ELSA SEVILLA SPEAKER & AUTHOR
Every guest receives a FREE book — make your event unforgettable.
I speak and promote history because I know how life-changing it can be. When I was five, my father had a near-fatal accident that uprooted us from our home in Mexico and brought us to California. He survived — but the move left me feeling isolated and disconnected, and it took decades to reconnect with my heritage.
That’s why I share history with audiences of all ages. Seeing yourself in history builds identity and belonging — and research shows it improves performance by 30%. (Source: Stanford University)
I’m Elsa Sevilla, Emmy-nominated journalist and host of Historic Places. Together with my partner and co-producer, Guillermo Sevilla, we’ve brought San Diego’s hidden history to life since 2008. I now offer curated events with exclusive screenings, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiring history talks — and every guest at your paid event receives a free copy of my book, Camera Ready.
Reserve your event today —let’s make history come alive.
CAMERA READY:
FROM HARDSHIP TO THE SPOTLIGHT
Seventeen years in the making—my book is finally here!
I had a loving family, but I lacked a mentor to guide me through life’s firsts. After a near-death experience in our family, we were uprooted from Mexico to California, and everything changed. I wrote my book, Camera Ready, to share how those early challenges—along with instinct, determination, passion for storytelling, and history—shaped who I am.
My determination began at seven, when a teenage boy made it clear our family wasn’t welcome in our neighborhood. That moment sparked a promise to rise above and do something meaningful for my community.
Camera Ready is more than a memoir—it’s a story of resilience, purpose, and rising against the odds. From not speaking English to becoming a TV journalist, host, filmmaker, speaker, and now author, this is the real story behind the spotlight.
Thank you for being part of the journey. Camera Ready is available now at Barnes & Noble online and Amazon. Watch the trailer and help celebrate this milestone!
Elsa Sevilla, Speaker
Discover the Stories That Shaped San Diego
I’m on a mission to uncover forgotten stories about BIPOC and their many contributions — because for too long, they were left out of the narrative. In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, their work built San Diego, yet history often erased them. When we leave them out, we turn them into invisible people.
I speak about the First People of the Kumeyaay Nation, Mexican ranchos, API communities, Black pioneers, and women’s history — weaving in my own 35-year journey as a journalist, filmmaker, and author. Each event combines Historic Places screenings with powerful talks that inspire audiences to see themselves in history and honor those who came before us.
Dates fill quickly — book your event now and help make sure these stories are remembered, celebrated, and shared.
Historic Places with Elsa Sevilla
Historic Places is one of the most-watched documentary series on KPBS/PBS since its 2008 debut. With nearly 80 episodes, we’ve uncovered powerful, untold stories—spotlighting women, Indigenous peoples, Latino/a/x communities, and hidden chapters of California and U.S. history.
As an Emmy-nominated journalist, TV host, and filmmaker, I’ve poured my heart into this work. Together with my partner, Guillermo, we built Sevilla Productions, LLC—researching, filming, and producing every episode with care and purpose. In recent years, our son, Julian, has also joined us in this mission.
Our Story
At Sevilla Productions, LLC, we tell powerful stories that preserve history, inspire connection, and spark change.
Led by Elsa and Guillermo Sevilla, we bring decades of experience in journalism, documentary filmmaking, and visual storytelling. From Historic Places on KPBS/PBS to talks, legacy videos, and short documentaries, we spotlight resilience, identity, and untold histories—especially those of women, Indigenous peoples, and communities of color. We also offer media training to help leaders shine on camera, and legacy videos that honor lives and milestones with broadcast-quality production.
Our Mission:
Sevilla Productions tells powerful stories through documentaries, short films, and keynotes—bringing history to life and honoring untold narratives that deserve to be seen and remembered.
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