Daniel P. Castillo
Daniel P. Castillo is deeply committed to diversifying the narratives that reflect underrepresented communities, like the ones he grew up in, because Daniel is acutely aware of the social impact of a story. Historically, narratives have created, perpetuated and dictated the kinds of images and stories told about particular communities. Numerous studies show that images affect the way people are perceived and treated in society. Although stereotypes can be damaging to all parties, but in some cases, stereotypes that are associated with positive traits benefit particular groups, while others that describe underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, lead to discrimination, harsher treatment, incarceration and/or the loss of lives.
For almost a decade, Daniel has worked alongside youth and communities to help them resist and confront these perceptions about themselves by utilizing the tools of media to disarm those messages and introduce new possibilities of seeing themselves.
The films that he directs aim to respond, challenge, re-frame and transform overwhelming negative singular portrayals into more complex collective narratives that inform, educate, and highlight varying perspectives and life experiences. Daniel’s hope is that the impact of these stories help diverse groups of people re-imagine who they are and inspire them to reframe their own narrative about themselves, their lives, families, and communities.
For almost a decade, Daniel has worked alongside youth and communities to help them resist and confront these perceptions about themselves by utilizing the tools of media to disarm those messages and introduce new possibilities of seeing themselves.
The films that he directs aim to respond, challenge, re-frame and transform overwhelming negative singular portrayals into more complex collective narratives that inform, educate, and highlight varying perspectives and life experiences. Daniel’s hope is that the impact of these stories help diverse groups of people re-imagine who they are and inspire them to reframe their own narrative about themselves, their lives, families, and communities.
