Lorenzo Vigas, a renowned filmmaker, was born in 1967 in the vibrant city of Mérida, Venezuela. His academic journey began with a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Tampa, Florida, a testament to his diverse interests and aptitude for various fields. However, his true passion lay in the realm of film, and he soon found himself relocating to New York City in 1995 to pursue his passion at the prestigious New York University.
Vigas's early career in filmmaking was marked by a return to his native Venezuela in 1998, where he directed the documentary series "Expedition". This was followed by a stint with Bolivar Films and Cinesa, during which he honed his skills by directing advertisements and documentaries from 1999 to 2001.
In 2004, Vigas's career took a significant turn when he directed the critically acclaimed short film "Los Elefantes Nunca Olvidan" (Elephants Never Forget),which premiered in the coveted Critics' Week section of the Cannes Film Festival. This groundbreaking film earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards.
Subsequently, Vigas embarked on a new project, filming for over five years the documentary "El Vendedor de Orquídeas", a deeply personal exploration of his father's life and the search for a lost painting. The film is set to be released in 2016, offering audiences a glimpse into Vigas's unique perspective and storytelling abilities.
However, it was his debut feature film "Desde Allá" (From Afar) that cemented Vigas's status as a visionary filmmaker. This poignant and powerful film earned him the distinction of being the first Venezuelan filmmaker to be invited to compete in the prestigious Venice International Film Festival, and he made history by winning the coveted Golden Lion award in 2015.
