Meet Ramon Vasquez | Filmmaker & Marketer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ramon Vasquez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ramon, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my house deciding to peruse film at 17 was a risk. My parents didn’t see it coming but I had the grades to do what I wanted. Going to college out of state and then moving to NYC meant I was continuing my risk taking.

The audacity to be a freelance creative is all risk management. I think risk is why people love to gamble. I have to network everyday to secure the next opportunity. I don’t know the outcomes but I’m betting on me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Originality and authenticity are the rarest traits in our social climate. Every project I produce aims to shed a light on some type of truth. Overall I’m just trying to be me. It sounds simple but in a world where everyone is telling you who you should be, honing in on what truly represents you can be challenging.

I operate under two brands, Roman Mali and the Walking Landmark.

When it pertains to my personal art as Roman Mali, I’ve been rapping and performing since 16. The culture and communities I’ve been apart of definitely influences my music.

I’d recommend people listen to my album “3 Peace” on Bandcamp and my collaboration mixtape called PhilaNY with Philly artist “Modimo” on SoundCloud.

As the Walking Landmark, I focus on providing my film production skills to both peers and clients. Making tv and movies requires a team effort and cross communication between departments. Unfortunately film sets aren’t overflowing with people of color in high positions. I am so humbled to be able to use my talents to share my knowledge, uplift my fellow crew members and support the visions of others.

The name Walking Landmark was actually given to me. I recently started a substack, so readers can learn how I earned that name. The only way to truly resonate with what makes me different is to check it out yourself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you have a week in Atlanta go in the spring so you can be outside but not too hot. I love hiking Stone Mountain, even if there’s a confederate monument we don’t need.

Stop by any Grana location for the most amazing pizza and meatball flight in the state. I love the Korg street tunnel for graffiti and murals.

River tubing in Helen may be a trek outside of the city but consider that too.

Biking around the piedmont park is a must.

I’m from Gwinnett so please take the time to go for authentic Latino and Asian cuisine. The communities in Atlanta and surrounding it allow for exploration and adventures.

The main streets and downtowns of historical villages are the cutest Americana experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d sincerely dedicate this shoutout to my mom Nancy. She owns the Brooklyn Dominican Hair Salon in downtown Atlanta, near the west end Marta stop, and has worked my whole life to provide for me and my sister.

If she hadn’t given up her life in the Dominican Republic she would have been an artist or designer. Knowing she risked her future to become a hair stylist, that services our community, showed me dignity in your work.

My mom’s salon went viral on TikTok over this last winter break and the outpouring of support from women who my mom styled for years warmed my heart.

Others need to know my mom’s the American hero we need. I was allowed to follow my dream and everyday I get to live as an artist. I give thanks to God and my mom for the opportunity.

Website: https://romanmali.my.canva.site/ramon-vasquez-website

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_romanmali?igsh=MWt5eG5qazFsdG00bw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/romanmali

Twitter: https://x.com/romanmali?s=21

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thewalkinglandmark?si=VuYgmhnluch7a-v5

Other: https://msha.ke/romanmali

Image Credits
Catherine Sharp
Olivia Metellus