Artist Statement

The cinematic universe has been a part of life ever since I was child. Growing up, my father would take my brother and I to see a movie every weekend. Sitting through each film with buttery popcorn in my hands, I became numb to my surroundings and soaked in the stories being projecting onto the big screen. I was neither an observer nor a character in the film, but rather a spirit that felt the heartbreak, terror and love that flashed before my eyes. While movies have always interested in me in such a profound way, I never realized how big a role they would play later in my life.

It was in my high school, Fiorello H. Laguardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts, that I created my first short film. In my junior year, I took a digital media class and was given the assignment of creating a short film using music. I combined footage of my cats, Garfield and Chloe, with a progressive rock song, telling a story of a solitary cat who encounters a new friend. It was in the making of that film where I experienced a sense of belonging and passion. I had realized then that studying and creating film was what I wanted to pursue. By the end of the class, I was so fascinated in film that I had gone on to make a short comedic film about a night of adolescent debauchery.

What drives me to make films is knowing that the process utilizes all of my artistic interests: writing, editing, framing, and acting. Although I do not know know exactly what career in the film industry I want to continue with, I am enthusiastic about cinematography, directing, and screenwriting. I am also interested in the narratives present in drama and horror. I desire to create work that evokes deep feelings in others and forces them to reflect on life. However, there is another part of me that is interested in creating comedic narratives after my years of doing improv as a hobby. Without a doubt the task of making people laugh is quite difficult, but I am very eager to attempt it.

I also explore other kinds of media; specifically photography. I love to photograph food, people, and landscapes. I currently live in Bayside, Queens with my brother, my parents, and my two cat. I also am of Colombian and Ecuadorian background. As a second-generation family member living in New York City, I am not so in touch with my Hispanic roots. Yet, I intend to speak the Spanish language well for my future films and my family.