Hello, World!

My name is Juan Carlos Lizarraga, I am from Mazatlan, Mexico and I'm a young filmmaker.

About Me

As a filmmaker, my work explores the intricate interplay between isolation and the profound human desire for connection. I delve into the emotional landscapes we navigate in the face of existential themes—mortality and the longing for belonging. My background is rooted in experimental filmmaking, yet it is always anchored by a narrative thread.

I confront our collective reluctance to acknowledge our impermanence, prompting introspection about the fleeting nature of life. Through evocative imagery and sound, I invite viewers to embrace their vulnerabilities and find meaning in the transient moments we share.

Simultaneously, I examine the complexities of feeling isolated even amidst the bustling noise of modern existence. I highlight the tension between our internal experiences and the external world, encouraging reflection on how we engage with those around us.

Ultimately, my work opens up a conversation about the shared human experience—our fears, desires, and the need for real connection. I hope to inspire viewers to face their own emotions and find beauty in both solitude and togetherness, reminding us that our vulnerabilities can lead to deeper understanding and meaningful relationships.

Work Experience

My experience in film is remarkably diverse. While directing remains my ultimate aspiration and a foundation of my background, having a comprehensive understanding of the various elements that constitute a film greatly enhances my creative process. This knowledge informs and enriches my work, allowing me to craft narratives with greater depth and nuance.

  • ¿A qué sabe Sinaloa? – Noroeste Production 8 episode documentary series 2021, a journey through the stories behind Sinaloa’s most iconic dishes.

Collaborative Project

  • Old tales of Japan (2022): Background video for Kentaro’s Kameyama runaway in LA fashion week.

Writer / Director

  • Surrounded – (2022)
  • The Denial of Death – (2022)

Director of Photography

  • The line of the broken – (2022)
  • Surrounded – (2022)

Sound Mixer

  • Last Serenade – (2021)

Gaffer

  • Hello my love – (2022)
  • The Devil without Guilt – (2022)
  • Look up – (2022)
  • Gertie’s Song (2023)
  • Sincerely Eleanor (2023)
  • Anatomy of Longin (2023) SCAD senior project
  • Failure to fail (2023) SCAD Masters Thesis
  • A Story Worth a Life (2023) SCAD Junior project

Producer

  • Test – (2022)

Grip

  • No Tears In This Household – (2021)
  • Mad Girl’s love Song – (2021)

Education

Idyllwild Arts Academy
Idyllwild, California
2021-2023
SCAD – 2023-present

Surrounded

About

In “Surrounded,” I delve into the complexities of isolation and connection in the modern world. This work examines how individuals navigate their emotional landscapes amidst the noise and distractions of contemporary life. Through a blend of visual imagery and sound, I aim to evoke the feelings of both solitude and the yearning for connection that many experience.

My artistic approach invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of being surrounded—by people, technology, and the relentless pace of existence. By juxtaposing intimate moments with the overwhelming external environment, I hope to highlight the tension between our internal worlds and external realities.

“Surrounded” serves as a mirror, prompting introspection about our relationships and the ways we engage with the world around us. Ultimately, I seek to inspire a deeper understanding of our shared human experience, encouraging viewers to find authenticity and connection amidst the chaos. Through this exploration, I aim to foster a dialogue about the importance of vulnerability and presence in an increasingly fragmented society.

Stills

Play Video

Old Tales of Japan - Collaborative Project

About

Old tales of Japan is an experimental video created in two days by me and some classmates for fashion designer Kentaro Kemayama, for its use as background in his runway in both New York Fashion Week and La fashion week.

Stills

Look Up -
Gaffer

About

In this project I had the opportunity to work as a gaffer, working in 6 different locations and almost 10 lighting setups taught me a lot in the field of lighting.

Stills

A qué sabe Sinaloa-
Assistant Director

About

A qué sabe Sinaloa is an 8 episode television series in which I had the opportunity to be an AD.

The series focuses on the stories of 8 different chefs from the State of Sinaloa in Mexico and it is a journey through the state’s food and culture. The series got distributed by one of Latin America’s biggest streaming services.