International production company Stink has signed director Leo Aguirre for global representation spanning spots, branded content and music videos. This is his first commercial representation.
A first-generation Mexican-American, born and raised in the border town of El Paso, Texas. Aguirre is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin’s film program. Aguirre’s upbringing along the U.S.-Mexico border and his adolescence in the Caribbean have heavily influenced his relationship with storytelling; and his experience as a writer, photographer, cinematographer, and editor has made a significant impact on his overall approach as a filmmaker.
His narrative contributions as a director and cinematographer have screened at international film festivals including Cannes, SXSW, and Indie Grits, garnering jury and audience awards. In 2014, Aguirre’s short film, El Fuego Detrás, was inducted into the Texas Archive of the Moving Image and screened at the Cannes Film Festival’s Short Film Corner, where it garnered worldwide distribution. His most recent short film, No Somos De Aquí Ní Somos De Allá (We Are Not From Here Nor There), is modern and electrifying, and his film for James Blake’s song "Not Long Now" is haunting and evocative.
Aguirre has helmed projects for Levi’s, Converse, Nike, Adidas, FILA, and Spotify. He has earned accolades from Young Guns 18, the 1.4 Awards 2020, and was part of a select group of finalists in the Commercial Directors Diversity Program (CDDP) 2020, formed by the DGA and AICP.
“Leo’s films are uniquely sensitive and character driven, visually beautiful and impactful,” said Daniel Bergmann, founder of Stink Films. “He draws you in with texturally rich storytelling, always using his craft in the service of the story and the character. We’re excited to help him navigate his growing career and support his extraordinary artistic talents.”
Aguirre said, “I am beyond grateful to have found a home within a community that truly resonates with my work and understands my sensibilities as a filmmaker. Stink has been home to many directors whose work I’ve admired over the years, so it’s a dream come true. The devotion to pushing the craft and creative boundaries is weaved into Daniel and everyone at Stink’s DNA–it’s something I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of. I am looking forward to growing together.”
Aguirre is based in New York City and creates all over the world.
“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