(Washington, DC) – Mayor Muriel Bowser and The DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) are pleased to recognize SEBASTIAN LUIS VIZCARRA as the July 2023 Filmmaker of the Month. Sebastian has dedicated most of his career to shooting, editing, and producing videos for progressive causes like the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL Pro-Choice America), Planned Parenthood, Latino Victory Fund, National Domestic Workers Alliance, many Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), labor unions as well as for progressive political candidates.
"Congratulations to Sebastian, our July Filmmaker of the Month! As a talented photographer and videographer, you have consistently showcased your incredible eye for capturing moments and telling visual stories. Your dedication to the craft and ability to evoke emotions through your work has made a significant impact on our residents. Keep inspiring us with your breathtaking imagery and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling,” says Director LaToya Foster.
Visual storytelling runs in Sebastian’s family. His father and his Godfather began to take wedding photos and eventually found themselves providing coverage of natural disasters, disease outbreaks and civil wars for the Latin-American health sector. Before his father passed away, his Godfather taught him photography and videography and encouraged him to further his education at Boston University’s Center for Digital Imaging Arts, where he received a certificate in Professional Cinematography and the Washington School of Photography, where he received a certificate in Professional Digital Photography.
"It's an honor to be recognized in the city that gave me so much of my cultural influence as an artist. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported my creative journey with encouragement and appreciation," says Sebastian.
Sebastian began his career as a photographer taking vintage family photos in Walmart photo spaces. From there he began to do event coverage for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). His first major career break was working on the Making Change at Walmart campaign, filming strikes and workers’ rights events with the United Food and Commercial Workers' Union demanding change for grocery store employees. From there, he participated in producing television ads in both Spanish and English, winning a Napolitan Victory Award for a "Spanglish" ad inspiring voter participation.
Sebastian has spent the past two years building his own company, Space Boy Media, LLC, which also operates under the DBA of Silver District Productions.
Sebastian is currently working to raise funds to finish a documentary on DC's Go-Go protests after the #DontmuteDC events. The trailer has garnered more than 50,000 views online. Sebastian is also working on some narrative screenplays as well as pitching a show for political explainer videos for young and working-class activists.
To view: https://vimeo.com/825204053?share=copy
Congratulations Sebastian!
Film Credits:
Napolitan Award - Spot del Año por una Causa/Org
Multiple Ads on Broadcast Television
Music Videos for musical artists like J Scienide, Yaddiya and Bou
Photos featured in multiple online outlets
Relevant Websites:
www.spaceboy-media.com
www.silverdistrictproductions.com
Social Media:
IG: @space_boy_media
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SEBASTIAN LUIS VIZCARRA DC RADIO INTERVIEW
Want to learn more about Sebastian Luis Vizcarra and his work? Click HERE to listen to his DC Radio interview.
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About FILMMAKER OF THE MONTH
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) launched the “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative as a vehicle for highlighting the talents and creative contributions of filmmakers that make the District of Columbia their home. The “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative is part of OCTFME’s mission to elevate the national and international profile of the District’s talented filmmakers.
***If you know of a filmmaker that would make a great future “Filmmaker of the Month,” you can send OCTFME your recommendations using this nomination form.
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About OCTFME
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), an award-winning District of Columbia Government agency, leads the city’s extensive efforts to build and support a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market. Additionally, OCTFME serves as the city’s cable television service provider regulator and as the customer service hub for cable subscribers.
OCTFME’s extensive portfolio includes:
- The District’s government cable access channels District Council Channel (DCC), the District of Columbia Network (DCN), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN).
- DC Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
- District of Columbia Entertainment Network (DCE), OCTFME’s 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the DCE Network App or at DCENetwork.com).
- The handling of all of the District’s filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the DC Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (DC Rebate Fund).
- Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.
For more on OCTFME: (202) 671-0066 or www.entertainment.dc.gov. Follow OCTFME on Facebook.com/entertaindc, Instagram.com/entertain_dc, Twitter.com/entertain_dc and TikTok/entertain_dc.
