Hugo Montes de Oca

Biography: Hugo Montes de Oca (born June 20, 2000) is a young Mexican writer-director hailing from Monterrey, Mexico. From a young age, he exhibited a remarkable passion for storytelling and a natural inclination towards visual arts. Inspired by the captivating narratives and cinematic styles of American and international films, Hugo embarked on his creative journey, immersing himself in the world of filmmaking. Armed with an old digital camera borrowed from his father, he began crafting his own stories through the medium of short films, directing and collaborating with friends and family members to bring his visions to life. Throughout middle school and high school, he developed a genuine passion for filmmaking, producing numerous short films and video skits. In high school, he began taking acting classes to enhance his directing skills and gain a deeper understanding of the acting process. He even had the opportunity to write and direct several plays in both high school and college, all of which explored themes such as grief, social anxiety, mental health, and companionship, infused with a comedic twist often found in Hugo's work. Driven by his insatiable desire to create films, Hugo has always been a do-it-yourself filmmaker, taking charge of various aspects including cinematography, audio recording and editing, makeup and costume design, set dressing, as well as editing and visual effects. By the age of 21, he had already directed and co-written four plays and had completed over 40 short films. In 2022, he released two notable short films. The first one, titled 'Polvo' (Dust), tells the story of a group of boys at a party that culminates in a tragic ending. This short film delves into the concept of hegemonic masculinity, the yearning for validation and acceptance, and incorporates some queer themes. Subsequently, Hugo co-wrote and co-directed a short film called 'The Confrontation' with his friend and filmmaker Cecilia Becerra. It portrays a young survivor living in a water-depleted world, created to raise awareness about the ongoing water crisis. The short film premiered at the Monterrey International Film Festival in 2022 and subsequently enjoyed an extensive festival run across multiple countries, including the UK and the USA. Hugo's latest short film, 'Enjoy the Silence,' marks his first venture into Super 16mm film. It revolves around an architect who is a Mexican immigrant and grapples with neurosis. The film explores the emotional vulnerability and internal conflicts faced by an individual with post-traumatic stress disorder, shedding light on the obsessions they unleash in their daily lives. Drawing inspiration from 1970s grindhouse films, it incorporates elements of experimental cinema and body horror.