Meet Gabriel Duran | Associate Professor/ Founder of FDCLA and Vivid Vita Events

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

Hi Gabriel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The primary motivations for starting FDCLA and Vivid Vita Events stem from a commitment to cultural representation, community engagement, and the preservation of traditions. FDCLA was established to ensure that the rich and diverse stories of the Latino community are told and celebrated, providing a platform for Latino filmmakers to bring their unique narratives to a broader audience and promoting cultural understanding and appreciation.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Both FDCLA (Festival de Cine Latino Americano) and Vivid Vita Events are dedicated to engaging the local community by organizing events that celebrate Latino culture. These initiatives serve as gathering places for the community, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural identity. Events like Fiesta Charra are particularly instrumental in preserving and promoting traditional Latino practices and arts, ensuring these cultural traditions are passed down to future generations and remain an integral part of the community’s identity.

I am most proud of creating platforms through FDCLA and Vivid Vita Events that celebrate and amplify Latino voices. These platforms not only provide recognition and appreciation for Latino artists and filmmakers but also bridge cultural gaps and promote mutual understanding and respect among diverse communities. The impact of these organizations on enriching the cultural landscape and fostering inclusivity excites me the most.

Throughout this journey, I have learned the importance of perseverance, community support, and staying true to one’s passion. The collaborative efforts of dedicated committee members and the love and encouragement from my family have been crucial in overcoming obstacles. I’ve also learned that providing a platform for underrepresented voices can significantly impact cultural understanding and appreciation.

I want the world to know that my personal passion for film, storytelling, and Latino culture drives all my efforts. This dedication is evident in the hard work and commitment I have shown in establishing and growing both FDCLA and Vivid Vita Events. Through these organizations, I aim to highlight the impact of Latino culture on the broader community, enriching the cultural landscape and providing opportunities for Latino voices to be heard and appreciated. My story is one of perseverance, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to celebrating and preserving Latino heritage.

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.
Day 1: Welcome to Dallas

Morning: Breakfast at El Jordan Café
Afternoon: Visit the Dallas Museum of Art (Latin American art collection)
Evening: Dinner at Mesero
Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Breakfast at Taqueria La Ventana
Afternoon: Explore Bishop Arts District and visit CocoAndre Chocolatier
Evening: Dinner at Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano
Day 3: Art and History

Morning: Breakfast at El Padrino
Afternoon: Visit the Latino Cultural Center
Evening: Dinner at Tacos Mariachi
Day 4: Outdoor Adventure

Morning: Breakfast at El Tizoncito
Afternoon: Visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Evening: Dinner at Revolver Taco Lounge
Day 5: Music and Entertainment

Morning: Breakfast at El Si Hay
Afternoon: Visit Klyde Warren Park
Evening: Attend a concert or event, dinner at Pepe’s & Mito’s Mexican Café
Day 6: Shopping and Nightlife

Morning: Breakfast at Cindi’s NY Deli
Afternoon: Explore Mercado369
Evening: Dinner at Meso Maya, visit The Wild Detectives
Day 7: Farewell Dallas

Morning: Brunch at La Ventana
Afternoon: Visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Evening: Dinner at Urban Taco
This itinerary offers a rich and diverse Latino cultural experience in Dallas, blending art, history, cuisine, and community engagement.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am profoundly grateful to my family and my wife, Rosy Duran, for their unwavering support and understanding. Their willingness to make significant sacrifices and adapt to sudden changes has been the cornerstone of my success. Without their love and encouragement, none of this would have been possible. I am also thankful for the FDCLA committee members who take time out of their busy schedules to make each year’s event memorable. Without their dedication, the film festival would not be possible. I am deeply thankful for those who have been there since the start. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and I thank you all.

Website: https://duran1films.wixsite.com/gabrield

Instagram: duran1films

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-duran-86278784/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vividvitaevents/

Other: https://www.facebook.com/FDCLATexas/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089143956240

https://www.facebook.com/FDCLACORPUSCHRISTI/

https://fdcla-texas.org/

Image Credits
Photos credits:
Larry Don Brewer and Ana Clemente

Photos credits:
Tacho Dimas