-Who is Daniel Arreola?

I am from a small pineapple village in Wahiawa, Hawaii, my creative journey began long before I stepped onto a stage then ultimately as a writer. Growing up, I was mesmerized by the rhythmic precision of Bon Odori Festivals and the craftsmanship of my uncle, who built custom vintage Volkswagen beetles from the ground up. Watching my relatives transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals taught me that artistry exists in every medium.  These early influences ignited a passion for expression that at age 14 I was exposed to creative writing, speech, and drama classes. In 1997, I brought that island spirit to Seattle, continuing my career as an actor in the Pacific Northwe

st. For over twenty years, I have channeled my observations into plays, screenplays, and poetry, capturing the “random thoughts” that define the human experience.

Nowadays,  I am 100% dedicated as a screenwriter. My work spans the breadth of six genres: thriller, spy, sci-fi, horror, drama, and romance. An alumnus of the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts, my background as a former theatre writer and actor infuses his screenplays with a profound understanding of character and dialogue.My work has earned myself significant recognition, with scripts accumulating 28 wins across film festivals in the USA, Europe, and Asia. I have also received over 50 official selections which shocked me!.  Outside of my writing, I try to balance his creative pursuits with a life rooted in craftsmanship and adventure, working as a skilled woodworker, exploring the open road as a motorcyclist, or finding companionship with the dogs.  

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

My passion for cinema ignited at age eight when I first experienced the Shōgun miniseries. Watching Toshiro Mifune, I was instantly mesmerized by his commanding presence. He epitomized the art of “doing more with less,” delivering an intense, understated performance that has resonated with me throughout my life.
This fascination led me to James Clavell’s original novel, which I found equally exceptional. The narrative is a masterclass in political intrigue—essentially Richard III reimagined within the complex social hierarchy of feudal Japan. Mifune’s “badass” portrayal remains the benchmark for cinematic gravity in my eyes.

-Tell us about your project “Wisdom’s Teeth”.

My creative vision was to break from tradition and craft a narrative that unfolds through an unconventional dual perspective, moving beyond a standard script format to immerse the audience in the intimate worldview of each character. The goal was to intricately detail the raw, visceral terror evident in the child’s eyes while simultaneously illuminating her burgeoning courage. This approach allowed for a deeper exploration of the antagonist—a dentist whose every thought, motion, and utterance is meticulously calculated, creating a deliberately unsettling, timeless, and profoundly terrifying presence. The narrative leverages a universally shared aversion to the dental environment, a place of discomfort and fear ingrained in us from childhood and persisting well into adulthood. This personal connection to the setting, this pervasive sense of unease that the mere thought of a dentist evokes, forms the emotional core of the story, making the fear deeply relatable and intensely personal for the audience. The intent was to ensure that the story resonates on a fundamental, human level by tapping into an everyday, yet potent, source of anxiety.

-Which Director inspires you the most?

Lee Tamahori from New Zealand, his intensity whether it’s hate, love, silent communication, or just in the moment has an extreme.  Once Were Warriors was an underrated masterpiece in my opinion. Love in many forms, some understood, some frowned upon, but love was the overall throughline in scarred characters maing their way in the world.  

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

I believe society has lost its way, trading genuine human connection for an overdependence on technology. While social media has its uses, it is too often treated as scripture, drowning us in detrimental conjecture and hollow trends. We have forgotten how to simply “be.” What I dislike most is this drift away from our baseline humanity. I would change our obsession with the “trending” and replace it with a return to simplicity. In my screenwriting, I focus on characters who exist in a space of raw presence—they aren’t governed by digital noise or binary notions of right and wrong; they just exist. The world needs a “back to basics” revolution. We should embrace the struggle of falling down and picking ourselves up. True satisfaction comes from enduring failure and developing the thick skin required to create something that is authentically yours. While I am open to innovation—whether it’s filming on a phone or exploring the potential of AI—these tools should never replace our fundamental standards. We must maintain a sense of self and a commitment to high-quality storytelling that exists independently of an algorithm. By simplifying our lives and refocusing on the human experience, we can reclaim the satisfaction of a life truly lived and stories truly told.

-What is your impression of WILD FILMMAKER?

I am very impressed, honored and ultimately flattered that Wisdom’s Teeth was selected!  I love how Wild Filmmaker has a global and high standard presence in the filmmaking community providing exposure to a wealth of very talented artists!  I am so excited to be a part of this journey and can’t see where this takes me!