Meet Colin Galeste | Filmmaker

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

Hi Colin, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
Awards and accolades, while nice, aren’t my main goal. Ultimately, I want to feel proud of whatever work I’ve done. I want to feel fulfilled by my career through working with collaborators I respect, and doing work we believe in. I’d also love to be in a position to pass on my knowledge to the next generation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being in film school, it very much feels like I’m at the beginning of my journey as a filmmaker. As a kid, I honestly didn’t make films on my own. I’d take the odd photo, and loved watching movies, but I was so scared of putting myself out there that I never made anything on my own. Being at USC has really allowed me to flex my creative muscles and to really enjoy taking risks. It’s still scary putting myself and my work out there, but it gets a little easier each time I do.

I’m currently in pre-production on my thesis film at USC, titled Manongs. Set in 1965, it follows three Filipino farm workers in California’s central valley. As a strike is starting to brew, on of our trio is accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program and he has to reckon with the decision of whether to leave.

I feel really privileged to have the opportunity to tell this story. I’m particularly excited as this story is inspired by my grandfather who worked as picker for decades throughout California. This is a part of Filipino-American history that isn’t very well known, but really should be.

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?
A whole week?! The thing I’d be most excited to show them is the food. LA and the surrounding area has such a variety of different foods. A few highlights would be Holbox, Pho 87, BCD Tofu House, and Mama Lu’s Dumpling House, and The Park’s Finest BBQ. LA also has some really great coffee! A couple of my favorites are OpenMarket, Smoking Tiger, and Verve Coffee.

Beyond food and coffee, I’d love to take them to one of the many repertory theaters in the area. I love an AMC, but the rep theaters have a really lively energy. They also program a lot of older movies that I haven’t seen in theaters, so it’s really cool to finally see things like Jaws and In The Mood For Love on the big screen. Also…. Disneyland is fun if it’s their vibe.

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?
Honestly, the list is so so long of people who’ve helped me get to where I am today. Whether family, friends, classmates, collaborators. At every step in my life I’ve met people who I’m always able to learn something from. While I do think I”m at the beginning of my professional journey, getting to this point was a journey of its own. Also, in order to not give a complete cop out answer, my parents, sister, and girlfriend have probably had the greatest impact on my life. I’m so thankful to each of them.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-galeste/