadalajara and Amiens International Film Festivals.
As a co-founder of Dos Almas Films, Paola has directed impactful short films and documentaries, including the thought-provoking For Alma and I Am Migration, a documentary that sees her and partner Jamie Toll travel across the United States, offering free DNA tests to explore ancestry and identity.
Paola's latest fiction film, Abrazo, tells the poignant story of a pregnant Central American woman crossing the U.S. border. This powerful film has received an impressive 29 festival awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Writer, and Best Actress. Through her body of work, Paola continues to champion stories about identity, migration, and social justice, bringing visibility to underrepresented voices in both dramatic and comedic roles.
