Hola, Mariana here!
I am a bilingual creative professional specializing in story development, cultural research, and visual design for animation and media. My passion lies in helping studios and storytellers create authentic, globally resonant stories that reflect diverse voices.
My experience spans from editing international vertical dramas and delivering creative notes for Latin-American adaptations, to providing visual development and feedback as an animation teaching assistant, and directing culturally inspired independent films recognized at festivals in Mexico and the U.S.
With a background in Corporate & Executive Image (BA) and Film/TV Animation certificates, I bring a unique perspective at the intersection of visual identity, storytelling, and cultural authenticity. Recognized with the Chadwick Okamoto Award for diverse storytelling and the Student Leadership Award, I continue to explore how media can bridge cultures.
An experimental short film showing a contemporary version of the Five Suns is a Mexica creation myth. There were four suns before our own and different deities served the Sun at different times.
"In the Beginning" uses different film and animation techniques to represent the cultural and ethnical diversity amongst Mexicans, gathering a team of Mexicans and Mexican descendants to tell the story that started everything.
Produced at the De Anza College Film Department in collaboration with Kukul Estudio's creative team.
