We recently connected with Vicente Garcia and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vicente, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

For me, Glimmer has been one of the most meaningful projects I’ve ever worked on for many reasons. At its core, the film is about a “glimmer” — a term that describes the opposite of a trigger. A glimmer is a moment of connection, joy, or transformation that reminds us of who we are and what gives our lives meaning. As a queer person, I’ve always been drawn to exploring what brings us joy and how we heal and grow through that. There hasn’t really been a film that’s centered those kinds of positive, transformative experiences in queer life, so creating Glimmer felt like stepping into new emotional territory.

In many ways, the story mirrors my own journey. Through writing and directing it, I was reflecting on my own glimmers — the moments that helped me believe in myself, open up to intimacy, and find strength in queer friendship and community. As Carlos, the main character, learns to overcome rejection and build something of his own, I was doing the same in real life through this creative process.

And beyond the story itself, making the film truly felt like a glimmer. From the moment I met my producer, Alejandro Quiróz, to every day on set with our cast and crew, I felt surrounded by joy, passion, and love. It was like the film became a glimmer within a glimmer — an experience that reminded me why I tell stories in the first place. That’s why Glimmer will always hold such a special place in my heart.

Vicente, 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’ve worked in the creative industry for the past ten years, but my path started in community organizing. Before filmmaking, I organized around social justice issues — from immigrant rights and education to environmental justice. That experience shaped everything about how I see storytelling today. I witnessed firsthand how powerful media can be in shifting culture and sparking empathy, and that’s what ultimately inspired me to transition into the creative field.

Since then, I’ve worked on a wide range of creative projects — from short films and digital storytelling to my current work at YouTube, where I focus on short-form video and supporting creators. But at my core, I’m a filmmaker. What sets me apart is that I’m not interested in chasing blockbusters or mass-market stories. I’m drawn to making films that are meaningful — stories that reflect the people and experiences I see in my own community.

I’m most proud of creating work that asks deeper questions: What does it mean to face ourselves honestly? What are we afraid to talk about? What will it take for us to grow beyond what holds us back? My goal as an artist is to tell stories that inspire people to look for their own transformation, their own sense of purpose — stories that challenge us to become better, more connected versions of ourselves.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that being clear and confident about my creative vision makes me “difficult” or “too much.” For a long time, I would second-guess myself when I had a strong artistic opinion — worrying that I was being bossy, demanding, or presumptuous. Especially in collaborative spaces, I wanted everyone to feel seen and respected, but I sometimes equated that with making myself smaller.

Through my career, I had to unlearn that. I realized that having a strong vision isn’t something to apologize for — it’s an act of love and clarity. Communicating what you want to see in the world doesn’t make you controlling; it makes you intentional. Some people might not always connect with that, and that’s okay. The people who do will meet you there and help bring that vision to life. That shift has been really freeing for me as an artist and as a person.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

By far, the most rewarding part of being an artist — especially a filmmaker — is watching something come to life from nothing. To see an idea that once existed only in your head become a real story on screen, with actors, emotion, sound, color, and movement, is truly magical. It starts as just words on a page, and then, piece by piece, it transforms into a living, breathing world that makes people feel something.

One of my producers once told me that every film made is a miracle — and I really believe that. It takes so many people, so much collaboration, and so much faith to bring it all together. But what makes it even more of a miracle to me is that it begins from a spark — a glimmer of an idea — and becomes something that can move hearts and change minds. That transformation is the most rewarding feeling in the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/vicente.presente

Image Credits

Photo Credit of photo filming: Julian Velasco