Meet Augusto Suarez Vincenty | Boricua Filmmaker, Screenwriter & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Augusto Suarez Vincenty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Augusto, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I remember as a kid, spending summers on the beaches of Vieques, Puerto Rico. My dad would tell me stories about creatures, ghosts and monsters emerging from the ocean, camouflaged in the trees or hidden in the shadows. Without realizing it, he was training my mind to find imaginative, fantastical stories in our ordinary world around us.

Eventually, my obsession with fiction and fantasy led me to write short stories, poems and songs while I was in high school. One day, a teacher who had assigned us a movie for class casually remarked: “I like to assign movies to students because we can analyze them like we do with literature. People actually write these things, y’know?”

In that moment, everything clicked. I realized that I could write the stories that had been brewing in my mind— the kinds of stories I loved consuming, movies and tv shows. I wasn’t necessarily an avid reader, but I wrote short stories because that was the only format I understood to express ideas.

When I went to college, I went straight into Film/TV in the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. I also attended NYU Tisch School of the Arts for a semester as a visiting student. I didn’t really explore many other options in terms of career paths. I’ve always had this uncontrollable need to write and make projects, and I would never forgive myself if I didn’t try to pursue an artistic or creative career.

Aside from my own film projects, I’ve worked as a video editor, photographer, videographer, and as graphic designer.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2023 I founded the production company Tintorera Films to make projects with bold, unpredictable and exciting storytelling that push boundaries and explore human life. I want the audience to walk away feeling like they’ve just experienced something that will stay with them long after the credits roll.

I’m especially proud of the two short films we made last year: “Deforme” (Deformed) and “Baile, Botella & Barajas” (Dancing, Drinking & Gambling, available on YouTube). While I’m open to exploring many genres and styles, these projects allowed me to express and showcase the kinds of films I’m most passionate about at the moment.

Deformed is a horror/drama about a young man with a strange condition that forces him to eat constantly to avoid becoming deformed.

This project was one of the three winners of the Keep Walking Films competition, launched by Johnnie Walker in Puerto Rico. As part of the award, we received financial support and mentorship from actor Amaury Nolasco and director Mariem Pérez Riera throughout the production process.

Something that excites me about Deformed is how we used body-horror elements to immerse the audience in the mind of our protagonist (interpreted by Luis Ponce). One of the biggest challenges was our extensive use of SFX Makeup, masterfully crafted by Melanie M. Rodríguez Rosado, Niko González and Yamilka Rodríguez. To navigate these challenges I was blessed to have producer Bianca Martinez and my assistant director, Alejandro Ramos, on the team. Together we organized the entire shoot around the time-intensive process of applying and removing each SFX Makeup setup, as well as by being flexible and adjusting the story to accommodate production needs on the day.

We achieved a beautiful cohesion across departments in the final product. From the SFX Makeup team, to Victoria Linares’ immersive sound design, the evocative score by Camila María Bermúdez Ortiz, the visual language developed with carefully curated lens choices alongside cinematographer Jan Rolón, the mood control and color palette worked with Ada Rodríguez (Art Director), Nicole Colón (Wardrobe) and Henmanuel Álvarez (colorist), and Luis Ponce’s performance all blend together in one common goal. And that’s just a few highlights— the entire cast and crew truly brought their A-game.

Then ‘Baile, Botella & Barajas’ is a satirical, dark comedy set in the world of the Spanish Playing Cards, where three kings and a queen get together to discuss government affairs over a game of cards (Briscas).

This project was actually shot before Deformed but was finished afterwards. ‘Baile, Botella & Barajas’ has a very special meaning for our audience in Puerto Rico because it touches on the subject of government corruption, with a focus on our struggle to protect our beaches from unabashed, destructive constructions. The short film uses a cultural symbol, the Briscas (Spanish Cards), dark humor, beloved actors like: René Monclova, Modesto Lacen, Junior Álvarez, Yaiza Figueroa and José Carlos Martínez, and a powerhouse crew in every department to deliver an impactful message that most likely resonates with those outside the island as well.

For this short we had the daunting challenge of filming the entire script in a single day due to budget constraints. However, along with our executive producer Sigfredo Bellaflores, we managed to assemble a team of industry veterans I’ve long admired, which worked alongside peers I’ve previously collaborated with and share invaluable creative chemistry. This combination gave way to a beautiful learning experience and an awesome collaborative environment.

Given the humor relied primarily on the actors’ performances and dialogues, every other department focused on adding layers of symbolism, darkness and a general sense of malevolence. Our cinematographer, Santiago “Chago” Benet Mari masterfully crafted a mob-like atmosphere that blended seamlessly with Ada’s set design, evoking the aura of a speakeasy, loot vault or evil lair. These elements complement the striking costumes and makeup of the main characters without overshadowing them.

The short is available on YouTube, go watch it and let me know what you think!

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.
If I have someone visiting Puerto Rico for the first time there are some classic go-to spots like: El Yunque National Forest, the historic city of Old San Juan, the amazing, deep-fried food in Piñones (Bacalítos & Alcapurrias are a must).

I would also take them to the town of Vieques, an island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, for at least two days to visit some of my favorite beaches and take the bioluminescent bay tour (one of the brightest in the world).

Next, I’d take them to Guavate, closer to the center of the island to enjoy lechón (roast pig) with an incredible view. I think those are my top recommendations, and sprinkle in a couple nights out to local bars and spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love that The Shoutout series is all about recognizing the impact others have in building any type of success. When it comes to filmmaking I would have to thank so, so, so many people. Crew members, producers, business owners, and so many more. Every small detail about a film can be a mission in itself and I’m deeply grateful to every single person that chips in and gives their all to the projects we make.

Last but not least, I would like to dedicate the shoutout to my closest circle of family and friends. They have all been extremely supportive of me, from getting through life, managing ups and downs, to being extremely hands on in my projects as well. This shoutout goes to my dream team in life, my parents Sarah y Alejandro (en verdad rompieron), Ale my big brother, cousins, aunts, grandparents, friends and my partner Bianca. ¡Los amo!

Website: https://www.instagram.com/tintorerafilms/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guto100x35/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augusto-su%C3%A1rez-vincenty-9b632711b/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi0-zvEDoVZbYqyRbrhNMeg

Image Credits
(1) Ramses Santos, Augusto Suárez Vincenty, and Alejandro Ramos De Jesús (2) David Cortés, Adam Santos, Augusto Suárez Vincenty, Jan Rolón, and Alejandro Ramos De Jesús (3) Augusto Suárez Vincenty (4) Bianca Martínez Rivera, Luis Ponce and Augusto Suárez Vincenty (5) Santiago Benet Mari, Yaiza Figueroa and René Monclova (6) Augusto Suárez Vincenty and Santiago Benet Mari