After four years in the making, film director and writer Jorge Xolalpa has partnered with Elite Publishing House to bring his first memoir to life as part of a newly signed four-book publishing deal.
The untitled memoir, set for release in December 2025 just in time for the holidays, is an unflinching chronicle of Xolalpa’s journey from his childhood at age nine through the present day, told with the same raw intimacy that has defined his work on the big screen. A Spanish-language edition will follow in Summer 2026, further reflecting Xolalpa’s deep connection to his roots and commitment to accessibility for his community.
The memoir traces a life shaped by resilience, immigration, and relentless creativity. Xolalpa, the founder of Mighty Aphrodite Pictures, has carved a place in independent cinema with films that challenge convention and amplify underrepresented voices. His projects, including Your Iron Lady, Valentina, and the upcoming Lolita, have traveled the festival circuit and connected deeply with audiences worldwide. Yet, for Xolalpa, this book is the most vulnerable piece of art he has ever dared to share.
Xolalpa said:
Film has always allowed me to tell stories about others.
This memoir is about turning the camera around and telling the story I’ve been holding in for decades.
Through its pages, readers will be invited into moments of joy and triumph, but also loss, doubt, and survival with the truths that shaped Xolalpa as an artist and as a man. More than a timeline of events, it is a testament to the enduring spirit of someone who has never stopped fighting for a place in a world that wasn’t built for him.
As part of the four-book multi-deal, Xolalpa’s memoir will be the first to reach readers, with his debut novel already in the works. Talks for a national book tour have also begun. Xolalpa promises to stay committed to his community and hopes that this memoir can serve as a beacon of hope during these dark and unprecedented times.
More than just a story, the book is a love letter to his community and a pledge that his art, words, and voice will always remain with them.
