Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Cuesta.
Hi Daniela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Journey of a Dreamer: My Path to Macrofilms
I am Daniela Cuesta Galvis, 100% Colombian. I studied Film and Digital Communication at Universidad Autónoma de Occidente in Cali. I graduated in 2017, and today, I am living one of my greatest dreams: being the CEO of my own company, Macrofilms. It has been a journey full of challenges, especially because, from a young age, many people tried to discourage me. They made me believe that coming from a modest background or lacking connections in the industry would prevent me from achieving my goals. But I learned that the most important thing is not where you start but how much you believe in yourself and your determination to keep going.
Finding My Passion in Film
My professional journey began in 2015 when I worked on my first audiovisual production as a Production Assistant. I was young and inexperienced, but Buena Movida SAS, an agency in Cali, gave me the opportunity to learn. I worked on the documentary series Aliadas, Mujeres que Construyen Paz for the Telepacífico channel. This experience was eye-opening—I realized that filmmaking was more than a job; it was my passion. After that first project, I never stopped. In 2016, I became a local production assistant for the Netflix, Univision, and Dynamo series El Chapo Guzmán. Two years later, I joined the directing department for Jugar con Fuego, produced by 64A Films and Telemundo, and later worked on a series about the life of Leonor González Mina.
In 2019, I took on my biggest challenge yet: I became the general producer of the documentary series El Último Testigo, produced by Buena Vista and Telepacífico. It was my first major role as a producer, and the project required us to interview people over 90 years old who were the last surviving witnesses of historical events. Finding these stories was incredibly challenging, but the experience proved to me that I was capable of achieving great things.
A New Chapter: Miami
In 2020, for personal reasons, I made the difficult decision to move to Miami. Though I had visited before, I had never stayed longer than a vacation. I arrived at a challenging time in my life, and to support my mother in her business, I started networking and meeting people who saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue my dreams in the U.S.
Like many immigrants, my first years in Miami were difficult. I cleaned bathrooms, organized houses, and paid lawyers while working over 15 hours a day. But even after exhausting shifts, I never abandoned my dream. Every night, I focused on building my future in the audiovisual industry.
In 2021, I managed to present one of my projects at the Colombian Consulate in Miami. Getting that opportunity was incredibly difficult, but once I did, I realized that if I truly wanted to succeed, I had to do it professionally. That realization was the motivation behind creating Macro Films LLC.
Soon after, I continued building connections and eventually met one of my greatest supporters, Miguel Ferro, who believed in my talent from the very beginning and encouraged me to take on my first project with the City of Miami. He introduced me to the Chairman of Bayfront Park, who at the time was also a Miami Commissioner. When he heard my story, he was surprised to learn that I had only been in the country for about 15 months. Recognizing my determination, they gave me the opportunity to participate in a call for proposals for an audiovisual project — and that’s how I was able to start working with them
That first project was a massive test. I had no network in Miami—no cameramen, no lighting technicians, no team. But I saw this as a challenge from the universe, an opportunity to prove myself. Despite my fears, I accepted the challenge and produced 52 micro-documentaries, each featuring a different artist who painted sculptures of dogs and cats, now permanently displayed at the Maurice A. Ferré Park. It was exhausting work, and the only support I had was my editor in Colombia. But that project reaffirmed my passion and proved that no matter the challenge, I was willing to give my all.
Building Macrofilms: A Dream Turned Reality
Since 2022, Macrofilms has been like my child—one that I have nurtured step by step. I have laughed, cried, failed, and started over again. But today, I can say with pride that Macrofilms has taught me invaluable lessons about life and work. While I have had the privilege of working on significant projects and meeting incredible people, Macrofilms has shown me that the most important thing is leaving a lasting impact on others. I have dedicated myself to helping small and medium-sized businesses—people who, like me, have a passion and need audiovisual storytelling to grow their brands.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
I know I haven’t reached all my goals yet, but I see every project—whether big, small, or simply a collaboration—as a learning experience. Each piece adds to the larger puzzle of my journey.
Today, Macrofilms is approaching its third anniversary. I have had the opportunity to work with politicians, parks, fashion magazines, concerts, foundations, theaters, and more. Looking back, I realize that challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones. They are lessons designed to prepare us for the great moments life has in store.
To anyone pursuing their dreams, I say this: Never believe that you can’t be part of something big. Your dreams are valid, and your path is worth fighting for. The journey won’t be easy, but if you stay open to learning from those ahead of you, you will grow. There will always be people who ask, “Why did you choose this path?” And the best response is to show them—through your dedication, perseverance, and passion—how you are turning your dreams into reality.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been an easy road, but I believe that’s exactly what has given me the momentum to keep going—to never get off the bike, as we say in Colombia. I know that many people have achieved even greater things, but I am proud to have kept my company alive for almost three years, to be working in a field I truly love, and to have met so many incredible people who have each taught me something valuable about running a business.
For me, Miami has been a rebirth—a leap of faith in myself, a commitment to believing and proving that I am capable. It’s no secret that being an immigrant and not speaking the language of the country you’re in is one of the greatest challenges one can face. But at the same time, it is also one of the most beautiful lessons life can offer. It’s like getting the chance to be born again, but this time, with full awareness, making a conscious decision about what you want to do with this brief time that God has given you. And I think the biggest lesson has been realizing that if you work hard and truly train your mind to see all that you are capable of achieving, it is a beautiful thing when those dreams become reality.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My company is called Macrofilms, and we specialize in audiovisual production, including videos, photography, editing, event coverage, website creation, graphic design, and social media management. What sets Macrofilms apart from other companies in Miami is our unwavering commitment to providing 100% quality work for all our clients. Our main goal is to offer visual support to entrepreneurs, like myself, who are starting their brands here in Miami and wish to elevate them to the next level. We are a company that truly loves what we do, and in every project we take on, we pour a little bit of our essence into it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.macrofilmsmiami.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macrofilms_miami?igsh=MTFhZjV6YXF0OTE2MA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Daniela Cuesta Galvis and Wioletta Bublik
