Meet Leonardo Perez | Filmmaker

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

Hi Leonardo, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Mexico, and I’m a filmmaker. My background can be seen in what I do. Being Mexican has taught me to be perceptive, to find a way to fulfill your dreams or at least never give up. Mexican cinema, for example, is linked to my work as a filmmaker. Not so much in the themes of my short films, but in how they are approached. We cannot escape the context, but we can manage it to tell an authentic story.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a filmmaker that use weird ideas for my stories. I’m really excited that this October I’m filming a short film called Motorized Love. This is about a man who fall in love with a public bus. This is by far, the biggest short film that I ever made. I love exploring the human obsessions and mindsets. I don’t think there’s something easy about film. Movies are meant to not exist. So I think being filmmaker is hard. Creating stories and then making the logistics to work, is a difficult job to do. But love is what make you overcome challenges. The discipline and love for movies and cinema helps as an artist to overcome the difficult process. I leave Mexico for pursuing my dreams. It was difficult leaving a family that loves you a lot. Is difficult to leave your roots and comfort zone.

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?
One of the best places in LA that I enjoy to visit are the American cinematheque theaters. There is one theater of this chain in Los Feliz. It is a beautiful unique movie theater. Normally they do questions and answers with the directors of the movies. Also, The great film club is a great spot to connect with indie filmmakers. You can screen your own movie and share it with others. My last spot would be to have some tacos from Leo’s tacos truck located in Sunset Boulevard. They have the best al pastor tacos in California!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family has been always supportive on my decisions. My girlfriend has been also part of what I am here today. She is being a big person in my life. Also, cinema, that is being a great part of my life. Directors like Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron inspired me to get involved in this field.

Instagram: https://leonardo07.perez

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ajolotefilms2209