Meet Sergio Vizuete | Film Director

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

Hi Sergio, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was a natural progression for me as a filmmaker. As an artist, I realized that to have full creative control over my work and the projects I wanted to bring to life, I needed the independence that comes with owning my own company. The traditional studio system doesn’t always align with the kind of stories I want to tell, or the way I want to tell them. So, starting my own business was also about having the ability to innovate and take risks, as well as provide opportunities for other filmmakers who share my passion. In the end, it’s about pushing the boundaries of storytelling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in storytelling that aims to evoke raw, emotional responses and engage with universal themes through a deeply personal lens. What sets me apart from other filmmakers is my commitment to exploring complex, nuanced characters who are often on the edge of transformation—like my new film “Becoming Vera” (set to release in 2025), In this film, we dive into the life of Vera, a 19 years old Latin Jazz piano prodigy who ages out of the foster system and finds herself living on the streets of Miami, FL. As she battles with these external forces, Vera embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding her voice and carving out a future in the rich tapestry of Latin Jazz, ultimately proving that with determination and belief in oneself, anything is possible.

My journey has been anything but easy, but every step has been worth it. Like many filmmakers, I started with very little—just a love for storytelling and a drive to create. I worked my way up through smaller projects, collaborating with passionate filmmakers and learning as much as I could along the way. But each challenge strengthened my resolve and today I am very proud of the achievements that could’ve never been posible without the help of my team and collaborators.

One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of persistence and adaptability. There were countless times I had to find creative solutions with limited resources, and it taught me that innovation often comes from necessity.

Along the way, I’ve found very important to surround myself with like-minded, passionate collaborators. Filmmaking is inherently a team effort, and the best work comes when you have a group of people pushing toward a common goal with mutual trust and respect.

There have been several lessons I’ve learned throughout my career, but if I had to highlight a few:

Patience is key. Filmmaking is a long and often slow process. It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t happen as quickly as you’d like. But the best things—especially art—take time to cultivate.

Trust your instincts. Especially when you’re working on something personal, like “Becoming Vera”, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. But ultimately, it’s my gut that guides me to the most authentic and powerful creative choices.

Failure is a part of success. Not every project will be a success, but each one is a stepping stone. Mistakes or “failures” are often where the biggest growth happens, both as an artist and as a person.

Collaboration is everything. Filmmaking is a collaborative art. You rely on your team, and their contributions often enhance or elevate the work in ways you might not have anticipated. Directing is not about being in control; it’s about creating an environment where magic can happen.

I want the world to know that I approach filmmaking with a deep sense of empathy, passion, and authenticity. “Becoming Vera” is a very personal project that is infused with a commitment to justice and a belief in the inherent dignity and potential of every child, regardless of their circumstances.

As above mentioned, “Becoming Vera” is scheduled to release in 2025. You can learn more about the film in social media and its website:

@becomingvera_film
www.becomingvera.com

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 my best friend was visiting Miami, here’s the perfect week-long itinerary:

Day 1: Start with lunch at Joe’s Stone Crab in South Beach, followed by a stroll along Ocean Drive and the beach. For dinner, try La Mar by Gastón Acurio for Peruvian seafood with a view.

Day 2: Begin in Little Havana with breakfast at Versailles and explore the vibrant streets. Head to Wynwood in the afternoon to see the street art at Wynwood Walls, and grab a beer at Wynwood Brewing Co. in the evening.

Day 3: Explore Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, visiting Vizcaya Museum and Miracle Mile. Enjoy dinner at The Biltmore.

Day 4: Take a morning trip to Key Biscayne for breakfast at The Rusty Pelican, then visit the Miami Seaquarium and Crandon Park. Dinner at Lido Bayside Grill.

Day 5: Spend the day in the Design District, visiting art galleries and dining at Michael’s Genuine. End with a visit to PAMM.

Day 6: Take an early Everglades tour, then unwind with a relaxing afternoon at Matheson Hammock Park. Dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés.

Day 7: Enjoy a casual breakfast at The Salty Donut, then a sunset boat cruise to wrap up the trip.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The journey of making a film is never a solo endeavor and so many people and influences have been instrumental in my journey. First, I would like to shoutout my wife and my son who have been my rock throughout this journey. Their love, patience, and belief in me have kept me going when things felt impossible.

I owe a huge amount of gratitude to my teachers in CSULA, who took the time to guide me, challenge me, and give me the confidence to keep pushing forward in my career.

I also want to acknowledge my amazing collaborators—my cast, crew, and producers. A film is never made by just one person, and I’ve been fortunate to work with such a talented and dedicated team who shared my passion and vision for every project. Their hard work and creativity have always elevated my own.

Lastly, a big thank you to the filmmakers before me that have inspired me. From Sidney Lumet, Milos Forman, Cassavetes, Medem, Kusturica, Boyle to Andrea Arnold, Jeff Nichols, and so many others. Their work keeps opening my eyes to the power of storytelling and teaches me the importance of connecting with audiences on a deep, emotional level.

To all of these people and influences, I owe more than I can put into words.

Website: https://www.sergiovizuete.com

Instagram: @sergiovizuete

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-vizuete-343840

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergio.vizuete.52

Other: vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user15007520

Image Credits
John Lopez