Rising Stars: Meet Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Pablo Arias Muñoz

Hi Juan Pablo, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My desire to become a filmmaker started when I was twelve years old. I was fascinated by film and storytelling, so much so that film became an important part of my identity growing up. When I was young I made small films in high school, taught myself to edit and read as much theory on film as I could. I tried to watch what was considered great films and taught myself everything I could until I attended undergraduate film school in Chile at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. That was a great experience. I had amazing teachers and was given an incredibly meaningful point of view in the art of filmmaking. After that, I started my own production company in Chile called Pajareza Films with my creative partner Maximiliano Scheleff. I started making short films, music videos and more corporate work. Those first steps into the professional filmmaking world lead me to eventually get a Fulbright Scholarship which allowed me to attend the American Film Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles, California in 2017. AFI was also an incredible school where I learned about the craft of the director, the challenges of the career and the necessary discipline for directing to become a way of life. After AFI I continued writing scripts and have directed three feature films so far, the latest last one produced by ESX Entertainment and Warner Bros which was a tremendous opportunity. Over the years I’ve gotten the chance to work with incredible filmmakers, and some of the most talented cast and crew.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the greatest struggle for an artist is to be able to create a sustainable life for yourself and your family while staying on top of your creative career and making sure that’s always moving forward. That sustainable life not only refers to to the financial aspects of life, which are incredibly important, but also the emotional and spiritual. To wrestle everyday with your own insecurities about the work, and the contrast between your aspirations and your current situation is always something that has the potential to get in the way of the work and what needs to get done in the present. This struggle is something that you have to learn to live with. It comes and goes in waves and manifests in different forms as you move along your career, and learning to manage it and self regulate is an important part of taking care of your instrument and staying productive.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a writer and film director. I’ve built most of my career in the psychological thriller and horror space, although it’s not the only genre in which I write and develop stories. I’m the most proud of my relationship with my collaborators. I enjoy making a part of my job as a director to take care of the creativity of the people around me. I understand that filmmaking is not just about myself and my vision, but about the cast and crew that comes on board to create a world.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
That’s a good question that I’m not sure I would be able to respond. I think the most important thing, even more than your career and your professional aspirations is to enjoy the present with the people you love. Life happens very fast and very few things are certain. Nobody knows what the future holds so it’s important to regulate your definition of success so you don’t rely on your expectations and dreams to bring meaning to your life. It’s important to find purpose and meaning in the everyday moments, in the work you do daily and who you spend your time and energy with. I feel this is the only way to achieve true fulfillment . Although this is easier said than done, and the struggles to stay in sync with this mindset is an everyday battle.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jpariasmunoz.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/_jjuanpablo
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5847010/?ref_=tt_cst_dr_1

Image Credits
Mathieu Seguin