Born in Ecuador, and raised in the Middle East, Andy moved to Vancouver, Canada in 2001 to pursue film and graduated from Capilano University Cinematography program in 2004. He began his career in film working on several big-budget projects and commercials as a member of IATSE Local 891. Andy quickly realized his passion for indie filmmaking, and began producing and shooting his own independent films, commercials and music videos soon after. His talent and unique visual eye has garnered him nominations and awards at international film festivals including the Whistler Film Festival and the Milan International Filmmaker Festival.
In 2014, Andy was Director of Photography and Producer of the short, black and white silent film ‘Through the Pane’ which went on to screen at major festivals internationally (including Hollywood Film Festival, Montreal World Film Festival, Souq Film Festival, and official selection for Cannes Short Film Corner) and won several awards in North America including ‘Best Short Film’ & ‘Audience Choice’ (VSFF), ‘Best Short Film’ (VIWIFF), ‘Best Short Drama’ (Toronto Shorts Fest), ‘Audience Choice’ (Atlanta Shorts Fest), and 9 other awards.
During 2017, Andy was the Director of Photography and Producer of his first feature film, “Woodland”, which is now released across all major VOD platforms. Since then, Andy has taken on the role of Director of Photography and Producer for “ Brother, I Cry”, a Telefilm Talent to Watch funded feature that is set to be released 2021 and his very own feature film “ El Suspiro De Silencio”, which was shot in El Salvador in 2019 and is set to be released early 2022.
Alongside producing, Andy works locally in Vancouver as a Director of Photography for Thrillers and Romcoms for Lifetime and Hallmark Network and was chosen to be the cinematographer on the original Netflix series, “Project MC2”. Andy’s career in cinematography and producing will continue to flourish and develop as he pursues membership with the Canadian Society of Cinematographers in 2021.
El Color Negro is Andy’s Directorial DEBUT.
Director Statement
I’ve been highly affected by the recent images of police brutality against black people. I’m a bi-racial Ecuadorian/Nicaraguan of black and latino descent who grew up in the Revolution in the 1980s. The images we have all been seeing recently have been highly triggering for me because I grew up in a state of civil war.
This led me to start thinking about the word Black. Not in the racial context but rather, the color. What is black? I wondered. As I researched I found some profound insights and knowledge that can be interpreted and translated directly into the context of race.
This film is an experimental and creative exploration of that.
Documentary Film Festival. Los Angeles & Toronto 