Today we’d like to introduce you to Camilo Diaz.
Hi Camilo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Looking back on how I fell in love with film, it was a very natural progression. I have always been curious and obsessive about things that interest me, and film had me entranced. I don’t remember ever watching a movie just to watch it. I kept asking, “How do they do this? How do they do that? Are title sequences just words cut out and held by fishing line?” Eventually, people like my aunt took notice, and one day, she sat me down to watch a behind-the-scenes documentary. I kept seeing this short, bearded, glasses-wearing, long-haired man running around a movie set. I asked her who that was, and she said, “The director.” I quickly replied, “I want to be a director.” Now, I’m 28 years old. I have a production company, CineAstra, which has produced more than five feature films, and I’m now on the path to direct my first feature. I have always been thankful for my younger self for boldly jumping into a job that most people just don’t dare to. It was the little Quixote in me, I guess.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working in the film industry is like the tale of Sisyphus. Every project, every step forward, is a constant push of the boulder up the mountain. Expecting a smooth road, whether making a single film or building a career in this industry, is unrealistic. You need a bit of crazy in you. This mindset has been crucial in how I view my challenges. I prefer to call them challenges rather than struggles, as struggles often stem from within. You may struggle with confidence or finding solutions, but as you learn more, you can face challenges more effectively. Sometimes, the solutions are easy, and sometimes, they’re complex.
My challenges come from all directions. Creatively, it can be a story knot that takes days to untangle or figuring out the arc of a story. Then there’s the logistical side: once you have a script, how do you get funding? Or, when producing a film with a specific budget, what’s the best approach? That’s where a bit of crazy helps. You just have to figure it out and keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ll start with my production company, CineAstra. In our third year, we’ve managed to produce eight feature films as both producers and physical producers. I co-founded the company with my business partner, Aidan Guthrie. Our initial goal was to create a home for our films, but to achieve that, we had to prove ourselves as capable producers.
We’ve had the privilege of working with great talents like Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm) and Justina Machado (The Horror of Dolores Roach). Additionally, we’ve produced films that have had theater releases in the US. Our proudest accomplishment is Popular Theory. It was surreal to see my name on a movie poster at an AMC Theater.
As for my other work, I’m now focusing on building my career as a feature film director. I’m currently writing a film close to my heart, A Portrait of Two and How I Learned to Love.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Passion, patience, tenacity, and consistency—these words have always stuck with me. In an industry with no single path to entry and where success takes time, one of these qualities will always drive you. You must trust your passion, learn patience when needed, and be tenacious to avoid missing opportunities, but most importantly, be consistent because if you’re not, everything stops.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cineastra.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camilocineastra/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camilo-diaz-a2a8b1ba/
Image Credits
Blake Pipes
Chase Anderson
