Life & Work with Jessica Arzate Cerecedo of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Arzate Cerecedo.

Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Filmmaking found me when I was seventeen. I had no idea what it meant to be a filmmaker, nor did I know one. Somehow, I asked my aunt for her VHS and made a short film for a kid’s film festival in Latin America. My short film was selected, and at the awards ceremony, I met my future mentor and former cinematographer, Juan Jose Saravia, AMC. He explained to me what the job of a cinematographer was, and I was amazed that such a job existed. I instantly knew that it was what I wanted to become, and from there, I started a long, sometimes lovely, sometimes arduous journey into the film world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, there have been some beautiful surprises and breakthrough moments in my career, but also many moments of struggle. An artist’s life is rarely linear, and today, making a living from your creative passion can sometimes feel like an act of resistance. Breaking into the film industry has taken years of patience and perseverance…

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a cinematographer originally from Mexico, currently based in Los Angeles and working internationally. My main focus is narrative storytelling and commercial work. What interests me most is translating emotion into visuals in collaboration with my team. I understand what it takes to bring a project to life, so I approach my work with a strong sense of responsibility and pride. My visual perspective is shaped by my own experiences and by the things I read, watch, taste, and listen to.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I owe a great deal of my path to the mentors and creative community around me. Most of my mentors came into my life through working together on set or meeting at industry events, and each relationship developed in its own way.

When I reach out to people I admire, I try to approach them with respect and genuine curiosity. Before contacting them, I take time to study their work and reflect on what I specifically want to learn from them, whether that’s technique, collaboration, leadership, or visual style.

I’ve also learned that mentorship requires patience. The people you admire are often deeply immersed in their own creative process, so it’s important to respect their time, follow up thoughtfully, and take seriously any opportunity they offer.

Deep-Light is a great place to begin seeking mentorship. It was created by Natasha Braier, an inspiring artist and exceptional cinematographer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jessicaarzate.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicaarzate
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-arzate-cerecedo-a780181a4

Image Credits
Still frames from the films Flores Amarillas, Sheepwell, and Weightless.