Today we’d like to introduce you to Darwin Reina
Hi Darwin , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Darwin Reina, a filmmaker by passion and profession, with over 20 years of experience in the industry. While my journey has spanned decades, I would say the past six years have been particularly transformative. During this time, I’ve been running three film festivals that celebrate film, creativity, and community.
These include:
The North Film Festival – Stockholm (Online) March 27 – 28 2025
The North Film Festival – New York City (Live), which will take place from February 25–28, 2025.
Love & Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona (Live) Oct 1 – 4 2025.
My role has allowed me to watch countless independent films, champion filmmakers, and foster creativity in the industry. Beyond festivals, I’m an active member of the Festival de Cannes and travel extensively, particularly to Los Angeles, where I produce films and develop my own projects.
My love for animation and horror led me to my latest venture: the Los Angeles Fantasia Fest, set to debut on November 20–21, 2025. This festival focuses on Animation, Horror, and Sci-Fi films, genres I’m deeply passionate about. I’m excited to collaborate with Vincenzo Carubia, owner of SkipTown Playhouse, to bring this vision to life. After six years of running festivals, I feel ready to take on this new challenge—let’s go!
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?
Oh, absolutely not! The filmmaking industry is one of the toughest out there. This isn’t your typical 9-to-5 job—far from it. The struggles are real: jealousy, insecurities, and the constant uncertainty. One day you’re working hard, and the next… crickets. It’s like playing a never-ending game where the rules keep changing.
But here’s the thing—I always tell people: if you’re in this industry for the money or the fame, you’re in the wrong game, my friend! This is all about passion, collaboration, and building relationships, and that takes time. Lots of it.
Is it easy? Nope. But you know what? I get to do what I love, and that’s the best reward. Am I making millions right now? Not even close! But I’m happy. Life’s too short to spend it building someone else’s dream. So yeah, it’s been a rocky road, but I’d rather be here, surviving and thriving, than doing anything else.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear many hats in the film industry—most notably, I’m a festival director. That’s what people know me for, and it’s been a major part of my journey. But at heart, I’m a filmmaker. I still have so much to learn and explore in this craft. I write a lot as well, with a script currently in the works—fingers crossed that we secure the $1 million I need to bring it to life!
Beyond directing and writing, I also produce films. My focus is always on supporting talented filmmakers and raising the necessary funds for projects, but it’s a tricky business. There’s a lot of ego in this industry, and finding the right people to work with is crucial. If you don’t, it can all fall apart fast.
What sets me apart? I’d say it’s my passion for fostering collaboration, whether as a festival director, producer, or filmmaker. I’m deeply involved in every part of the process, always pushing myself and those around me to do better. It’s not just about making movies—it’s about creating something meaningful, whether through film festivals or the films themselves.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh wow, that’s a tough one! I’ll start by saying that most of my mentors are no longer with us—guys like Jim Rohn, Paul Newman, and Stanley Kubrick. Those legends taught me a lot, even from beyond the grave. But of course, I also have some living mentors who continue to inspire me. For example, The Rock! Hahaha, just kidding—but seriously, people like Al Pacino have shown me what it takes to stay grounded and focused in this business.
Finding real mentors while you’re growing is hard. A lot of people want the title of director, producer, or actor without putting in the work. Everyone wants to make millions right now, but very few are willing to do the long, tough grind. It’s funny—I’m surrounded by people who dream of making it big, but they’re not willing to invest in their craft. Crazy, right?
Honestly, I try to stay away from those kinds of folks. I’d rather sail my own ship. But yeah, there are tons of mentors who’ve helped me along the way, even if I keep a lot of their wisdom to myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.darwinreina.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darwinreina/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarwinReinaActor
- Twitter: https://x.com/DarwinReina
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DRTVWeb
Image Credits
Rodartin Producciones S.L.
