PATRICIA CHICA - SHE SPOTLIGHT
- Johanna K. Lumi
- May 7
- 3 min read
Producer / Director / PR Expert | President, Flirt Films and ChicArt PR
Based in Montreal & Los Angeles
In this She Spotlight, Johanna sits down with Patricia Chica - a producer, director and PR expert whose work spans film production, talent development and strategic positioning within the industry. As President of Flirt Films and ChicArt PR, she brings a holistic approach to filmmaking, combining storytelling, mentorship and market awareness with a strong commitment to supporting female filmmakers and underrepresented voices.
You’ve built your career across production, PR and mentorship. Looking back, what first drew you into this industry, and what kind of change are you hoping to make through your work now?
I have been immersed in the film industry since my teenage years, working across a wide range of roles and steadily growing through every level of the craft.
As an entrepreneur, and supported by a strong team of diverse women, I founded ChicArt PR to support filmmakers, producers and writers in surpassing their goals by amplifying their visibility, market presence and overall positioning.
As a producer, through Flirt Films Inc., I am particularly committed to supporting female directors in financing and bringing their feature films to life. Recent and upcoming projects include Somnium (2024), Her Choices (2026), and The Watcher’s Game (2027), among others.
Beyond production, I dedicate much of my time to mentoring actors and creatives through coaching, teaching and my Rising Star Program. I also serve as a mentor and educator with organisations such as Stage32, L’INIS Film School, USC and Imiloa Institute, and regularly speak on panels at major festivals including TIFF, Cinequest, Fantasia and Cannes.
All of my work is rooted in collaboration, meaningful storytelling and the expansion of consciousness.
You’re currently focused on supporting women and underrepresented filmmakers through mentorship and development. What are you stepping into right now, and why does it matter at this stage?
My current focus is helping women and underserved filmmakers surpass their professional goals through coaching, mentorship, PR and the Rising Star Program.
At the same time, I am actively looking to meet female screenwriters to option scripts on behalf of Flirt Films Inc.
This work matters because it creates real opportunities - not just visibility, but tangible pathways for projects and voices that deserve to be seen and supported.
From the outside, your career can appear very visible and established. What’s something people wouldn’t necessarily see about your path?
What people often don’t realise is that I rarely promote my work as a director.
Many of my clients don’t even know that I direct, despite having received over 60 awards. I choose to focus less on personal recognition and more on the contribution I bring - alongside my team at ChicArt PR - to the wider film community.
As you come into Cannes this year, what does the festival represent to you right now, and what are you hoping to make happen while you’re there?
For me, Cannes is about both intention and presence.
The intention is to help others grow - supporting talent, opening doors and creating opportunities.
The presence is about discovering new voices and connecting with creatives who are ready to take the next step in their journey.
You’ve spoken about community and connection as central to your work. What does “building collective power” mean to you in practice, and who are you hoping to connect with next?
For me, community is about consciously elevated professionals finding and attracting each other organically.
I believe that when people are aligned in purpose and intention, meaningful collaborations naturally emerge.
Looking ahead, my vision is rooted in using storytelling as a force for positive change - ultimately contributing to a more conscious and connected world.
Patricia Chica will be joining the She Squad at Cannes 2026.
ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER
Johanna K. Lumi is a Finnish-born, London-based actress and interviewer working across the UK, Nordic and wider European film industries. With an active career in acting and experience across directing, casting and production, she has also conducted red carpet interviews at the Finnish Oscars, bringing an industry-insider perspective to her work.
At the Marché du Film 2026, she is conducting interviews for Yes She Cannes, spotlighting female creatives and building relationships across the global film community. Alongside her acting work, she is developing a cross-Scandinavian production and expanding her presence across European markets. (IG: @johannak.lumi )
Post created by Isabella Bonfante. (IG: @isabellabonfante )
Yes She Cannes is a global platform dedicated to elevating women in film through visibility, connection and access - creating meaningful opportunities at Cannes and beyond. Follow along: @yesshecannes
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