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3 Puerto Rican Directors Transforming the Future of Film
In today’s cinematic revolution, three filmmakers stand out as they are using compelling stories to break down barriers and challenge Hollywood in their inclusivity game. Meet Aristotle Torres, Ángel Manuel Soto, and Kristian Mercado.
Coming straight out of The Bronx, Aristotle Torres isn’t just a filmmaker; he’s a creative force that has significantly shaped the music video and commercial industry. Torres, who has worked with names like J Cole and Nas, later transitioned into the world of feature films with his debut, “Story Ave.” This coming-of-age drama explores the life of Kadir, a gifted teenage artist navigating the treacherous waters of grief and the South Bronx graffiti scene.
Aristotle Torres
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In a one-to-one interview with LATV’s Eliana Reyes, Torres emphasized his mission to rethink graffiti culture.
“In making this film, I sought to change the perception around graffiti culture being all about unbridled vandalism by vagrants. That isn’t accurate. There is a hierarchy, a philosophy, and rules to follow in the sphere of graf,” he shared.
Ángel Manuel Soto
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Ángel Manuel Soto, a multifaceted filmmaker from Santurce, Puerto Rico, has left a lasting mark in the industry. Known for directing “Charm City Kings” and the groundbreaking DC film “Blue Beetle,” Soto’s journey is as diverse as his filmography. While growing up, he studied architecture, documentary filmmaking, and writing. He started his career as a TV producer and later worked in Art Direction at a local advertising agency.
Soto shared his gratitude for the opportunity to film in Latino spaces, particularly in Puerto Rico.
“This is a privilege, an opportunity that I don’t take lightly. I understand how much this means to a lot of us, and the reason for that is because it means a lot to me. Not only to be able to film a movie in Latino spaces, to bring a movie to Puerto Rico, filmed with the people that I grew up with and helping to give back to the community…”
With ‘Charm City Kings’ earning accolades and ‘Blue Beetle’ making history as the first DC film led by a Latino superhero, Soto is carving a path for underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
Kristian Mercado
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Kristian Mercado, a rising star from New York’s Spanish Harlem and Puerto Rico, is not confined by genres or mediums. Beyond his feature film debut, “If You Were the Last,” Mercado has directed comedy specials, music videos, and shorts that showcase his thematic depth and unique narration.
Eliana Reyes dived into Mercado’s creative approach during an exclusive interview, where he discussed his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Mercado’s film, acclaimed with an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, holds its own alongside the works of Torres and Soto. His advocacy for “Decolonizing Cinema” resonates strongly, offering insights on reshaping the film industry for creators of color and accentuating the importance of a supporting ecosystem. Mercado’s commitment to ethical filmmaking echoes an industry awakening to the significance of diverse perspectives.
Watch the full interview with Kris Mercado here:
As Puerto Rican directors continue to make waves in the industry, these three maestros lead the way, reshaping the film landscape with their bold and authentic storytelling.
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