“ I regard costumes as an expression of the lead character’s potential as a woman, where she envisions herself as a warrior, princess or goddess” explains Isabel Sandoval, who directed Shangri-La as part of the ongoing short film series Miu Miu’s Women’s Tales . A project initiated by Miu Miu in 2012, where the fashion brands commissions two films a year, where all female directors are given carte blanche to create films that showcase Miu Miu clothing.

“I was stunned, honored, and privileged,” says Isabel “to be invited to direct the next Miu Miu’s women’s tale”. The Filipino-born, NYC-based director, writer, editor and actress made history at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival’s “Giornate Degli Autori” section as the first film directed by a trans woman of color to ever screen in the competition.

Set in California, during the great depression, the short-film focuses on the love affair between a second generation filipino farmhand, played by Isabel herself, and a white American, during a time when interracial relationships were considered a criminal offense. Shangri-La invites its viewers to step into an earthly paradise that is isolated from the world, where Isabel Sandoval re-imagines Miu Miu’s latest collection through her artful lens.

Shangri-La Tale available to watch here.