Filmmaker, videographer, editor, and a community and youth media activist: El gets it. A teacher, a light, a leader: as Operations Director and Film Instructor of the Village of Arts and Humanities. El’s commitment to community is unwavering. An artist-activist in every sense, El makes sure folks have the opportunity and skills to speak for themselves. He listens to learn and his integrity of purpose shines through in all that he does. Whether in his classroom or behind the camera, El’s work is driven by a deep and abiding belief in the power of artistic expression to advance self-determination. His practice supports individuals’ capacity to write their lives even in the midst of the most difficult circumstances. El shows us all how its done—community for El is always the subject, never the object. He puts people in the drivers seat to ask hard questions about hard things and write and right the future. El’s generosity, skill, intelligence, and commitment shine a light on the path ahead and call us all to renew our unflagging commitment to justice and the hard work it demands.
