Today we’d like to introduce you to De. Dr. Ariel Orama López (AG Orloz)
De. , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a multi-awarded independent filmmaker, producer, composer, actor, and scriptwriter from Puerto Rico that began his career on 2001 (actor and 2010 (director), who is considered and distinguished a Notable Alumnus from New York Film Academy, in Los Angeles. My films are related to climate change, stigma and discrimination, global impact issues (ex: pandemic), and the promotion of a culture of Peace. With a lot of perseverance and passion, I have screened in multiple relevant venues, including Animation in Cannes, The Venice Production Bridge at la Biennale di Venezia, the Academy Screening Room (ASR), and the Grauman’s Theater. It is meaningful to me and to the Puerto Rican’s history of Independent Film in the 21 Century.
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?
I think that the struggle that is very common in independent filmmaking is funding. Thank God, I have been blessed with Earth angels that have been part of my journey, since 2010. In other hand, I am sure that it would be easer with government or federal funding, but this is not my case. It would be ideal if someday they can appreciate my winning formula, but it would not stop me to put the name of the Caribbean and NYFA Los Angeles in a high position and ranking in national and international festivals. For example, it is wonderful when one of our projects has been selected with countries and continents such as China, India, Australia, USA, Japan, among others, being the only Caribbean or Latin America ranking in a top 5 or top 10 in festivals and obtaining different prizes. This is the best reward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think that two aspects can be mentioned in terms of what sets me appart from other creative directors. First, my commitment to topics such as climate change and hurricane devastation, spontaneous combustion and oxygen, HIV/AIDS, diversity and stigma issues, and the promotion and call to action for a culture of Peace.
Second, that my consecutive prizes and laurels came from international festivals, being able to win or been selected in all the inhabited continents of the World, since 2010 to 2024.
Consecutively, I have presented at the Grauman’s Theater, Cannes parallel venues, and in the Academic Screening Room of the Oscars: for example, one of my last short films was one of the 93 projects considered for the 2023 Oscars, competing with companies such as Disney and Pixar. It means a lot! This year, I will receive the Prize Professional Trajectory in Independent Filmmaking: Climate Change, Global Impact, and Culture of Peace in a distinguished ceremony coordinated by Lideres de America in Mexico. This is a great reward that I promise to pay it forward with my creative art.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
It would be great if a company would be able to see my winning formula and develop new projects together. Anyone that want to raise the bar and create well-defined projects with purpose and with a lot of potential in festivals can look for me in social media (Ariel Orama López) or by email (Sinapsis Crëativa | [email protected]).
