Meet Daniela Múnera Ángel | Colombian Documentary Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniela Múnera Ángel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniela, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because storytelling has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. From a young age, I was immersed in the stories of my grandparents, whose experiences sparked a deep curiosity about history—especially the history of Colombia. My grandfather’s kidnapping by a guerrilla group in 1996 and my grandmother’s family’s stories of survival profoundly shaped my worldview and motivated me to read, research, and better understand my country.

As I spoke with older generations who lived through Colombia’s most difficult times, I realized these stories weren’t being shared elsewhere—not among my peers or in the spaces I moved through. That absence compelled me to start sharing them myself. What began as writing, interviewing, and asking questions naturally evolved into creative projects.

Through documentary film and unscripted storytelling, I found the medium that allowed me to listen deeply and transform lived experiences into something meaningful. Editing, in particular, gives me the ability to shape emotion, rhythm, and sound in ways that help stories truly resonate. It allows me to give a voice to people who may never have imagined themselves in front of a camera and to bring light to stories that often go untold.

Every project I take on—whether film, podcast, or documentary—is driven by the same purpose: to create heartfelt, honest experiences for both participants and audiences. Pursuing a creative career allows me to do what I love most every day—honor memory, preserve history, and tell stories that matter.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I entered SCAD because I wanted to tell stories. I’ve always been a storyteller at heart—long before I knew what form that would take. I was drawn to film because it felt like the most honest way to listen, observe, and translate human experience. Through documentary, I realized I could do exactly that: tell real stories, give people space to be seen, and create meaning through truth.

What sets my work apart is that it begins with listening. I’m deeply interested in people, especially those who have never imagined themselves in front of a camera. I started making films about individuals whose stories are often overlooked or left untold, and I learned that filmmaking could be a form of service. It could be a voice. It could be an act of care and love.

That belief led me to create Amores, a podcast dedicated to telling the stories of grandparents in Colombia, stories of violence, love, family, work, and resilience. I began with my own grandparents’ experiences of hardship and survival, and what started as something intimate grew into a larger mission. I’ve now filmed over 16 episodes, and in less than a year, the project reached more than 65,000 views. More importantly, it created space for memory, healing, and intergenerational dialogue.

Professionally, my path has been shaped by curiosity, discipline, and gratitude. I had the opportunity to work at the National Geographic Society for three months, assisting with post-production and upcoming content for the National Geographic Museum of Exploration. That experience taught me the power of rigor, collaboration, and storytelling at a global scale. I’ve also served as post-production supervisor and lead editor for two episodes of Chef ATL, a documentary series about Atlanta’s food culture that is now streaming on PBS.

Today, I work as an editor and producer. I make films that inspire, films that honor real people, and films that bring hidden stories into the light. Everything I create is grounded in my values. I want my work to spread love, empathy, and admiration. I want it to move people, to make them feel, reflect, and care.

Was the journey easy? No. Like most meaningful paths, it’s been full of uncertainty, learning curves, and moments of doubt. What helped me overcome challenges was staying rooted in why I started: kindness, service, and purpose. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to always be kind and to give whenever and however you can, without expecting anything in return. The gratification that comes from helping, listening, and contributing is worth more than anything money can buy.

I am incredibly grateful for every opportunity, every mentor, every collaborator, and every story I’ve had the privilege to tell. This journey has been a blessing, guided by God, who is behind it all. What I want the world to know about me and my work is simple: I am here to tell stories that matter, to contribute to meaningful work, and to serve wherever I am needed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta and I had to give them the best week ever, I’d plan it around experiencing the city the way I love it: outdoors, cultural, playful, and full of food, music, and movement.

Day One would start early.
We’d wake up before sunrise and hike up Stone Mountain. Watching the sun rise as it slowly illuminates the city of Atlanta is one of the most beautiful and grounding experiences, it reminds you how alive, green and expansive the city really is. After the hike, we’d go straight to brunch at The Flying Biscuit Café to have something classic, a traditional meal.

From there, we’d spend the afternoon being tourists in the best way. I’d take her to the Georgia Aquarium, I’ve gone there since I was 2 years old and just love it, and then to the World of Coca-Cola—fun, nostalgic, and very Atlanta. As the day winds down, we’d head to Atlantic Station for dinner at Azotea, where we could watch the sunset and talk for hours.

To end the day the right way, we’d go to a concert. There is truly no city like Atlanta for live music, almost every artist passes through here, and the energy is unmatched.

For the rest of the week, I’d make sure she experienced all the different sides of the city. We’d go to Six Flags for a full day of fun and adrenaline. One night, we’d visit the Starlight Drive-In Theatre and Flea Market for a 1950s-style experience—watching a movie from the car, eating snacks, and feeling like we stepped into another time.

We’d spend time outdoors at the Atlanta Zoo and Piedmont Park, running, playing sports, walking, or having a picnic. We’d walk or bike along the BeltLine, stopping at one of the many restaurants along the path. She’d definitely visit SCAD and see the incredible art that is made there. I’d also take her hiking around the city, especially to the Chattahoochee Bamboo Forest, one of the most peaceful and magical places in the area.

For culture and creativity, we’d visit the High Museum of Art, spend an afternoon at Ponce City Market, and go up to the rooftop to skate, play games, and enjoy the view. We’d stop for coffee at Intermezzo Café, a personal favorite, and one night, we’d dress up and go to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Atlanta is special because it has everything: nature, art, food, music, and soul. It’s a city where you can hike at sunrise, watch a film from your car at night, and end the week listening to a world-class orchestra. That’s the Atlanta I’d want my best friend to fall in love with, and the one I love living in.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and always, I am grateful to God. He is the reason I am here. Every idea, every story, every moment of clarity or strength comes from Him. He is behind all my work, my inspiration, and my motivation. Everything I do is an offering back to Him.

My grandparents. My grandfather’s story, his kidnapping, his resilience, his silence and strength, shaped me more than I understood as a child. They are the reason I studied film, the reason I tell stories, and the reason I feel such a deep responsibility to honor memory. I am a storyteller because I want to tell their story, and through it, Colombia’s story. They have always believed in me, supported me, and loved me unconditionally. All of my work is, in some way, for them.

My dad deserves endless recognition. He has supported me in every step and has always looked at me like I was capable of anything, like I was brilliant before I ever believed it myself. His love, confidence, and belief in me gave me the courage to dream big and trust my voice.

My mom taught me spirituality and gratitude. She taught me how to listen to God, to others, and to myself. She is the person I go to when I need guidance, grounding, or truth. Her wisdom and presence have shaped who I am as both a person and an artist.

At SCAD, I’ve been incredibly blessed with mentors. Professor Jennifer Hyde changed my life. She gave me confidence and guidance with every project and is the reason I fell deeply in love with documentary. Her passion for teaching, for her students, and for storytelling is contagious. She is an extraordinary filmmaker and human, after working at CNN as a producer for 20 years and winning three Emmy Awards, she still leads with humility and care. She is the best professor I’ve ever had.

Associate Chair of Film and Television at SCAD, Quinlan Orear has been one of the greatest leaders I’ve encountered. I’ve learned so much from his vision, leadership, and the way he shows up for students. I’m also deeply grateful to every other professor at SCAD. They have all been mentors, supporters, and creative guides who push me when I need it and believe in me when I doubt myself. SCAD gave me not only an education, but a community, a family of creatives and friends who inspire me every day.

And finally, my sisters. They are my best friends, my collaborators, and my mirrors. They are just as creative as I am and always give me the most honest, meaningful feedback. I truly could not do anything without them. They ground me, challenge me, and remind me who I am.

I am here because of the people who’ve believed in me long before I knew where I was going. I carry them with me in everything I do.

Website: https://danielamunera3.wixsite.com/danimoon

Instagram: @danielamuneraa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielamuneraangel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/podcastamores/?locale=es_LA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Podcast_amores