Lauren graduated Magna Cum Laude from NYU, Tisch School of the Arts (Directing and Acting)/ Gallatin School of Individualized Study (thesis: 'Telling Stories to Create Cultural Identity'). In Cuba, Saffa studied film at La Fundacion del Nuevo Cine Latinoamericano. Lauren produced widely acclaimed political theater for The Culture Project (TCP) in NYC, working on such productions as The Exonerated and Sarah Jones' Bridge & Tunnel. Also for TCP, Lauren curated a prominent annual women's art festival, Women Center Stage, and was part of launching the inaugural year of a multidisciplinary city-wide political arts festival, IMPACT, in Fall 2006. Lauren recently lived and worked in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She now works as a freelance filmmaker/editor/producer for various media outlets including TripFilms, Current TV, TurnHere, and Lonely Planet.