About Me
Gonzo is a filmmaker who graduated from Columbia College Chicago in May of 2026 with a BA in Film and Television. Their work spans documentary, broadcast, and narrative filmmaking, with a focus on character, community, and lived experience. Gonzo is particularly interested in how film can generate knowledge and growth through the senses, using observation and embodied storytelling to challenge fixed perspectives and offer nuance. Their recent projects include the student film Leather-Bound, on which they served as editor and won best picture at Griffon Film Festival; the self-made short film Out of Bounds, which was recognized as a Semi-Finalist by Best Short Fest; and the self-made short documentary Broadway Bomb, set in New York City, which explores one of the world’s most iconic and dangerous skateboard races. Gonzo’s work prioritizes authenticity and culture, inviting audiences to relate more closely to everyday experience.
Vision & Theme
The vision and themes that define my work revolve around the concepts of tribe and egalitarianism. I believe in doing things for others, not because we expect anything in return, but because we are not dead inside. This perspective first took shape shortly after I finished my time in the U.S. Navy and created my first short documentary about a longboard race in New York.
Initially, I had no set idea for my assignment; the only thing on my mind was longboarding. I walked into a local shop in Kansas City, where a TV behind the counter was showing a race down a busy street. The owner, Joe, explained that it was the biggest skateboard race in New York, called the Broadway Bomb. He encouraged me to go, mentioning that it would take place in a couple of weeks. I decided to drop everything, bought a plane ticket to New York, and arrived with nothing but my new longboard and my camera—no hotel plans or place to stay.
Soon after arriving in Central Park, I met Haluk, a local who gives bicycle tours but prefers to use his longboard. After a brief conversation about the city's history, Haluk offered me a place to stay in Queens. He introduced me to everyone I needed for my documentary and helped me experience a way of life I had never considered before.
Since then, I have been motivated to highlight communities that unite people from diverse backgrounds—much like a tribe. My work aims to show how caring for one another nourishes the spirit and reminds us that we are not alone. Visually, I gravitate toward a candid, documentary approach. I favor handheld camera work, natural lighting, and close, immersive shots that draw viewers into the heart of each community I document. This style allows my audience to feel present within the story, breaking down barriers between subject and viewer and emphasizing authenticity. These values consistently drive my vision as a storyteller and filmmaker. Looking forward, I hope to explore new ways to tell stories that celebrate connection, resilience, and the possibilities that arise when we open ourselves to others.
This vision has deepened in the past year after the loss of my brother Daniel. Grief has connected me with others facing similar struggles. Moving forward, I plan to obtain an EMT license after graduation and travel as a nomad with my camera and film equipment, documenting individuals and communities who live unconventional lifestyles.