Darwin Reina of Hollywwod on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Darwin Reina and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Darwin, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Honestly, what’s been bringing me the most joy lately is spending time with my daughter. She’s ten years old, full of energy and curiosity, and just watching her grow and play reminds me what really matters in life. Family always comes first for me — those simple moments at home are what keep me grounded.

Outside of that, I’m constantly creating. Even when I’m not directing or producing, I’m editing, writing, sketching ideas, or learning something new about filmmaking. I love discovering new tools, techniques, and stories that keep me inspired. And of course, working with the film festivals I direct — helping other filmmakers showcase their work — brings me a lot of fulfillment too. It’s a perfect mix of passion and purpose.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a filmmaker, director, and producer originally from Spain. My journey in cinema began as an actor when I was just five years old. Years later, after studying and auditioning in New York, I realized that what truly fulfilled me was storytelling from behind the camera — so I shifted my focus to directing.

As I started traveling to film festivals with my work, I noticed that many festivals lacked that personal, human connection between organizers and filmmakers. That inspired me to create festivals that reflect my own vision — where communication, hospitality, and artistic respect come first.

Today, I’m proud to be the founder and director of four international festivals:

Love & Hope International Film Festival – Barcelona (October 14–17, 2026)

The North Film Festival – Barcelona (February 18–20, 2026)

The North Film Festival – New York City (June 10–13, 2026)

Los Angeles Fantasia Film Festival (November 20–21, 2025)

Our flagship event, Love & Hope in Barcelona, welcomes more than 500 filmmakers from around the world each year, and it has become one of the most exciting multicultural gatherings for independent cinema in Europe.

Beyond my festival work, I’m currently preparing my first horror feature film, with a projected budget of $1 million. It’s a project that combines my passion for psychological storytelling and my love for the craft of filmmaking — something I’ve been building toward my entire career.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
Well I love this qauestion, the greatest teacher in my career has been experience itself. Over the years, I’ve learned from many great directors and artists — men and women who’ve each contributed something special to the world of cinema. But more than anyone else, it’s the process of doing, failing, learning, and growing that has shaped me the most.

When I started organizing festivals, I used to worry about what people thought — every review, every opinion. Now, after more than seven years, I’ve realized that criticism is part of the journey. Some people will love your work, others won’t — and that’s okay. What matters is that you stay true to your vision and keep moving forward.

Experience teaches you patience, resilience, and balance. It reminds you that filmmaking, like life, isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection. And once you understand that, you stop chasing approval and start creating with freedom.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many moments when I thought about giving up — I think every filmmaker faces that question at some point. This industry constantly tests you. There are days when you wonder if you’re on the right path or if any of it even makes sense. But something about filmmaking keeps pulling me forward.

I’ve reached a point where I don’t care about being famous. If it happens, fine. If not, I’ll keep making films, even if I’m the only one watching them. Creating is what keeps me alive — whether it’s directing, writing, or even drawing. It’s an outlet, a way to stay human.

We live in a time where everyone is trying to look positive all the time, but real life isn’t like that. We’re emotional beings — we break, we doubt, we rebuild. I’ve had moments where I wanted to walk away from everything: the work, the people, the chaos. But somehow, I always find my way back.

So, yes, there were times I almost gave up. But filmmaking is part of who I am. As long as I can move, think, and create, I’ll keep doing it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in this industry is the idea that there’s only one right way to make or distribute a film — the so-called “Hollywood way.” We’ve been conditioned to believe that success means following the same formula: certain budgets, certain names, certain structures. But that’s not true anymore, and maybe it never really was.

There are hundreds of ways to tell a story and just as many ways to get it out into the world. The system makes you believe you need to go through their gates — studios, agencies, government funds — but those gates are there to keep control, not to open doors. In Spain, it’s the same names getting the funding year after year. In the U.S., it’s the same networks protecting their circle.

The truth is, filmmaking is art. There’s no single method to write a script, to run a festival, or to release a movie. The lie keeps people dependent on the same structure, but if you’re independent — really independent — you find your own path. You build your own audience. You don’t wait for permission to create.

That’s what keeps me doing what I do: proving there’s more than one way to make cinema happen.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people simply say I was a good man — someone who stood for what he believed in and did things his own way. I don’t expect to be remembered forever. Time moves fast, people move on, and fame fades quicker than anyone wants to admit.

But if a few people — my family, my friends, the ones who really knew me — remember me with respect, that’s enough. Maybe they’ll say I cared about what I did, that I worked hard, that I helped others find their own path in this business.

We all end up in the same place eventually. What matters is that while you’re here, you stay honest with yourself and do something real. That’s the story I’d like people to tell.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darwinreina.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darwinreina/
• Twitter: https://x.com/DarwinReina
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarwinReinaActor
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DRTVWeb

Image Credits
DRTV Entertainment SL