Carlos Cerutti’s career has been defined by movement—not just geographically, from Venezuela and Argentina to the United States, but also artistically, shifting seamlessly between directing, writing, producing, and even improv performance. His films have traveled across the world, screening at festivals such as BAFICI, PÖFF Shorts, Leiden International Film Festival, and the London Short Film Festival. More recently, his work has expanded into producing content for the U.S. Hispanic market, including Mi Mundo, an eight-part documentary series for ViX that captures the essence of Regional Mexicana music through its biggest stars and is currently working on an unannounced half-hour comedy shooting in 2026.

With a passion for stories that transcend borders, Cerutti continues to build a creative career that is as versatile as it is meaningful. In this conversation, we dive into his journey, influences, and the unique lens through which he tells stories.

Carlos N. Cerutti

You grew up between Venezuela and Argentina before coming to work in the U.S.—how have these cultural experiences shaped your storytelling voice?

I think it gave me an early exposure to different styles and tones when it comes to TV shows. Broadcast TV in Latin America is very different tonally from the U.S., and seeing and enjoying that variety made me notice how TV adapts to its audience and culture. Now, with the world being more connected than when I was growing up, you start to see a more universal TV language forming.

Your films have been screened at festivals around the world. Do you recall a particular festival experience that made you feel truly seen as an artist?

Yes. My first festival experience was back when I was an undergrad — my animated short Bob (Daily Nightmares) was invited to the Kisakes Short Film Festival in Istanbul. They even provided travel, so I attended and was blown away by the fact that people across the world were interested in my work. Sharing that experience with fellow filmmakers and programmers, many of whom I still keep in touch with, was incredible. I’m very grateful to that festival because it made me feel like this was a path I could keep pursuing

From film directing to improv performance, your path has been quite diverse. How do these different artistic practices feed into one another?

They complement each other really well. I started taking improv classes in Chicago while I was in grad school as a way to learn about writing, acting, and performing from a character-driven perspective. It had a real impact on how I approach storytelling and collaboration — building ideas together rather than imposing them on others is key to my process.

Mi Mundo highlights Regional Mexicana music and its stars. What drew you to this project, and what did you discover while making it that surprised you?

The first idea for this project came in 2022, when Regional Mexicana was still flying a bit under the radar. These bands already had millions of fans and sold-out tours, and we thought going into their lives would be fascinating — not just for fans but for a mainstream audience. By the time the show came out, the genre had completely exploded, so it felt very rewarding to work on something that was becoming more relevant by the day.

When you approach a new project, what is the first spark you look for?

Some projects come from a very personal curiosity, usually shorts or narratives I want to explore and write without worrying about broad appeal. Others excite me because I think they’re something audiences will love. A good rule for me is: if an idea keeps coming back again and again, it’s probably worth chasing.

Having studied both in Argentina and at Columbia College Chicago, how did your academic journey influence your approach to filmmaking?

It taught me to be flexible with my resources. In Argentina, our school had very limited resources, while in Chicago there were a lot more “toys” to play with. I quickly learned that what matters is figuring out what your project actually needs to succeed and not just using shiny things for the sake of it. Some of my best films were made with very little

Your work has often crossed borders and languages. Do you see yourself as a bridge between Latin American storytelling traditions and the U.S. industry?

Not really. I just try to stay true to what I think is good and worth working on, and hopefully my background and experiences naturally come through without me overthinking it.

As a director and producer, how do you balance personal artistic expression with the demands of commercial or audience-driven projects?

I love working on projects with an audience in mind. Having those guardrails lets you innovate within a set format, and it’s a fun creative challenge to make something commercial but still interesting for me. For personal projects, I make sure I always have something smaller and more driven by my own POV to work on — it keeps me grounded when I’m overwhelmed by the industry.

Looking back at your younger self in film school, what advice would you give him now after years of navigating festivals, productions, and international markets?

Watch more films and go to more festivals. I sometimes skipped festivals because I thought it was too much trouble to travel, and I always regretted it.

What’s next for you? Is there a dream project or story you’re longing to bring to life?

I’m getting ready to release a short film called Alone at a Party for a Few Minutes this November, and I have some exciting projects lined up for 2026 but I can’t talk about them just yet.

Carlos Cerutti’s journey reflects the power of cinema as a bridge between cultures and audiences. From his upbringing in Venezuela and Argentina to his time in Chicago, he has transformed each experience into a narrative tool that connects with diverse viewers while staying authentic. His perspective, shaped by migration, improv theater, and independent filmmaking, reveals a unique sensitivity for finding humanity in even the smallest details.

With projects screened at over 20 international festivals and productions engaging the U.S. Hispanic market, Cerutti is a versatile storyteller who crafts stories that transcend borders and linger long after the screen goes dark.