Meet Christian Gonzales | Film Director, Producer & Author

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

Hi Christian, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” — Marcus Aurelius

This quote changed my life. It’s about turning obstacles into opportunities. Every setback, every challenge, every failure— it’s not just something to overcome. It’s something to learn from, to use, to grow through.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
“We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.”

My art, be it film or poetry, has always been deeply personal. I don’t create just to entertain; I create to understand, to process, and to connect. Every project I take on is a reflection of some part of me, whether it’s my past, my struggles, or my evolving perspective on life. That rawness, that willingness to be vulnerable is what sets my work apart.

I’m most proud of the fact that my art has helped people feel seen. Whether it’s somene reading my poetry and telling me it resonated with them or an actor in one of my film projects saying the story felt real, that connection means everything to me.

Right now, I’m most excited about pushing my creative limits. I’ve spent years honing my skills in poetry, film, and other writing, but I never want to feel like I’ve “arrived” at my best.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a massive foodie, tavern-goer, and theme park addict. Grand Central Market for breakfast burritos and coffee, then a drive down Mulholland just to take it all in.

At night? Perch for city views, El Coyote for margaritas and a messy wet burrito, then maybe a stop at The Varnish for a cocktail.

A theme park is non-negotiable. Universal Studios Hollywood, Butterbeer in hand, followed by Tiki-Ti. Another day, we’d bike from Venice to Santa Monica, stopping for drinks and tacos along the way. Disneyland, obviously. And after? Trader Sam’s.

Somewhere in there, we’d wander Little Tokyo, grab a drink at Scum and Villainy, and maybe a laid-back brunch at Beachwood Cafe.

And the last night? Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, dancing through a ‘70s house party, drink in hand.

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?
Without a doubt, my family, especially my mother, deserves the deepest recognition. My mother has always been the foundation beneath my feet, the unwavering support even when life felt unstable. She taught me resilience, not through words, but through action— through every sacrifice and every moment she put her children before herself. She showed me what it means to keep going, no matter how heavy the weight of life becomes.

Alongside my family, “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius profoundly shaped the way I navigate the world. His words taught me to accept what I cannot control, to find peace in discipline, and to embrace adversity as an opportunity for growth. His philosophy didn’t just help me survive difficult moments, it helped me use them, learn from them, and transform them into something greater.

So, my deepest thanks go to my mother, who gave me the strength to stand, and to Marcus Aurelius, who taught me how to walk forward without fear.

Website: https://chrjgonzales.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiangonzal.es/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrjgonzales/

Image Credits
Zen Pe
Ryan Pak
Cole Otto Gebhardt
Daniel Solano