Check Out Guillermo Ivan’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Guillermo Ivan.

Hi Guillermo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was six years old the first time I stepped onto a set. I didn’t fully understand what acting or directing was—but I knew I loved the feeling of telling a story that could make people feel something. That feeling never left me.

At 14, I left home for Cuba to study theater and cinema. I was still a teenager, but I knew I needed to understand the craft on a deeper level. Later, I continued that path in New York and finally LA, where I shaped not just my skills, but my voice as an artist.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of telling stories that have traveled far beyond what I imagined. Films like The Strike and Habana Instant opened international doors. Roles in El Desconocido, Al Otro Lado del Muro, and Lady of Guadalupe have allowed me to explore complex characters who stay with me long after the cameras stop rolling.

But acting was only one part of the journey. I founded Golden Ceiba Productions to create space for stories that matter—films that reflect truth, resilience, and the richness of the human experience. Producing, writing, and directing became a natural extension of the same love I found as a child on set.

Projects like Rumba Love, As Good As Dead, Shrapnel, Six Hours Away, Habana Instant and Desert Dawn are each pieces of that bigger mission. Along the way, I’ve been honored with awards and nominations—but what truly drives me is the connection with audiences. That quiet moment when someone says, “Your story felt like mine.”

This isn’t just my profession—it’s my purpose. And I’m still just getting started.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been an easy road—far from it. My journey has been filled with challenges, sacrifices, and moments that truly tested my resolve. I faced starvation while studying theater and cinema in Cuba, and later, the relentless pace and toughness of New York City as I completed my training at HB Studio. When I finally made it to Los Angeles, the real work began—making films, building relationships, and creating opportunities from the ground up.

Founding my own production company, Golden Ceiba Productions, has been one of the most demanding and rewarding chapters of my life. Creating something of your own means facing what many would call failure. But to me, those moments were never failures—they were lessons. Every setback helped me grow, refine my craft, and clarify my vision.

Now, with hindsight, I see that every obstacle had a purpose. It was all worth it. I’m deeply grateful for every challenge that shaped me into the artist—and the person—I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve had the privilege of developing cinematic ideas from scratch—concepts that have evolved into internationally award-winning films. The satisfaction that comes from each of those creative journeys is truly profound and honestly hard to put into words.

Being part of projects like Habana Instant, The Strike, and Rumba Love from their very inception—shaping the concept, writing the script, directing, and stepping into the lead role—has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. To see those stories come to life on screen, and then go on to receive international recognition, has been not only humbling but also a beautiful and ongoing path of growth, learning, and artistic discovery.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Never stop dreaming, but transform those dreams into actions!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://guillermoivan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guillerivan/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/guillerivan/
• Twitter: https://x.com/guillerivan
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@guillermoivantv

Image Credits
Alfonso Zapata
Eduardo Fermin