Today we’d like to introduce you to Xavier Medina.
Hi Xavier, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Xavi Medina, I’m a native of Bayamón, Puerto Rico. I majored in audiovisual communications at the University of Puerto Rico, and later completed my Master of Arts in directing for film at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Since childhood, I’ve harbored a dream of becoming a director. My aspiration has always been to craft narratives and characters that resonate with everyone, where each person can see themselves reflected.
I have written and directed commercials, short films, documentaries, and music videos. Our first feature film, Sunnyland, won the 2022 Best US Narrative award at the New York Latino Film Festival and was invited to multiple Festivals and Screening.
Now, after a 20-year career as an artist and filmmaker, I continue to create and collaborate in the film industry as a writer, director, cinematographer, and editor.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a filmmaker, you’ll encounter numerous obstacles that may tempt you to consider a different career path. However, it’s precisely these challenges that cultivate resilience and fortitude. Filmmaking is a collaborative art, requiring seamless teamwork and cooperation. Mastering various departments and roles is invaluable, as it fosters a deep understanding of each team member’s contribution. This understanding breeds empathy and appreciation among crew members, elevating the filmmaking process into a collective endeavor of significance. In uniting diverse talents and perspectives, a masterpiece can emerge, borne from the collective effort of dedicated individuals.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After completing my undergraduate studies in Audiovisual Communications, I was fortunate to receive a fellowship that enabled me to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Film at The Savannah College of Art and Design. It was during this journey that I crossed paths with my life partner, María Amelia Cotarelo. Together, we founded ‘Érase una vez…’ with the shared goal of uniting our creative visions under a singular manifesto. Our collaboration encompasses narrative films, both short and feature-length, alongside music videos and documentaries. We’re driven by a passion for stories that resonate with our hearts or demand to be shared with the world.
What fills me with the utmost pride is the realization that, as an artist, I have the privilege of living authentically and unapologetically. The most rewarding aspect of my craft is the ability to sustain myself while staying true to my essence. As creators, we revel in the freedom to envision something and bring it to fruition—a privilege uniquely afforded to artists.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of my go-to apps is Calm, a meditation app that aids me in cultivating mindfulness as a daily habit. Spotify is another essential tool for me; as a synesthete, the ability to instantly access a vast library of songs and artists empowers me to create with boundless freedom.
While I prefer to initially brainstorm and sketch out my ideas on paper, I utilize Final Draft to craft the final script on my computer once the skeleton of the story is in place. Additionally, reading plays a significant role in my daily routine. Each morning, I immerse myself in a diverse array of topics, ranging from philosophy to filmmaking, camera gear, nature, adventure, and travel, through a combination of books and magazines.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xavimedina.portfoliobox.net/
- Instagram: erase.una.vez.collective
- Facebook: Érase una vez, Inc.
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavi-medina-1b34b164/
- Twitter: https://vimeo.com/xavimedina
- Other: https://eraseunavez.pb.online/
Image Credits
Xavi Medina / Maria Amelia Cotarelo
