Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Castanet.
Hi Miguel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Havana, Cuba on October 18/1965. I obtained my degree from the Telecommunications Institute “Osvaldo Herrera”, which specialized in a Radio systems. I completed my Senior Thesis Degree in ICRT(Cuban TV and Radio Institute). In 1985 I started to work at ECITV(Cinematography and TV Studios) as Video Tape Recorder and I created two documentaries as Assistant Director and Screenwriter. These were: Heroes de la Paz (1987) and El Perro (1988).
These documentaries were selected as Official Selection in the Festival del Nuevo Cine Latino americano (Havana, Cuba) 1987-1988. The documentary: Heroes de la Paz (1987) was recognized as Best Documentary at ECITV (1987). I moved to the USA in March 1995. I graduated from the CCAT (Center of Cinematography Arts and TV) in 2017 and obtained my Associate’s Degree and Cinematography and TV Production.
In 2020 I began the tour of national and international film festivals where our documentary: La amable euforia de la Danza has received so far more than 60 awards and 42 recognitions. I am currently working on the Post Production of the documentary: Duende en la Sombra.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The most difficult thing to create a film in my case documentary is the financial support. The lack of financial support was not an obstacle for me, my teamwork was aware of it, and even so, they support me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I made documentaries as a Director, Producer, and Screenwriter. I am passionate about good stories. I am passionate about telling the stories of simple people with great careers and great sacrifices, that the audience identifies with and inspires and that these stories can be their own stories.
What I am most proud of is the result of the work and my work team, without them nothing is possible. Nothing differentiates me from others. I do not do anything extraordinary. I only fight for my dreams.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is being able to make movies, and tell stories, and these stories serve as an example and inspiration for new generations.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @miguelcastanet
- Facebook: @Miguel Castañet Jr
- Twitter: @JrCastanet
- Youtube: @Miguel Castanet
Image Credits
Laekim Films
