WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS set on evolving through the transformative impact of audiovisual creation. Born from the Caribbean, we merge filmmaking, design, and technology not to document reality, but to challenge it. OUR POSITION IS DELIBERATE. We believe art is the sharpest tool to decolonize the mind. In an industry of the fleeting, we dismantle old narratives to generate consciousness, using the screen as a space where cultural identity is deeply felt.
WE BELIEVE IN "CULTURA EN CARNE"—culture in the flesh. We reject the glossy and artificial in favor of the tactile and true. Our visual language is raw and textured, reminiscent of posters weathered by the sun and streets. We turn words into structure and meaning into skin, layering language onto silhouettes to prove that culture is embodied, and cinema is something to be read as much as it is to be watched.
THE TRUTH HAS A RHYTHM, AND OUR WORK IS AN ACT OF RESISTANCE. From the streets of San Juan to the deserts of the West Bank, we seek the "myth and motion" of real life. We understand that a camera is a weapon of truth. We refuse to separate "brand work" from "soul work," ensuring that every second of footage carries the density of the people and places we represent.
WE ARE ROOTED LOCALLY BUT RESONATE GLOBALLY. Our DNA is Caribbean—vibrant, resilient, and complex—but our language is universal. We tell stories that drift between clarity and ambiguity, inviting the viewer to engage with work that is spatial and responsive. We build stories that travel beyond borders because they are anchored in the specific truth of where we come from.
WE CHOOSE RELEVANCE OVER NOISE. We move away from the flashy visuals that saturate the digital landscape, driven instead by a hunger for deep connection. We are not nostalgic, but we are intentional. We ask our audience to slow down, to look closer, and to find the nuance in the intimate relationship between what is shown and what is suggested.
WE BUILD STORIES WITH SOUL AND IMAGES WITH WEIGHT. We are the architects of a new visual legacy, exploring the transformative power of creation in every frame. We are raw. We are political. We are timeless. WE ARE ZAPATERO.
Awards
That Define
The Craft
Over the years, our work in film, music videos, and branded content has been recognized for its cultural impact, creative vision, and technical excellence.
Cannes Lions
RECOGNIZED AT THE CANNES LIONS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF CREATIVITY FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM CRAFT AND BRANDED CONTENT.
Latin Grammy
HONORED BY THE LATIN RECORDING ACADEMY FOR OUTSTANDING MUSIC VIDEO PRODUCTION AND VISUAL STORYTELLING.
El Ojo de Iberoamérica
AWARDED AT LATIN AMERICA'S PREMIER ADVERTISING FESTIVAL FOR CREATIVE INNOVATION AND CULTURAL IMPACT.
El Sol Festival
CELEBRATED AT SPAIN'S LEADING ADVERTISING FESTIVAL FOR CRAFT, DIRECTION, AND AUTHENTIC STORYTELLING.
Clio Awards
RECOGNIZED BY THE CLIO AWARDS FOR PUSHING CREATIVE BOUNDARIES IN FILM AND BRANDED ENTERTAINMENT.
Team
A collective of visionaries united by a commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural impact.
BASA Studio
We believe that animation should inspire and entertain. We strive to discover and utilize many different styles of communication in order to allow extraordinary experiences for new and unknown audiences. A Mexico City based animation studio led by Diego Huacuja. Basa's work has had an international presence showcased in Los Angeles, New York, Cyprus, Berlin, Australia, and New Zealand. Since 2010, honored with several awards including Promax BDA, New York TV & Film Festival, Telly Awards and special mentions in Pictoplasma and Klik Animation festival.
Eduardo Cintrón
Eduardo Cintron is a NYC based director and writer. He has directed television commercials, branded content, and narratives. Some of his advertising clients include Adidas, Coupons.com, Knob Creek, Leo Burnett, NBA, Ogilvy & Mather, Presidente, PWC, Story Worldwide, Walton Isaacson, and Wunderman amongst others.
Juli Fernández
Juli Fernandez started his creative career as an art director for major advertising agencies in Argentina and Mexico. He studied filmmaking with famed director Todd Solondz and began directing commercials almost immediately after. Winner of the 'New Talent' award at the CCA Diente in 2009. Based out of Buenos Aires, Juli has directed spots for Coca-Cola, Renault, Mastercard, Fox, L'Oreal and Philco, amongst others.
Kacho López Marí
Kacho López Mari is a filmmaker and founder of Filmes Zapatero. He's a seven time nominee and two time Latin Grammy Award winner for his music videos 'Ojos Color Sol' (Calle 13) and 'Loco de Amor' (Juanes). He got his start directing music videos for urban artists like Tego Calderón and Daddy Yankee, directing 'Abayarde' and 'Gasolina' respectively. Kacho has directed iconic music videos for Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, Juanes, Daddy Yankee, Calle 13, and Chayanne among many others.
Paloma Valencia
Paloma Valencia was born in Medellín, Colombia, where her passion for film led her to study communications and audio visual languages at the University of Medellín. In 2017 she specialized in actor direction at The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York. Currently a music video, commercial, and film director. Her short 'VIENTOS DE AGOSTO' made rounds through international festivals including Official Selection at Festival de cine latinoamericano de Rosario and Bogoshorts Film Festival.
Music
Visuals that turn sound into structure, capturing the rhythm of truth in music videos and live performance.
Commercial
Collaborations that bridge the gap between brand and culture, creating work that feels authentic, tangible, and human.
Cinema
Original narratives and documentaries that do not just document reality, but challenge it through the weight of the image.
Digital
Interactive brand universes and web architectures that are spatial, sensory, and built to withstand the test of time.
Testimonials
Music
2024
“THEY TURNED MY SOUND INTO SOMETHING I COULD SEE AND FEEL. THE COLLABORATION WAS SEAMLESS—THEY JUST GET IT.”
Artist
Grammy Winner
Music
2024
“ZAPATERO UNDERSTANDS THE RHYTHM OF STORYTELLING. THEY DON'T JUST MAKE VIDEOS—THEY CREATE CULTURAL MOMENTS THAT RESONATE LONG AFTER THE SCREEN GOES DARK.”
Creative Director
Universal Music Latin
Commercial
2024
“WORKING WITH ZAPATERO TRANSFORMED HOW WE APPROACH BRANDED CONTENT. THEY BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN COMMERCIAL GOALS AND AUTHENTIC STORYTELLING.”
Brand Manager
Adidas Originals