Today we’d like to introduce you to Raul Toledo.
Hi Raul, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Raul Toledo, and I work in the film industry in LA, balancing my time between directing, assistant editing. My journey began in Mexico City, where I was born into a family of karate instructors. Seeking a better life, we moved to the U.S. when I was 13, a transition that was really tough but that introduced me to the power of storytelling through listening, a skill honed out of necessity as I navigated a new language and culture.
Pursuing my passion for filmmaking led me to Point Park University, where I learned the power of collaboration. Post-college, my path took me to LA in 2020 after attending EditFest, but thanks to the pandemic, I was stuck like everyone else in this new city. This period of isolation became a crucible for creativity, birthing my anthology series, Blue Horizons, Inc. Later, I went to work on TV and feature films as an assistant editor and additional editor. Most recently, I’ve worked on ‘A Nice Indian Boy,’ a film directed by Roshan Sethi, set to premiere this March at the South by Southwest Film Festival.
My move to LA has not only refined my craft but also reconnected me with my Mexican heritage, enhancing my storytelling. Looking ahead, I’m eager to take on directing more shorts this year and start work on my first feature, driven by a love for this industry and the stories we tell.
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?
Unfortunately, there are always bumps in the road haha. Moving to the U.S. from Mexico City as a teenager was a tough transition. The language barriers and cultural differences were particularly challenging in the first few years. Being one of only three Hispanic students in my school made me feel isolated and alienated. My identity was constantly challenged as I tried to find a sense of belonging in an environment where my culture was largely absent and, sometimes, I faced different treatment because of my race.
The turning point came when I found a group of like-minded friends who accepted me. This not only gave me a sense of belonging but also a creative outlet!
More recently, the strikes within the film industry have significantly impacted the livelihood of many many people. We’re still dealing with the consequences, feeling the effects of this crucial moment in our industry.
Additionally, not being a U.S. citizen adds an extra layer of uncertainty and anxiety. The fear of potentially being forced to leave the country I’ve come to call home is always present.
Despite these challenges, I see them as integral to shaping who I am today. They’ve been tough, but I wouldn’t exchange these experiences if it meant changing who I’ve become.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my work, I wear two main hats: directing and assistant editing. I’ve been fortunate to work on a variety of projects, each very unique to one another.
During the pandemic, I started working on one of my favorite projects, Blue Horizons, Inc. It’s an anthology series inspired by 90s corporate videos but with a narrative exploring the basics of being human in a humorous, abstract way, with a hint of Tim and Eric. In this series, we poke fun at corporate America and the dread that comes with it. We are on our 7th episode and working on the next one!
Last year, I worked on A Nice Indian Boy as an additional editor, and it was a significant milestone for me. It marked my first additional editor credit on a feature film, a project that was particularly rewarding not only for the role I played but also for the team I worked with. Collaborating with editor Stephanie Kaznocha and director Roshan Sethi was an incredible experience. The creativity we shared brought out the best in the film, and I’m immensely proud of what we achieved together.
I want to say that what sets me apart is how often I ask myself, “What’s the silliest thing I can make?” haha, I feel the absurd can mirror my own experiences and outlooks the best. It’s a way to explore what it means to be human without relying on words, blending weird humor with intuitive explorations. This keeps filmmaking fun yet insightful for me!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID was a period of heavy learning and reflection for me. One of the most crucial lessons I absorbed was the value of adaptability. The ability to pivot and find creative solutions became key. This period challenged me to explore new ways to tell stories, leading to projects like Blue Horizons Inc., which might not have come to life under different circumstances.
COVID taught me to embrace change, persist through challenges, and cherish the connections we have with others. Change is scary, but it happens all the time, so we have to be ready for it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.raultoledo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzmraul/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHWVRfFEF8Av8mHpxWEK_qA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lzmraul
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@bluehorizonsinc
Image Credits
Raul Toledo
