Meet Pedro Herrera Murcia | Film Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pedro Herrera Murcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pedro, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I think I’ve always been drawn to stories — to observing people, places, and the small details that say more than words ever could. Growing up in Guatemala, I saw how much art and chaos could coexist, and film became a way for me to make sense of that. It wasn’t a strategic decision to “pursue a creative career.” It just happened because it’s the only thing that ever made me feel fully present. Producing films showed me how powerful it is to build something that connects people — especially when those stories come from places that aren’t usually seen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work as a filmmaker has always been about people — about the emotional truth behind the things we often overlook. I’m drawn to stories that live in the gray areas, that explore identity, morality, and survival in places that are often misrepresented or ignored.
What probably sets me apart is that I’m not trying to “represent” Guatemala or Latin America in a stereotypical way — I’m trying to tell stories from there, not about there. With Cadejo Blanco, we worked with non-actors, shot in real neighborhoods, and tried to portray a world that exists between fiction and reality. That experience shaped the way I see filmmaking — as collaboration, not control.
Getting here hasn’t been easy. I didn’t come from a film family, and making a movie in Guatemala with limited resources forced me to learn how to lead with instinct, patience, and community. Every setback taught me something about resilience and about the kind of stories I want to tell — the ones that move people, not just impress them.
What I want people to know about me is that I care deeply about connection. Whether it’s through film, mentoring emerging filmmakers, or simply being present on set, my goal is always to create spaces where authenticity can thrive. I don’t see filmmaking as a career — it’s more like a long conversation I’ll be having for the rest of my life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend was visiting, I’d probably take them to Found Oyster for dinner — I love that place. We’d spend the week hopping around indie theaters across LA, catching screenings and grabbing a glass of wine somewhere after.

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?
There are so many people who’ve shaped my path, but if I had to give a shoutout, it would go to Justin Lerner, who believed in me early on and trusted me to produce Cadejo Blanco. That experience changed everything for me — it taught me discipline, empathy, and what it really takes to bring a story to life.
I also have a deep appreciation for Film Independent and the Global Media Makers community. Through them, I’ve met filmmakers from all over the world who remind me that storytelling is universal — it’s not about where you come from, it’s about what you want to say.
And of course, my family. They’ve supported me through every leap of faith, even when they didn’t fully understand the path I was choosing. I owe them everything.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedrohmurcia/

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