B-Reel Films has added queer, Two Spirit, Xicanx artist, director and photographer Devyn Galindo to its talent roster. This marks Galindo’s first official signing as a director.
Galindo identifies as Two-Spirit, an indigenous term that describes a third gender with both masculine and feminine traits, and Galindo goes by she/her and nonbinary pronouns (they/them.) Galindo prioritizes artistry, and allows that to enrich and inform their ad work, endeavoring to inject poetry into every frame. Above all, they aim to pave a path towards mindfulness in the commercial space, something which brands can only find appealing as they evolve and become more conscious of accountability.
“I’m interested in partnering with brands to help them elevate their outreach to QTPOC and LGBTQIA+ people beyond slapping a rainbow on a T-shirt,” Galindo explained. “That’s why I’m in the room. Advertising is a big platform with a big responsibility, and putting the camera in the hands of people who are responsible is the first step.”
When it comes to Galindo’s portfolio of still and motion photography, the boundary between commercial and personal is blurred. Some of their notable ad campaigns include “More Color, More Pride” for Converse and “We Belong to Something Beautiful” for Sephora–both of which champion queer beauty and underrepresented stories with dignity and intimacy. Other clients Galindo has worked with include Vogue, i-D, Dove, Nike, Benefit Cosmetics, Tidal, Red Bull Music, RocNation, Champion, Tommy Hilfiger, Converse, Superga, and Fila.
Recently Galindo has been on the road working on her photography series, The Van Dykes Project, inspired by the caravan of Dyke activists which traveled the U.S. and Mexico during the 1970s, seeking a life of radical rebellion and feminist empowerment. Sweet Pea, Galindo’s ’78 VW camper van, works as a traveling studio, with Galindo documenting stories from LGBTQIA+ folks from around the U.S. in order to preserve queer oral history for future generations.
By joining B-Reel Films' Stockholm and Los Angeles-based directorial roster, Galindo will continue to champion the narratives of people of color, and the queer community to help create a deeper impact within the modern storytelling landscape. Galindo’s upcoming motion work spans short films, ad campaigns and music videos, including a new piece for transgender activist Shea Diamond’s new song “Smile,” which centers around queer and trans resilience and joy, and is set to release for Pride 2021.
Of Galindo’s work, B-Reel managing director/executive producer Michael McQuhae stated, “It’s fresh — I can see Devyn’s cinematic eye very clearly, how she frames people and has a strong opinion. Getting to know who Devyn is as well–it’s super inspiring. From the moment we saw her work, everyone across the offices of BR•F was fully on board. As a whole, we couldn’t be more excited about the signing.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More