Santiago José García Cruz
Directing
Biography
Santiago is involved in the production of commercials, short films, and feature films at the local level. He holds a dual bachelor's degree in Audiovisual Communication and Cinematic Arts from PUCMM STGO and Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3), where he earned an associate degree in Digital Cinema. Throughout his college career, Santiago produced, directed, wrote, and edited numerous short films, and he also works as a writer, production assistant, cinematographer, and camera assistant. Notable works include "Anfitrión" (2020), filmed during the pandemic and selected for local festivals such as "Finearts" and "Semana Más Corta" in Santo Domingo. His project "Cartas" (2022), co-directed with Ralva Álvarez, has been officially selected and recognized at various local and international festivals. His new short film, "Mérito" (2024), is making its way through various film festivals.
Known For
An experimental short film that explores perceptions of Dominican cinema and its identity through personifications of commercial and independent film styles.
Como Nos Ven
Iván, a young newspaper delivery boy, discovers that Vera, a girl who receives his deliveries, puts them to an unexpected use. Intrigued by her, Iván decides to get to know her.
El Ayer y Nosotros
In the heart of a Dominican family’s home, the youngest daughter’s thirteenth birthday is being celebrated. Balloons, cake, and music cannot hide the tension that lingers in the air. Amid the party, between music and applause, Minerva receives a special gift from her father. What seems like an innocent gesture turns into a silent revelation of the fear that has long resided in her heart. Through glances, restrained gestures, and meaningful details, the short film portrays domestic violence from a child’s perspective, where joy and horror coexist in the same space.
The Celebration of the Tragic Silence of the Youngest One
After several attempts to conceive a child, Ada finds solace in writing letters to her unborn child. Months later, Ada discovers that she is pregnant. Ada is about to give birth and Gabriel takes her to the hospital. However, he returns alone. He only has letters from his deceased wife
Cartas
A stranger kidnaps a pair of brothers and does everything he can to take the older brother's place.
Mérito
A teen, trapped in an unknown den. Tied down and gagged, he tries to escape while being tormented by an unknown voice that taunts and torments him. He must decide to free himself or fall in the voice's persuasion. Where is the voice coming from? Will he ever escape?
Anfitrión
During an argument with her parents, Sara decides to show them a documentary about the only woman in a movie set in the country. What they don't realize is that this was done by Sara and her classmates, and the opportunities it will bring to her career as a filmmaker.
Guetos de Terciopelo
On the verge of losing the possible love of his life, Ender, pushed by his best friend Víctor, embarks on a journey to another city to confess his love to a girl, before her trip to another country leaves her only in his dreams.