Meet Diego Serrano | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diego Serrano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diego, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey into filmmaking has been shaped by a mix of passion, perseverance, and a desire to build something of my own. I started as a production assistant in Peru, learning the ropes from the ground up. While I dedicated myself to mastering the technical aspects of filmmaking, it was the creative process—the act of bringing a vision to life—that truly fueled me. Over the years, I honed my skills, gained invaluable experience, and eventually transitioned into directing.

This path taught me the value of hard work and perseverance, while igniting a drive to tell stories that felt authentic and personal. I wanted to create content that went beyond entertainment—stories that would resonate deeply with people. I knew I had to carve my own path, and founding Cholo Film was the natural next step. It gave me the chance to combine my passion for storytelling with the independence to create meaningful content that truly reflected my vision. This is how my short documentary Supay came to fruition—an authentic, self-started project that allowed me to explore a deeply personal story while showcasing the power of independent filmmaking.

Having spent the majority of my life in Peru, I developed a deep connection to its culture, landscapes, and people, which influenced the way I see the world and the stories I want to tell. Moving to the U.S. opened up new possibilities to expand creatively and professionally, leading me to establish Cholo Film in this new environment. I saw it as an opportunity to share my vision with a broader audience and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Today, I balance the rich cultural history of Peru with the fast-paced, diverse landscape of the U.S., blending these influences to deepen the stories I tell and add greater nuance to my work as a filmmaker.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about storytelling that feels raw, cinematic, and deeply human. I create films that capture emotions in a way that resonates, whether it’s through commercial work, documentaries, or narrative pieces. What sets me apart is my ability to blend high-end, cinematic visuals with authentic, real-life moments—always with a strong connection to music. I’m a passionate music lover, with playlists containing thousands of songs across every genre. I dive deep into sound, constantly exploring new artists and styles. As a filmmaker, I believe music and film go hand in hand—the right track can completely transform a scene, elevate emotions, and enhance storytelling. This deep understanding of music allows me to craft films where visuals and sound work seamlessly together to create a powerful impact.

I come from a multicultural background, and that perspective allows me to bring a unique voice to my work—one that merges different influences, cultures, and styles. One of the projects I’m most proud of is my short documentary Supay, which was self-produced and directed. It was a personal passion project that ended up winning awards and later streaming on Amazon Prime Video. That experience reinforced my belief that great work comes from taking risks and trusting your vision.

Getting to where I am today has been anything but easy. I started with no direct connections in the film industry. I worked my way up, beginning as a production assistant in Peru, starting my own production company, and later moving to the U.S. Each step of the journey came with its own challenges—navigating new cities, building a reputation, and proving myself in competitive markets. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that persistence and adaptability are everything. You have to be willing to evolve, learn, and take on new challenges to grow as a filmmaker.

At the core of my work is a passion for storytelling that leaves an impact. Whether it’s working with brands, artists, or on personal projects, my goal is always to bring authenticity and creativity to the forefront. My work is not just about visuals—it’s about storytelling that connects with people on a deeper level.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Id definetly would want to take them to my favorite spots, we’d start in Bishop Arts, walking around, checking out the shops, and just soaking in the vibe. For drinks, Ladylove is always a solid choice, or we’d hit Revelers Hall for some live jazz. Lower greenville is also a solid choice for a night out.

Food would definitely be a priority. Hutchins BBQ is a must, and The Kickin’ Crab is one of my go-tos for a solid crab boil. Babe’s Chicken, best fried chicken ever.

If there’s a Mavericks or Stars game, we’re going. During the day, we’d probably walk the Katy Trail and grab a drink at Katy Trail Ice House after. The Perot Museum is also a good time. Surfing at Good Surf in Deep Ellum is also always a good time guaranteed. And for a movie night, The Texas Theatre is the move—old-school, full of character, and always playing something interesting.

Music would definitely be part of the plan. The Freeman in Deep Ellum always has great live shows, It’ll Do Club is the best spot for house music. We’d also have to stop by Josie Records to dig through some vinyl. And if it’s a Sunday, checking out the lowriders on Jefferson Boulevard is a must.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my partner and co-founder of Cholo Film, Eduardo Noblecilla, who is in Peru creating incredible films—he just shot a new music video, and we’re currently collaborating on an upcoming project. My girlfriend, Karla, for her unwavering support and belief in me. My parents, for always standing by my side.

Moving to Dallas, I was fortunate to find an incredible support system. My good friend Nicholas Moreno, CEO of Only Dallas, has been a tremendous supporter of my work. My filmmaker friends, Matt Reed and Adrian Smith, have pushed me creatively and been amazing collaborators. SMU also played a key role by trusting my work and giving me opportunities to grow. I also want to shout out Pepe Valdez, my talented Peruvian musician friend, who helped me out when I first moved here, and these talented rap artists—Jeffro, Al, G2, and TC—who saw my work and trusted me to create with them.

I’ve been inspired by filmmakers who push boundaries. Back in Peru, Jorge Carmona taught me so much about filmmaking and visuals, shaping the way I approach my craft. Directors like Paul Thomas Anderson, Wong Kar Wai, Stanley Kubrick, and Sergio Leone—just to name a few—have influenced my storytelling, whether through bold visuals, unique narratives, or masterful use of atmosphere. Their work has constantly challenged me to create something that resonates on a deeper level.

And above all, I want to thank God, in whom I place my trust—none of this would be possible without Him.

Website: https://diegoaserrano.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notdiego_____/

Image Credits
Guy Rogers, Joaquin Salas, Ellen Yang, DownToCapture, Nicholas Moreno