Meet Austin R Gomez

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin R Gomez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin R, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic and creative career largely because of the influence of my father, who is an artist himself—a painter and a drummer. Instead of engaging in typical father-son activities like playing catch, we spent a lot of time watching movies together or going to the theater. I grew up with shelves of DVD’s and Laserdiscs to watch from, which further sparked my interest in film and storytelling. The idea of becoming a film director was the first career aspiration I had. At ten, I made a 45-minute movie and organized a neighborhood screening with a projector, selling snacks and $1 tickets. As I got older, I drifted away from filmmaking and got into sports, mostly lacrosse, which helped me get into college since I wasn’t the best student academically. Despite dropping in and out of different creative interests, my parents always believed in my potential in the film industry. Their constant support and encouragement helped me realize my talents and guided me to complete my degree at SCAD in Atlanta which lead to my first film “The Humming Grows”. Their belief in me and my abilities truly set me on the right path and fueled my passion for a career in the creative industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
No one’s career path is straightforward, and I’ve realized that early in my journey. Overcoming challenges often means surrounding yourself with a strong support group of family, friends, and colleagues. It’s crucial to learn about balance, collaboration, and the importance of communication, especially as you work with more people.

I’m a first-generation American, deeply influenced by my Cuban father’s passion for action movies and my Thai mother’s love for crime thrillers. My journey into filmmaking was anything but conventional. I navigated through seven different schools and various jobs before finding my way to film school on a lacrosse scholarship. It was there that I discovered my true love for film and decided to fully commit, taking on the roles of director, writer, producer, and editor for my first film.

Creating “The Humming Grows” has been a pivotal moment in my career. It represents the kind of films I’ve always wanted to see, where Hispanic and mixed-background characters aren’t reduced to stereotypes but instead lead and captivate audiences. The process of bringing this film to life, with a diverse cast and crew of over 45 students from 15 different backgrounds, taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, collaboration, and the power of authentic storytelling.

This project has significantly impacted my career by reinforcing my commitment to presenting authentic and diverse portrayals in film. It has shown me the importance of breaking free from traditional stereotypes and has fueled my passion for creating more inclusive stories. The experience of making this film has not only shaped my skills as a filmmaker but has also strengthened my resolve to inspire and empower Asian and Hispanic youth in the industry. My journey hasn’t been easy, but the lessons I’ve learned about perseverance, support, and the impact of authentic storytelling have been invaluable. Through my work, I aim to break stereotypes and bring diverse, captivating stories to the screen, reflecting the realities and talents of our communities.

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.
– Landmark Theatre – Tuza Tacos
– Woody’s Cheesesteaks
– Joystick Gamebar
– Black Bear Tavern
– Round 1 Arcade

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The cast & crew of “The Humming Grows”. Couldn’t of done it without them.

Website: https://www.aughbar.com/thehumminggrows

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aughbars/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thehumminggrows

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehumminggrows

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aughbars?si=kwzoljjV-4OMLXEk

Other: thehumminggrows.com @thehumminggrows

Image Credits
Photographers: Jackson Newcomer, Mia Murray