Who is Jesus Schettino?
My name is Jesus Schettino. I was born and raised in Mexico City, and for as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be an artist—just like my great-great-grandfather, Quirino Mendoza y Cortés, the composer of the iconic song “Cielito Lindo.” I believe that’s where I inherited my talent. I often say that I didn’t choose acting—acting chose me. My mother loves to remind me that when I was four years old, she bought me a guitar. I used to sit at the entrance of our home, singing and pretending to play. The funny thing is… I’m still trying to figure out how to play it correctly. I moved to the United States at nineteen, searching for an opportunity to one day contribute something meaningful to this industry. Even though I started out washing dishes, with no papers and no money, I always believed anything was possible. “Yes we can”—because I’m a Mexican, not a Mexican’t.
Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?
Yes. There’s a whole story behind it. As a child watching television, I used to wonder, “How do this people get inside the TV?” In the beginning that curiosity was my dream, which is why my career started in acting. But eventually, I grew tired of waiting for the right opportunity. So, I asked myself, “What if I create my own opportunities? What if I write my own stories? and to be honest I got tires of waiting for an opportunity, so I started thinking…
What if I start doing my own productions, what if I write my own stories? What if I direct?” That’s when I started paying real attention to films. The moment I watched “Amores Perros” By Alejandro Gonzales Iñarritu, I truly fell in love with cinema. I knew instantly: This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Tell us about your projects?
In 2019 I wrote and produced the horror short film TAMARA, which become an official selection at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival. On 2020 I produced and directed the drama short film “ESPERÁNDOTE” This project has received numerous awards and recognitions across international film festivals. To name a few: three awards for Best Firs Time Director and two awards for Best Short Film, two
awards for Best Drama, Best Innovate Concept, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the prestigious Satyajit Ray film award among many others.
Also in 2020, I co-produced and wrote the original concept for the film Clown & Out. Currently, in 2025, I’m producing and directing two new short films: “TAILLIGHTS” a horror mystery project and co-producing with Paralipsis Academy and Luz Cenital Teatro “BEHIND THE WALLS” a drama centered on the realities and struggles of immigration.
Which director inspires you the most?
The director who inspires most right now is Guillermo Del Toro, I truly admire him-not only for his incredible talent and creativity, but also for his authenticity and humility. Honestly…wow I think I really love this guy.
What do you dislike about the world, and what would you change?
There are many things in this world a dislike but, I’ll mention a few. Starting off with war, the loss of innocent lives caused by power and territorial conflict, moving forward into… I dislike racism because a believe that as human beings, we are the same. I dislike seeing the rich become richer while the poor become poorer. I hate how we are destroying our mother earth. And lastly… I hate how artificial intelligence is increasingly replacing human labor. If I could change the world, I would unify all cultures, end war, eliminate weaponry, and redirecting those resources to end world hunger.
How do you Imagine cinema in 100 years?
I’m honestly afraid for the future of cinema. I deeply respect what Guillermo Del Toro expressed regarding the Frankenstein movie when he said, “I rather die then use AI in my projects” He wants people working, creating, and building from scratch, because he believes that creativity is everything.
SAG and AFTRA, along with many actors and industry leaders, have also voiced strong opposition to AI replacing human performers-especially after the controversy surrounding the AI-generated character Tilly Nortwood. I share that fear. Cinema must remain human, creative, emotional, and real.
What is the impression of WILD FILMMAKER?
I believe this community of independent filmmakers and producers is a highly respected, well-established, and prestigious organization, it serves as an incredible platform for filmmakers like me to gain visibility with the industry, connect with others, and hopefully one day produce and direct major, impactful projects.
I want to thank WILD FILMMAKER for the honor of inviting me to his interview. It is truly a privilege to be part of such a magnificent project. I hope to one day officially join the wonderful organization-the sooner, the better.
