Oscar-winning Guillermo del Toro and Lorenzo Scibilia take center stage at Capri Hollywood

Lorenzo Scibilia is a 21-year-old filmmaker who can’t help but tell stories, in every way he finds compelling. Cinema, at the moment, is the most seductive medium for him. Now in the production of his sixth short film, he is promoting his latest work: I Know You Well. Shot between the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, it is an experiment that explores mystery, psychology, and meta-cinema. Produced by Nymphéa Production and producers Antonella Di Nardo, Michael Moscatelli e Lorenzo Scibilia, written and directed by Lorenzo Scibilia, starring Susanna Morello as the protagonist, the short film is available to watch for free on the streaming platform MyMovies from December 31 to January 3, as part of the selection of the 30th Capri, Hollywood Film Festival.

(EXCLUSIVE) INTERVIEW

How did the idea for this story come about?

At night. I often find inspiration in the moments when I should be dreaming, and it often comes through talking to someone, chatting online. Human contact, even virtual, as well as prolonged solitude, can create a kind of frequency that connects with an idea I then decide to pursue. It was almost Christmas, I was alone in the room where I live in Milan, and my mother had been asking me for days to shoot something set in our home, which she decorates like a Christmas village every year. So I put together these ideas, some images, and an object I had always ignored, and this experiment was born.

So, a traditional Christmas object becomes a co-protagonist…

Exactly. The advent calendar has always symbolized surprise and joy, as well as a very precise way of marking time. I’m fascinated by the idea of subverting the use of objects, something that also happens in my next short film, and in I Know You Well, I was struck by the idea of turning surprise into something that creates discomfort, worry, and paranoia. The drawers of an advent calendar are perfect for setting a rhythm in a film, especially in a short one: they allow you to jump through time without confusing the viewer.

Regarding the characters, Susanna is the protagonist, but we also hear other voices, in addition to the presence of the calendar.

Yes, they are fundamental voices that represent the connection with reality, allowing Susanna to confront what is happening to her. They are performed by Antonella Di Nardo, one of the producers with Michael Moscatelli (Character: Susanna’s mother), and Andrea Maddalena Bernardi (Character: Susanna’s best friend). The voice we hear at a certain point in the short, you will hear, is by Davide Schio. All three were essential in giving even more depth to the story, and they are incredibly talented, I’m very grateful to them for taking part. I should also mention that I made a small cameo myself, voicing the ex-boyfriend in the story.

This is Susanna’s third project as a lead actress, all three with Lorenzo. What challenges did you face in playing the only visible character in a story with four characters?

To be honest, being the only visible character in the short didn’t feel particularly difficult. Being alone on set or having someone physically there is different, of course, but that doesn’t necessarily increase or reduce the complexity of the performance. The real challenge was interacting with characters who weren’t physically present, talking on the phone without a script. Lorenzo would explain roughly what the scene needed to convey, and I would improvise. I imagined conversations, guessed the pauses where the other person might respond to lines that hadn’t been written yet. It really pushed me to take risks, but that’s always the case when working with Lorenzo. He gives me general directions and the freedom to express myself however I feel is right, and if something doesn’t work, we try again.

In this short film, music is an integral part of the storytelling, almost giving voice to the images and becoming one with them.

I am grateful to Filippo Signorini, who composed all the music for this film, and who collaborated with Gaia Gorla Neggia known as Ansia, a dear friend and a talented singer, who lent her voice. I had a very specific musical world in mind, and by talking with Filippo, a true professional and a great talent, we managed to find the right balance between instruments and voices. My request was to use Ansia’s voice as if it were a musical instrument, not as a speaking human voice, but as breath. I believe Filippo, Ansia, and I truly succeeded. I say this with pride, because every time I reach the end of the short and hear the final piece of music, I can’t help but feel moved.

And finally, who is the person who Knows Susanna Well?

(Smiles.) The answer can be found by watching the short carefully until the very last second. It’s right there, but many people only catch it after three or four viewings. Susanna’s real mother, not the character, sent a message in their family group months after the first screening. After watching it again, she came to a realization that perfectly solved the mystery. I was surprised and genuinely happy: it means it’s not as hard to understand as some people have said. You can watch I Know You Well from December 31 to January 3 in free streaming on MyMovies by reserving your seat in the virtual cinema.

“Never My Love” (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Nicolò Grasso

-Who is Nicolò Grasso?

I am an independent Italian filmmaker, currently residing between Venice, Italy, and Berlin, Germany. Whilst studying Philosophy, Politics & Economics in Venice, I decided to pursue my interest in filmmaking by creating a short film celebrating the 150th anniversary of my university. Winning a prize for this scrappy production gave me the motivation to embark on this journey as film director. I finished a Master’s degree in Film Production at Solent University, in Southampton, UK, and now I work as a film director and film editor.

-Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

Though cinema has been a constant throughout my life, watching many family and adventure classics ever since I was 3 years old, there is one key moment that made me realize cinema was more than just entertainment, but an art form. In 2010, I caught on TV Tom Ford’s “A Single Man”: through its shifting use of color, meditative pacing and mournful performances, it hit me that film could be so much more than just a pastime or a comforting bedtime story. It was art, maybe the definitive art form, uniting so many talents and crafts to convey emotions and feelings through sound and images. In a way, I have been chasing the high of watching that film, experimenting myself with different cinematic techniques, ever since.

-Tell us about your project “Never My Love”.

Originally envisioned as a feature film, in its current form “Never My Love” is an abridged version of the opening scene, working as both a standalone short and a proof of concept.

The story is set in Berlin. In a nightclub, a lonely man, David (played by Jonte Fra), is seduced by a mysterious person, Jules (Bishop Black). After seducing him, Jules takes David back to their place to meet their partner, Hanna (Jasko Fide), to spend an unforgettable night together.

The story was born from an inherent sadness that can be felt in nightclubs: all these people and bodies colliding together, strangers meeting in one place, fighting the daily emptiness of life by drowning in noise and sweat. What if, in one of these places, you met someone that can give meaning to your life? Someone that will remember you forever?

Playing with both horror and queer tropes surrounding hook-up culture and “stranger danger” narratives, “Never My Love” does not aim to disturb or generate distrust. If anything, the desired effect is opposite: despite leading to a bloody sensual climax, what Hanna and Jules offer David is a symbol of true love, acceptance, and belonging. It is Georges Bataille’s idea of cannibalism, more philosophical than literal, wherein the act of consuming one’s flesh is the ultimate assimilation of who that person is.

As this is quite the balancing act and a difficult tone to convey through words alone, I ended up mostly self-financing the film with some help through crowdfunding. The cast features actors with a background in adult filmmaking, showcasing their genuine acting talent and commitment to the craft, while the crew was primarily made of queer individuals, most of whom work in Berlin.

The dream is that the short version of “Never My Love” can be used to develop the feature-length version, which would explore themes of finding and losing love, remembrance, and accepting one’s mortality. But, as of now, the short film stands on its own two feet: I am proud of everyone’s work in making this project come to life, and I believe it showcases my own range as a filmmaker, having previously directed smaller projects leaning more towards video art.

-Which Director inspires you the most?

It is a tie, as my two main inspirations complement each other: David Lynch and Maya Deren. Through their knowledge and passion for art forms other than filmmaking (primarily painting and dance), they managed to tap into the subconscious with their works. They are a reminder to embrace metaphors and allegories, to be intuitive in my craft without over-analyzing every step. Film is such a complete medium with the power to overwhelm the senses, and both of these artists’ works can conjure dreams and nightmares alike, making viewers get lost in distorted versions of reality.

My favorite David Lynch film remains “Blue Velvet”, with its exploration of sex and violence bleeding into the DNA of “Never My Love”, while for Maya Deren I will often go back to “Meshes of the Afternoon”, its loop structure and affordable means of production making it an inspiring watch each and every time I see it.

-What do you dislike about the world and what would you change?

We are witnessing so much violence and hatred in all forms of life: from the return of fascism and spread of extremist ideologies, to the many wars and genocides happening around the world supported by Western governments, it is easy to feel like there is no hope for the future. I think that all forms of art, not just film, can help bring change in small ways. A powerful song, a moving film, or a rousing poem can inspire one, ten, one hundred, one thousand individuals to do good, be good, support the oppressed, and believe in the future. After all, if we completely lose faith that things can change and get better, what is the point of going on? In my own small way, through my art I want to be politically involved, starting with telling openly queer stories as certain governments push back against equal rights, and continuing with upcoming projects about the immigrant experience and the need for supportive communities.

-How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

As cinema is a little over 100 years old already and it has undergone significant changes, I believe we will see big leaps with technological means, more affordable access to cinema-grade equipment, but also a proliferation of anti-art films, from soulless AI-generated productions to even more mind-numbing films by committee produced exclusively to make a quick buck. True cinema though will endure, the one made by humans, to tell personal, intimate stories that will connect with many around the world, and ways of distributing it will only get easier. In my opinion, cinema in 100 years will be in a complicated spot, but not a hopeless one where hand-crafted films do not exist anymore.

-What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

I am happy to have discovered this worldwide community of filmmakers and film lovers that champions both independently made films like “Never My Love” as well as true artists of their craft. I look forward to connecting with more people inside this network, and to hopefully meet some at upcoming film festivals.

“Midnite’s Journey” (EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Dana Silkiss

-Who is Dana Silkiss? 

Dana Silkiss is an accomplished musician, professional horse trainer, martial artist, author, and father of 5 children. He now lives in Angera, Italy, and on his horse ranch in North Carolina. He has produced documentaries for PBS and has poems listed in the Library of Congress. He recently received the prestigious Marquis Who’s Who in America award for his outstanding contributions to society.

-Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema? 

Yes, watching “The Sound of Music” when I was 10 years old.

-Tell us about your project “Midnite’s Journey”. 

Both the series and film concepts are based upon the factual book, “Midnites Journey”, by Dana L Silkiss

Throughout a shocking series of events depicting racism, prejudice, and slavery, we are able to witness what has cultivated Midnite’s belief in justice and honor, even while enduring the depths of depravity and torture, Midnite forces his mind to reflect on the myriad of events that made him the caring young man he has become. Midnite is an unforgettable character with a passion for music, loyalty to his friends, and unwavering determination to see that justice is served. Each scene (episode) juxtaposes his horrifying experiences with aspects of his core beliefs. From pursuing a career as a musician to becoming a civil rights activist, he lives to tell his tale only by his love of music and the sheer will to survive against all odds. Midnite, a gifted guitarist, wants to be a star. Just as his musical career is about to go viral, he finds himself enduring the most terrifying tests of his young life. We follow him straight into hell and wonder whether we’ll ever see the light again.

Abducted by corrupt police and taken into a forced labor camp, the musical prodigy is plunged into a horrifying nightmare, witnessing prostitution, torture, corruption, and murder. On his own, he must rely on his intellect, creativity, and passion for his music. The events are too horrible to be true, yet they are based on real events, and the ending cliffhanger leaves us wanting more. This spellbinding novel by Dana Silkiss and the aftermath of Midnite’s escape is an intriguing mix of a socio-critical crime thriller and mystery, juxtaposed with a dash of romance, music, and philosophical ideologies. “Midnite’s Journey” details the beginnings of today’s privatized correctional facilities (free labor) and present-day madness of America’s correctional policies. Dana has teamed with screenwriter Beverly Horvath to adapt Midnite’s Journey into a made-for-television series or feature-length film. The series pilot script and series bible are complete, and an outline for the series is as well. A feature-length movie script has also been completed. 


-Which Director inspires you the most? 

Hitchcock & Tarantino

-What do you dislike about the world, and what would you change? 

The current madness of authoritarianism, fascism, and racism throughout America and the world. Change is more than necessary in the present-day government’s ideals, corruption, and hypocrisy. As history has repeatedly shown, the powerful and wealthy rule at the expense of the lower classes.

-How do you imagine cinema in 100 years? 

The reality of cinema will hopefully continue to be conceived of and implemented by creative individuals, not AI. There will be a time when the industrial elite will try to shanghai people’s talents and use them for their interpretation of (not real) cinema, unless changes are implemented in the present to safeguard this precious institution of artistic expression.

-What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER? 

A unique opportunity to embolden and showcase new, inspiring, and creative ideas in a way not available before.

“DIAMOND LIGHT” By Angelena Bonet

 Synopsis – Diamond Light

DIAMOND LIGHT is an intimate and visually arresting documentary that follows award-winning filmmaker and musician Angelena Bonet as she transforms unimaginable personal tragedy into a global mission of empowerment.

After surviving the sudden death of her fiancé and a violent sexual assault that nearly took her life, Angelena rebuilds herself through music, activism, and storytelling. Her journey becomes a powerful exploration of resilience, feminine strength, and the alchemy of turning pain into purpose.

Interwoven with original songs co-written with her late fiancé, Diamond Light blends raw personal narrative with poetic imagery, charting Angelena’s rise from survivor to international advocate. As she confronts grief, trauma, injustice, and healing, the film shines a light on the wider epidemic of violence against women while celebrating the indomitable courage of those who rise above it.

More than a memoir, Diamond Light is a call to collective compassion — a cinematic testament to hope, transformation, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

🎬 Logline (EFM)

A survivor of devastating loss and violence transforms her trauma into a global movement for healing — a cinematic journey of resilience, music, and the unbreakable power of the human spirit.

👩‍💼 Short Bio

Angelena Bonet is a multi-award-winning Australian documentary filmmaker, producer, and recording artist, and the founder of Crystal Heart Productions. Her films and music — including seven documentaries and six music videos — have won more than 400 international awards, celebrating themes of resilience, women’s empowerment, and social change.

A survivor-advocate, Angelena creates transformational, deeply personal films that amplify global conversations around healing, violence against women, and human rights.

“Nossos Caminhos” (Our Paths) By Carla Di Bonito

Born in Fortaleza (Brazil) and based in the United Kingdom for over 30 years, where she worked as a journalist at the BBC, Carla studied Journalism in Italy and most recently obtained a degree in film from the London Southbank University, where she specialized in Screenwriting, Production and Directing. With a career marked by courage and overcoming challenges, Di Bonito consolidated her position in the audiovisual market with her second short film, “Luzinete”—inspired by her sister’s death from an overdose—gaining international recognition by receiving over 220 awards and being exhibited in 45 countries.

At present, the filmmaker is focused in producing two new authorial projects: the feature film “Nossos Caminhos” (Our Paths), whose screenplay has received over 100 international awards to date, and “Connor and Sonia”, also internationally awarded .

“Waveman” by Anna Morelli

Anna Morelli —Short Professional Biography Anna Morelli is an award-winning Italian screenwriter, director, and visual creative specializing in highly conceptual narratives for the global market. Her work blends filmmaking, advanced worldbuilding, and visually driven narrative design with integrated VFX/CGI concept development, shaping feature films, TV series, and franchises with international appeal. Her screenplays have received numerous international awards, including the Best European Screenplay Award for Wave Man and several International Awards for Innovative Screenwriting, with additional recognition from major festivals and media outlets such as WildFilmmaker Magazine, the Chicago Script Awards, the Venice Film Catalogue 2025, Hall of Fame 2024 and 2025, Indie Oscar Award 2025, Abafta Member, Best 100 Writers of the Year – WGA Los Angeles (2025) … Morelli’s recent and upcoming works include the science fiction action film Cybernetic Genesis – War Between Two Worlds (screenplay and direction), the award-winning conceptual feature film Wave Man, the adventure-thriller project The Adventures of Jack, the original story concept for John Wick 5, and a new, unreleased feature-length sci-fi action thriller project. She is the founder and president of Genesis Media Film and co-founder of the production and visual studios ProfessionalFoto and AnimeCorp. where she develops intellectual properties, directs film projects, and collaborates with producers and international festival networks. Active in Italy, Europe, and the United States, Anna Morelli is recognized for her bold visual identity, structurally sound screenwriting, and ability to design scalable narrative worlds for sequels, trilogies, and franchise expansions. Official Site http://photoanyart.it

Waveman

Set at the crossroads of fantasy, science fiction, and a spiritual thriller, the film explores humanity’s most crucial choices, those that shape the survival of the planet and the moral foundations of our future. In a seemingly ordinary contemporary society, reality slowly shatters, revealing parallel worlds that coexist and collide: one dark and intangible, rooted in cults, possession, and Hell itself; the other, a visionary future set in the year 3050, characterized by advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and a renewed sense of civilization grounded in human and environmental values. At the center of the story is Taira, the greatest warrior of the ancient Order of the Waveman, who has turned his back on combat in search of a quieter life. His attempt at normalcy is shattered when he is called back for one final mission. A primordial evil, an eternal force that has haunted humanity since the beginning, has resurfaced. Faced with a crucial choice, Taira must decide whether to remain passive as humanity advances toward annihilation or confront once and for all the embodiment of darkness that has also made her life difficult. Armed with the cutting-edge technologies of District 3050 and the enhanced abilities granted by her Order, Taira, supported by loyal allies, embarks on a journey across dimensions. Through intense battles, strategic clashes, and reality-altering transitions, she fights not only for survival, but also for humanity’s right to choose its own destiny. The film frames an age-old conflict–between God and Satan, the known and the unknown–through a modern lens, examining the social, environmental, and ethical consequences of human decisions in a hyper-technological future. Though steeped in futuristic innovation and occult darkness, the narrative remains profoundly human, driven by the belief that progress without values is meaningless. Ultimately, this is a powerful and emotionally moving sci-fi epic about preserving life, the planet, and the moral compass that defines what it truly means to be human.

Synopsis By Anna Morelli Italy SIAE 2024/00319 PATAMU

English language adaptation 2025/244156

Exclusive Agent – Serena Lastrucci, NewGold Film.

Screenplay Acquisition – International Sales [email protected]

(EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Anabel Bello Cortés

Who is Anabel Bello Cortés?

Anabel Bello Cortés is a creator, entrepreneur, and visionary woman who has learned to transform challenges into purpose. I believe in art as a form of consciousness, in work as discipline, and in sensitivity as a true strength. My journey has been one of perseverance, preparation, and constant evolution, always seeking to leave an authentic and positive impact.

Do you remember the exact moment you fell in love with cinema?

It was not a single moment, but a series of emotions. I fell in love with cinema when I realized that a well-told story can touch the soul, question reality, and remain forever in our memory. Cinema taught me that images can speak, heal, and awaken awareness.

Tell us about your projects.

My projects are deeply connected to meaningful storytelling. I am interested in creating and supporting works that reflect the human condition, resilience, identity, and transformation. I work from a holistic vision where art, aesthetics, and message coexist with professionalism and commitment.

Which director inspires you the most?

I am inspired by directors who are not afraid to show truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Those who understand cinema as an act of artistic and human responsibility, where storytelling has soul and purpose beyond recognition.

What do you dislike about the world and what would you change?

I dislike superficiality and the lack of awareness. I would change the disconnection from humanity, empathy, and the true value of effort. I believe art, especially cinema, has the power to remind us who we are and who we can become.

How do you imagine cinema in 100 years?

I imagine cinema as technologically advanced yet deeply human. A cinema that uses innovation as a tool, not as a replacement for the soul. More conscious, inclusive, and honest storytelling.

What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

WILD FILMMAKER feels like a brave and necessary platform. A space that honors independent cinema, authenticity, and the voices of those who create from passion and truth. It is a community that dignifies art and celebrates stories that truly deserve to be told.

“The Rorschach Test” – “Not without gloves” – “The Aesthetics of Failure” by Lena Mattsson

“The Rorschach Test” by Lena Mattsson

“The Rorschach Test” is a multifaceted film about life and its shortcomings. The film touches upon normative questions on what is considered sick or healthy in contemporary times. Lena Mattsson illuminates life, art and film history in a poetic and metaphorical way in the film “The Rorschach test”. The foundational question is; What is normal? Is the answer always in the eye of the beholder?

Actor: Ebba Melber 

Music: Conny C-A Malmqvist.

Synopsis

“Not without gloves” by Lena Mattsson

Lena Mattsson’s experimental film “Not without gloves” reveals the common identity that we share in the experience and memory of the landscapes we come from, which in this case is also Mattson’s own origin.

The film problematizes a romantic nature experience through various distortions, interpretations and questioning of the original place. Instead, we get to enter as visitors in a magical world. Where Mattsson in a poetic way highlights issues concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and global environmental changes in our time.

Music: Conny C-A Malmqvist.

Synopsis

“The Aesthetics of Failure” by Lena Mattsson

“The Aesthetics of Failure” is a short, experimental, and deeply poetic film where Lena Mattsson explores universal human reflections on failure. In black and white, the film illuminates the quiet courage to embrace the beauty of the imperfect.

Lena Mattsson (b. 1966, Kungshamn) lives and works in Malmö, Sweden. She is primarily known for her work in moving image, yet her artistic journey began as a painter. She is also active as a curator of contemporary art. Mattsson’s own oeuvre frequently enters into a profound dialogue with art history and cinema, engaging in an intense, ongoing conversation with both the present moment and the depths of the past.

Trained at Målarskolan Forum—today the Malmö Art Academy—she has presented her art works, films, and video installations in numerous exhibitions across Sweden and the world. In Sweden, her work has appeared at, among others, Moderna Museet Malmö, Malmö Konsthall, Malmö Konstmuseum, the Nordic Watercolour Museum in Skärhamn, Nässjö Konsthall, Göteborgs Konsthall, Borås Konstmuseum, Island of Light in Smögen, and the art hall of Bohusläns Museum. Internationally, selected venues include Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santiago, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Roskilde, the National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur, the Metropolitan Art Museum in Pusan, South Korea, and many more. Her films have garnered awards at international film festivals worldwide; among the most celebrated are The Rorschach Test and Not Without GlovesThe Aesthetics of Failure. At present, Lena Mattsson is preparing and shooting new works that will be unveiled in a major solo exhibition at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (Kungliga Akademien för de fria konsterna) in Stockholm, accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue. In Lena Mattsson’s artistic practice, borders dissolve; there are no fixed limits to what art, film, or the moving image may become. She continually stretches the boundaries of the possible, tailoring each film to its context and mode of presentation—sometimes as monumental projections flung across islands, cliffs, and façades in the public realm, sometimes as intimate, contemplative pieces screened at international festivals and art-house cinemas. Her works are almost invariably site-specific, responding to the particular spirit and history of the institutions and places that host them. At the heart of her inquiry lies the fragile relationship between perception, being, time, and space. Through a poetic and exquisitely sensitive visual language, she touches upon the existential themes that quietly haunt our lives. A subtle magical realism permeates her imagery: the seemingly obvious is gently tilted, revealing deeper dimensions and layers of symbolism. She weaves strands of her own lived experience into the fabric of the work, unafraid to pose the most difficult questions of existence, courageously opening the door to the shadowy, essential mysteries that dwell within us all.

“THE STONES OF ROME” By Sean Gregory Tansey

“The Stones of Rome,” is an enactment of Marc Antony’s famous speech at the Roman Forum.  Antony takes it to the people, delivers Caesar’s stirring requiem, and turns the tables on his assassins.  Starring  Sean Gregory Tansey as Marc Antony, and presenting the immortal text of William Shakespeare’s play, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.”

SEAN GREGORY TANSEY

Biography:  Sean Gregory Tansey is an actor, director, and producer of theatre and film.  His independent productions, “The Stones of Rome,” and “The Pathos of Hamlet,” have gained international attention and earned a multitude of awards and accolades from around the world.  His portrayal of Marc Antony in “The Stones of Rome.” and as Hamlet in “The Pathos of Hamlet,” have received a plethora of  spirited and gracious reviews.  His work has been featured in Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, MovieMaker Magazine, and American Cinematographer.  The Shakespeare Shorts Film Festival, organized by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford-upon Avon awarded  “The Stones of Rome,” as a top three finalist.  The prestigious Wild Filmmaker Magazine distinguished Sean as “Best Actor,” and “Best Indie Filmmaker” for their Special Event at the 81st Venice International Film Festival which was featured in Variety Magazine.  Sean’s production company is Samizdat X Productions, and he is based in Los Angeles, California and Chania, Greece.

(EXCLUSIVE) Interview with Jesus Schettino

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.