Hailing from Guatemala and based in LA, Diego has spent the past decade making his mark as a filmmaker who blends cinematic artistry with raw, human emotion – creating immersive experiences that transcend the boundaries of traditional commercial and narrative filmmaking.
Since making the leap to directing in 2015, he has captivated audiences with an ambitious body of work, spanning high-end commercials, emotive short films, and dynamic music videos.
Before stepping behind the camera, Diego honed his craft as an art director at top ad agencies, including BBDO New York, Anomaly, and CP+B. These formative years shaped his storytelling skills, but it was his deep-rooted love for film that ultimately drove him to pick up the camera and tell his own stories.
Self-taught and without a formal film school education, Diego’s rise in the industry is a testament to innate his passion and relentless pursuit of his creative vision. From eye-catching campaigns for global brands like Apple, Ford, Reebok, and PlayStation, to his recent work with Amica and Grammy-winning artist Gabby Moreno, Diego consistently elevates brand storytelling to an art form, creating visuals that feel as much like personal films as they do advertisements.
Over the years, Diego’s work has garnered critical acclaim from audiences and peers, earning numerous awards and accolades. From Cannes Lions to Webbys, Clios and AICP Pencils, among others.
But it’s not just film that fuels Diego’s creative fire—he’s also delving into the world of music composition. He recently scored the soundtrack for the ESPN Sports documentary Las Amazonas de Yaxunah and is currently working on a music album, under the name HUNABI, set for release in 2025.
DIRECTING AWARDS / HONORS
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2018 - One Show Shortlist - Moving Image Craft / Cinematography / Tech Software - GE Can't Unring a Bell
2018 - One Show Shortlist - Moving Image Craft / Direction / Tech Software - GE Can't Unring a Bell
2018 - One Show Shortlist - Branded Entertainment - GE Can't Unring a Bell
2017 - Webby Award Winner - Film & Video Series (Branded) - GE Can't Unring a Bell
2017 - AdWeek + Creativity Online's Ad of the Day - Reebok "Hands"
2017 - Adweek ARC Awards 2017 - Best Nonfiction Series (film) - GE Unimpossible Missions (BBDO NY)
2017 - Communication Arts Advertising Annual - Best Digital Advertising - GE Can't Unring a Bell (BBDO NY)
2016 - CampaignUS - Top 10 Branded Content of 2016 - GE Unimpossible Missions: Snowball's Chance in Hell
2016 - Shortlist for Cannes Lions Cyber / Film - GE Unimpossible Missions Campaign
2016 - Nominated for AICP 2016 - Advertising Excellence in Campaigns - GE Unimpossible Missions Campaign
2016 - Ad of the Week (Adage): GE Unimpossible Missions
2016 - Ad of the Day (Creativity Online): GE Unimpossible Missions
2015 - CNN's Great Big Story Awards 2015 - Best Teenager Film for "The Sandman"
2014 - Shoot Magazine Best New Directors Showcase (selected as on of the top 30 emerging directors for 2014)
VIMEO STAFF PICKS
2015 "The Sandman" Short Film
2015 Lincoln Motors "Bloom" Branded Short Film
2014 "No Way Out" Short Film
2013 Biffy Clyro "Black Chandelier" Music Video
2012 "Islands" Short Film
AWARDS / HONORS as AGENCY ART DIRECTOR
2014 Webby Interactive Award for Google Glass "Alex" Story
2013 MTV Woody Award - Converse Warrior Music Vid - Tag Team Category
2012 London International Awards - TV/Cinema Film Bronze - Converse "Warrior"
2011 Clio Interactive Gold - Epic Mix Vail Resorts
2011 Webby - Mobile & Apps - Epic Mix Vail Resorts
2010 Time Magazine Top 10 TV Commercials: Windows Phone "Really?"
2010 TED - Ads Worth Spreading - Windows Phone 7