At 31st Union, our Happy Brain Hour series celebrates the intersection of creativity and curiosity, bringing inspiring guest speakers to share their stories, insights, and processes. In our latest session, we were thrilled to host Daniel Díaz, a Colombian-British filmmaker and producer.

Daniel has built an impressive career. His short film ÉLEFAN (2022), about the displacement of London’s Latin American community, has screened at numerous film festivals in the US and Colombia, as well as at the Tate Modern and Barbican Centre in London. His most recent film, JUNIOR TU PAPÁ (2024), premiered at the True/False Film Festival and was also featured at the Cartagena International Film Festival. Beyond filmmaking, Daniel is the founder of CiNEOLA, a platform dedicated to showcasing Latin American documentaries. He also serves as Director of Marketing & Audience Strategy at BAVC Media, a San Francisco-based community media non-profit.

As the session began, Daniel provided context for his short film JUNIOR TU PAPÁ. He shared how the 1993 football match at the heart of his film served as both a national obsession and a distraction during a time of violence and upheaval in Colombia. The match’s dramatic conclusion, coupled with its historical context, has cemented it as a legendary moment in Colombian sports history. The event became a lens through which to explore themes of diasporic identity, family connections, and national pride during a turbulent time.

Following a screening of JUNIOR TU PAPÁ, Daniel offered insights into his creative journey, his exploration of cultural identity, and the process of bringing his short film to life. Here are the key takeaways:

Personal Stories Matter

• Daniel emphasized that the inspiration for JUNIOR TU PAPÁ came from a deeply personal place—his childhood memory of watching a historic football match. By focusing on what mattered most to him, he created a story with universal resonance.
• The film became a way for Daniel to reconnect with family members after years of estrangement. He used the creative process as a bridge to rebuild relationships and explore shared histories.

Working Within Constraints

• Daniel approached the project with the mindset of working quickly and within his means. By focusing on what he had access to—archival footage, family stories, and local collaborators—he turned limitations into creative opportunities.
• A submission deadline for the Cartagena Film Festival pushed Daniel to make decisions and let go of perfectionism, ensuring the film was completed on time.

Juxtaposing Mediums for Impact

• The film combines pixelated VHS footage with lush, modern nature scenes. This juxtaposition reflects the fragmented, dreamlike nature of memory while grounding the story in the Caribbean Colombian culture of his family.
• Daniel highlighted the role of the land in shaping identity and memory. By prominently featuring the landscapes of Caribbean Colombia, he honored the region’s influence on his family’s culture.

Challenging Narratives with Authenticity

• Daniel’s film addresses the sensationalist portrayals of Colombian history often seen in media. Instead, he provides an insider’s perspective, focusing on the resilience and cultural contributions of his community.
• The film serves as a message to his family and Colombian audiences, showcasing the deep connections that diaspora communities maintain with their heritage.

The Iterative Creative Process

• Daniel’s process involved constructing the film piece by piece, starting with a monologue and incorporating archival footage, family interviews, and custom-recorded audio.
• He worked with a Colombian production team to capture nature footage and soundscapes from a live football match, adding depth to the film.

Happy Brain Hour with Daniel Díaz showcased the power of storytelling, resourcefulness, and cultural authenticity. At 31st Union, we are proud to host sessions that inspire our team to think creatively and push boundaries. Stay tuned for more exciting events from our Happy Brain Hour series!