Meet Edgar Mendez | Filmmaker And Martial Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edgar Mendez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edgar, how do you think about risk?
Risk Is Scary But Regret Is Terrifying!

I grew up in Modesto, California, a small town where most people aimed for the same few high-paying factory jobs, that would come to our high school Junior and Senior year to recruit. But I had bigger dreams. One of the biggest risks I took early on was being vulnerable enough to tell my family and friends that I wanted to be a film director. It was terrifying to admit because I felt a lot of shame and judgment, like I was reaching for something too big. How could a small-town kid like me ever think about making it in one of the most loved and competitive cities in the world?

In 2015, I moved to Los Angeles to attend film school at the age of 27. Coming from a small town like Modesto, I didn’t even know film school existed—until I discovered the LA Film School. Everything was going well at first. My brother and I were both out here, and things were moving forward. But then I got evicted while I was still in school. Living in LA was tough, and I had no choice but to go back home. At the time, I didn’t know if I’d ever make it back, but I was determined.

While I was home, I reconnected with my high school crush, and we spent practically every day together for a few weeks. Things were going great, but then I had the opportunity to return to LA. It was a huge risk to leave her behind and start a long-distance relationship, especially with someone I had wanted to be with for the past 10 years. But I took that leap, and I’m grateful I did. Now, seven years later, we’re still together, engaged, and raising our dog.

Taking risks has become a significant part of my life here in LA. In the last year alone, I’ve made three short films and I’m constantly looking for opportunities to grow as a filmmaker. I balance my 9-to-5 job, which isn’t film-related, while also collaborating with other filmmakers on their projects. I’m excited to share that I’m launching my new podcast called Movie Hopper Podcast, where I discuss films, filmmaking, and the creative process with fellow enthusiasts.

I know there’s someone out there right now who’s afraid to speak up about their dreams, who feels like they don’t have the right to reach for something bigger. I’m here to tell you that your dreams matter way more than what other people think. I’ve been living in LA since 2015, and while I’m still terrified at times, I’ve healed a lot of the self-doubt that used to hold me back. I’m a work in progress, but I’m still working, still taking risks, and still moving forward.

Life’s A Risk, Carnal! Cruz Candelaria – Blood In, Blood Out

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With a mother that took me to the movies every Saturday and with a Pastor standing at an alter in front of a congregation reading from the book of Revelations every Sunday, I was bound to be a storyteller.

I was introduced to Storytelling at a very young age in the place a lot of us learned about the art form, at Church! It all starts. with the pastor on Sunday mornings telling the congregation a story of Biblical proportions. I used to use my imagination guided by only his words and my mind would fill in the rest.

The church I grew up in was very big on drama with the youth group. They would put on plays. As a kid I would walk in the back as people were dressed up in garments and sandals. I would say “Hey that’s Jorge’s dad dressed as Moses”. It was like theater. Even my own sister participated in these plays. I loved the plays because that’s when the stories really came to life.

I want to continue telling stories I just want to show mine in celluloid film. I am a big proponent of shooting on film. I’ve been fortunate enough have shot on Super 8, 16mm and Super 16. I cannot wait till I graduate to 35 mm , 65 mm and 70 mm IMAX film. There is something magical about filming a projecting on film that digital just cannot capture in my eyes. To me film is not dead.

I want to tell epic stories of moral and philosophical conundrums, universal stories where audiences are torn because they can see and agree with both protagonist and antagonist. Stories that make you think about the theme for days on end with no answer they can 100% settle with. I know this will be an ever lasting process of discovering characters and stories to tell them through.

Jiu-Jitsu is a big part of my process. Jiu-Jitsu has taught me that anything worth getting good at takes time and that consistency is key. Talent and luck will take you far but not giving up and staying consistent will definitely get you there. Spending time working on your weaknesses and making them your strengths is not a waste of time but a crucial part of growth and success. I’ve been trying Jiu-Jitsu for six years now. It is single-handedly the most crucial aspects as to why I pursue filmmaking. As we all know it is one of the hardest industries to get into if you are not born into or just plain old fashioned good luck. Jiu-Jitsu has taught me that to make it you have. to be resilient and that the problems in life and the problems in jiu-Jitsu are one and the same. Life has up’s and downs just like any good story and training jiu-Jitsu is no different. At first you feel confident in your ability to handle yourself until a guy or girl half your size shows you that technic and experience will win every time. But if you don’t quit and you put in the time and reps after a long long and I mean long time you will get just a little bit better. And if you just keep going and you don’t quit You will one day be able to hang with the people that have been doing it a long time too. Every short film, every unpaid job is a rep in your filmmaking arsenal you are building. It’ll take time but it’ll get build one brick at a time.

Remember “Just Keep Swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming”- Dori

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When family or friends rolls into Los Angeles for a week, I’ve got an itinerary that captures the essence of the city—good food, great experiences, and unforgettable moments.

Day 1: Art and Film
We kick off our adventure with lunch at Green Apple Bistro, enjoying some comforting Chinese food. Next, we make our way to LACMA, where the art exhibits are inspiring, and we can’t resist taking a few photos in front of the iconic urban light installation. After soaking in the art, we head to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where we delve into the history of cinema and its impact on culture.
As the sun sets, we settle in at the New Beverly Cinema. Watching a classic film on 35mm at Tarantino’s spot is the perfect way to end the day. Dinner is at Salsa & Beer, where we savor some delicious tacos and sip on refreshing margaritas.

Studio Tours and Hollywood Stars
We start Day 2 with breakfast at Porto’s Bakery—a must for those amazing pastries. Then, we head over for the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, where we wander through the sets of shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. It’s cool to see the iconic locations up close.
After the studio tour, we stroll down Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars on the Walk of Fame, soaking in the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. In the afternoon, we make our way to CityWalk for a movie in the IMAX theater. The larger-than-life experience is always a thrill. As night falls, we head to The Comedy Store for some stand-up. The laughter is a perfect way to wrap up an eventful day.

Theme Parks and Star Wars
Day 3 is all about the thrill of Universal Studios. We dive into the rides and attractions, reliving some of our favorite movie moments. Once the park closes, we chill at Scum & Villainy Cantina, the Star Wars-themed bar owned by Kevin Smith. The atmosphere is playful and fun, and the drinks have some clever names that make us smile.

Downtown Delights
We kick off Day 4 with brunch at the Grand Central Market, sampling a variety of delicious options. Afterward, we check out the Alamo Drafthouse for a unique movie experience that combines great food with a classic film. It’s laid-back and enjoyable, making it a nice change of pace.
In the evening, we stroll around downtown, grabbing some ice cream from Salt & Straw to satisfy our sweet tooth. Their innovative flavors are a hit.

Beach Vibes and Tacos
On Day 5, we dedicate the day to Venice Beach. We soak in the sun and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, taking our time to explore the boardwalk. For lunch, we swing by Leo’s Tacos for some of the best street tacos in the area—no seafood needed. It’s a tasty highlight of our beach day.

Scenic Views
Day 6 takes us to the Griffith Observatory. The views of the city are breathtaking, and we explore the exhibits, soaking up knowledge about the stars. It’s a perfect spot to appreciate both the beauty of Los Angeles and the universe beyond.

A Perfect Send-Off
On our final day, we treat ourselves to breakfast at Tom’s Famous in Burbank, enjoying some hearty fare to fuel us for the day ahead. Afterward, we head to the North Hollywood Dog Park, where my best bud, Murphy, can play and run around while we relax.
To wrap it all up, we fire up the grill for a BBQ at my place. Cooking is one of my passions, and sharing a meal with my friend is the perfect way to cap off an amazing week. By the end of it all, we’ll have memories to cherish and stories to tell, making the most of our time together in L.A.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to begin by giving my parents a shoutout. My parents came to this country in search of a better life not only for themselves but for their children. My parents just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, that in itself is such an amazing accomplishment. Half a century together.

Mom, Gracias por decirme que yo soy el arquitecto de mi destino, y que yo puedo llegar asta donde yo quiera. Y por llevarme al cine los sábados después de trabajar en la noche el día pasado. Nunca se me olvidara.

Thank you to my Mom for always telling me that I am the architect of my own destiny and that I can make it to anywhere I want to go. And for taking me to the dollar theater on Saturdays after she worked a graveyard shift the night before. I will never forget those Saturdays.

Dad, Gracias por ser el hombre mas trabajador que yo conozco. El amor que tu tienes para las películas yo se que mi amor para ellas lo aprendi de ti.

To my Dad for being the hardest working man I know. Sometimes having two or three jobs just to support us and put food on the table. I know the love I have for movies I got from you.

To my oldest brother, For showing me that life can always be better than what your surroundings make you believe you deserve.

To my sister, for being the first cinephile I ever knew. And for unintentionally introducing me to the coolest movie ever, Pulp Fiction!

To my brother Ernesto, You taught me to never let a problem defeat me and to always find a solution. Thank you for your undying love and support and for always telling me to do better. No one has helped and encouraged me more than you. I’ll always remember you taking me to Brenden Theaters (Our hometown movie theater) and showing me the projector room, walking behind the screen and seeing the theater as it was being built. I felt like I was the only kid in town that got to see the theater before it opened. That had a huge impact on me. Every time I walk up to the theater and step onto the colorful under the marquee I always think of you because you helped pour the concrete at the theater.

To Annie, my beautiful and wonderful fiancée you are one of the first people I ever told I wanted to make films and you didn’t laugh or say “Why” you thought that was rather really cool that I wanted to make movies. You share a love for film that I never thought I would find in a partner. Your love and support has been one of the key factors in not giving on my pursuit in filmmaking. You are always there on set doing anything and everything from crafty to make-up and you are always by biggest cheerleader. Thank you for indulging in all my idiosyncrasies. You are my forever movie date!

To the artist that have inspired me!
First and foremost to Marshal Mathers and Tupac Shakur for the way their music paints stories with powerful lyrics.

To my two favorite bands Dream Theater and Transatlantic for introducing me to concept albums and themes in music. And for proving that not all music has to be 4 minutes and 19 minute songs are perfectly okay.

Mike Portnoy for his amazing drumming on DT’s Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From a Memory and Transatlantic’s The Whirlwind.
P.S. Liquid Drum Theater changed my life.

To the films of Kevin Smith & Quentin Tarantino, my two favorite filmmakers of all time. Your films have brought me thousands of hours of entertainment and enjoyment but most of all for making a kid like me believe the making a movie is possible.

The Philosophy of Bruce Lee along with his Films and his approach to Martial Arts.

And a huge thank you to some of my favorite Stand-Up comedians. George Lopez, Pablo Francisco, Freddy Soto, Jim Breuer, Katt Williams, Dane Cook, George Carlin, Eddie Griffin

Website: https://moviehopperpodcast.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgar-mendez-6b0ba7231/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EdgarMendez88

Image Credits
Ann Yacoub
And
Teddy White