We recently connected with Austin Gomez and have shared our conversation below.
Austin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
How did you learn to do what you do?
I grew up watching movies with my dad, who’s an artist and musician, so he always broke down the layers of storytelling for me. That’s where my love for film started. Then going to SCAD really helped me turn that passion into something real. I learned how to bring my ideas to life and hone my technical skills.
Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?
I could’ve gotten into film earlier instead of focusing on sports. But honestly, all those other experiences—sports, working in corporate, and life—made me a better director. They gave me a broader perspective.
What skills do you think were most essential?
People skills, 100%. As a director, you’re leading a team, so knowing how to communicate, motivate, and connect with people is huge. It’s not just about technical stuff; it’s about bringing people together to make something great.
What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Being in and out of college was tough. When I finally got serious about film, I only had about a year and a half left to graduate, which didn’t leave me a lot of time. But it taught me how to focus and make the most out of what I had.
Austin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Austin R Gomez, a first-generation Thai and Cuban American filmmaker based in Atlanta. I got into filmmaking through my love of movies, which started at a young age, thanks to my dad. He’s an artist and musician, and growing up, we’d watch films together and talk about all the details—storytelling, visuals, music. That passion stayed with me, and after a few twists and turns in life, I ended up at SCAD, where I focused on film and really honed my craft.
Right now, I’m focused on telling stories that break the mold, especially when it comes to representing characters from mixed backgrounds. My debut film, The Humming Grows, is something I’m really proud of. It’s a genre film that puts Hispanic and mixed-background characters in the lead, and it’s about redemption, grief, and finding your purpose. What sets me apart is my focus on authentic, diverse storytelling. I want to tell stories that challenge stereotypes and give underrepresented characters a place in the spotlight.
What I offer is more than just films—I offer a perspective shaped by my own background and experiences. Whether it’s directing, writing, or producing, I’m always thinking about how to create something meaningful and impactful. I’ve worked in corporate broadcast, music, and graphic design, so I bring a lot of different influences into my work. What I’m most proud of is how The Humming Grows reflects not only the films I’ve always wanted to see but also the filmmaker I’ve become—someone who isn’t afraid to tackle tough themes while staying true to my cultural roots.
For anyone following my journey, I’d want them to know that I’m just getting started. The Humming Grows is the beginning, and I’m excited to keep pushing boundaries and telling stories that matter. My goal is to create films that resonate, entertain, and make people feel seen.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, it’s definitely the collaboration. As a director, I get to work with so many talented people, and seeing all these different skill sets come together to create something is really rewarding. For The Humming Grows, I had the chance to work with Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz, who’s an incredible stuntwoman and actress with credits in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. She brought so much energy and depth to the lead role, and collaborating with her really elevated the film. It’s moments like that—when the right people come together and make the vision even better than you imagined—that make it all worth it.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My main goal right now is to establish myself as a director and writer of feature films. The Humming Grows is just the beginning, and I’m already planning my next project, a film called Atacama. It’s a bigger, more ambitious project, and I’m really excited about where it could go. A big part of my mission is to secure the funding to bring it to life, and to continue telling stories that push boundaries and represent diverse characters in powerful ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehumminggrows.com
- Instagram: @thehumminggrows
Image Credits
Jackson Newcomer