Maria Paz Gonzales is a Chilean film director and writer, known for her unique and visually stunning films. She was born in Santiago, Chile, and grew up in a humble family, always interested in the art of film making.
At the age of 16, she was accepted into the prestigious University of Chile’s film program and graduated in 1996 with a degree in Film Direction. After graduation, she moved to the United States, where she worked as an editor and assistant director on various projects.
In 2004, she wrote and directed her first feature film, “Ventanas abiertas” (Open Windows). The film was a critical success, winning several awards including the Best Film Award at the San Francisco Latino Film Festival.
Since then, Gonzales has made five feature films, all of which have been well-received by critics. Her films are known for their visual beauty, complex characters, and unique storytelling.
In 2011, Gonzales was awarded the Guggenheim Fellowship, which allowed her to return to Chile to focus on her next feature film, “El otro lado” (The Other Side). The film is a coming of age story set in the harsh realities of rural Chile, and was praised for its honest and nuanced portrayal of life in the country.
The same year, she was also awarded the prestigious Fondart Award, which provides grants to Chilean filmmakers for their projects.
In 2017, she released her most recent film, “La vida de los otros” (The Life of Others), which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. The film tells the story of three friends who are struggling to find a place in Chilean society, and was praised for its powerful storytelling.
Gonzales is currently working on her next feature film, “De la noche a la mañana” (From Night to Morning), which is slated for release in 2021. She is also a professor at her alma mater, the University of Chile.
Maria Paz Gonzales is a highly acclaimed and influential filmmaker, and her work continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world. She is an immensely talented director, and her films are sure to be remembered for years to come.
