Today we’d like to introduce you to Rafael Puga Valega
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m from Peru and I came to LA to work in the film industry. It’s been my dream to become a filmmaker since around 2010. I’ve been living in LA since the last months of 2019. I didn’t know anyone around my age when I first arrived here. I have basically met most of my friends and contacts through acting and specially background work. After some hesitation and some crazy moments that has happened in the world (like the pandemic) and in the industry (like the strikes) I decided to finally make my first short film which is called ‘Win/Win’ last year (2024). I’ve make some videos or student projects before but nothing as professional as this one. That’s why I considered it my first short or film. It was part of the official selection of four film festivals and won an award as Best Story in the bi-monthly Under 5 Minute Film Festival. Some weeks ago it has finally gotten in public mode on Vimeo. I’m glad it’s been having great comments and acceptance since it was in the festival circuit as well as nowadays that anyone can watch it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yeah in a way as I said. In some of my first months in LA I was moving from one place to another. Mostly Airbnb’s. Even in November of 2019 I was mostly sleeping in a car. Finally around August of 2020 I moved with a friend and roommates and stood there for a while. I also wasn’t able to enjoy much of LA before the pandemic. And because of the pandemic I wasn’t able to see my family in Peru for a couple of years. Then in 2023 the strike happens and the industry shut downs for around 6 months. The good thing around that time is that I went to some meetings with producers and crew people, and worked a couple of days as a PA (production assistant) for a small production which I felt it helped with my confidence on dealing with production issues for this first short film I wanted to make.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My main goal is filmmaking (directing and screenwriting). I also really like acting although is not my main focus. But I don’t close to the doors to it at all. Basically that (mostly background acting) has been the way I have started my first steps in the industry of this city and I still do it for income and because I have a great time when I do it.
I guess one of the things I’m mostly proud of is being able to keep moving forward despite the struggles that happened in the city like the shutdown due to the strikes and the pandemic as well. Gladly the excitement of being in the city of cinema made me move forward through those struggles. I’m also proud of being able to work as a producer in my own short and make it move forward because for me producing is really a struggle (compared with writing and directing which is my passion and they are not complicated for me to do).
I would say that what sets me apart from others is my peruvian background. There are not many peruvians in LA and even less the ones who work or are trying to make a way here in the industry. I think that’s also a fuel that helps me move through it.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I guess watching movies. And even more if its a movie that amazes me. It reminds why I’m here, my goals and serve as inspiration to keep me going in my path as a filmmaker.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://filmfreeway.com/RafaelPugaValega
- Youtube: https://vimeo.com/1042215343
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/es/name/nm11252228/?ref_=hm_rvi_nm_t_1
Image Credits
Sofia Randahl Norschau
