Geoffrey began his trip into the film world back in 1999 and has seen the industry do a 360 since then. Back then the only serious festivals to even consider sending in your project were Sundance, Tribeca, and Cannes. The chances of your work begin submitted were nearly impossible. In the past twenty years all that has changed where there are endless opportunities like streaming. The floodgates broke open for low budget indie films seeing the light. There is also an abundance of film festivals to submit one's work to. In addition, with the advent of social media is easier to promote one's project to the masses where years ago it was more work.

Geoffrey has enjoyed all types of films, but he has been drawn to gangster films all his life. He has quoted Jean Luc Godard who said, "all you need to make a good movie is a girl and a gun, and that still holds true to this day."

"So, for all the young filmmakers out there, if you want to make a good film and you don't know where to start, just borrow your dad's Smith and Wesson and cast a hot chick with a miniskirt. Right there, ladies and gentlemen, you got yourself a good movie. Just add some twists and turns and Hollywood is next! Just make sure to have a competent prop master on set who knows how to handle a weapon..."

Being of Latino background, Geoffrey is one of the few who have made a mark for Latino's in the film world. He does feel that Latino's do not have enough representation in Hollywood, yet many theatregoers are from the Latin community. A recent study indicated that 30-40% of American moviegoers who are buying tickets, popcorn and drinks are people from the Latin community. Geoffrey believes that Latin filmmakers can offer more than Hollywood realizes.

"People are getting tired of the same old bullshit. Hollywood needs to invest in the little guys and gals making independent films or the industry will crash and burn. Which might be a good thing for the industry. Maybe we should just let it burn for a few years and rebuild it from scratch. The bottom line is Hollywood has to work harder and stop being greedy and do more to showcase more diverse talent. The Latin community is not a monolith. We're not all drug dealers, womanizers, gangbangers and fruit pickers. We have more to offer the world."

Since being involved in the indie circuit Geoffrey has won many awards but awards are not what he covets. In 2006, he guest directed a short film called "Rewind" that won the Best Short Film "On The Edge" Award at the 2007 HBO New York International Latino Film Festival. Fast forward in between other accolades in 2017 his film "Prerequisite" premiered on Amazon Prime and at the Lighthouse International Film Festival and screened as an official selection at the SOHO International Film Festival.

He sees it as he has his work as impacting the community and people are affected in a positive way. One of his goals to witness filmmakers, screenwriters and actors receive the love they deserve in the industry. He knows how challenging the industry is and he enjoys watching others win awards as well.

Currently, Geoffrey is running seven different festivals which is a challenging feat. He first started with the Katra Film Festival thirteen years ago and has expanded the playing field. As of 2018 he introduced the other festivals he began like the Bowery Film Festival, New Faces New Voices, Katra LatinX Festival, World Webfest Mania, NY Pause Film Festival and Urban Dreams Mental Health Film Festival with Co-Founder Dr. Grant H. Brenner. Even though it is enjoyable to work on these festivals it is not as easy as one my believe as he explained.

https://katrafilmseries.com
https://www.urbandreamsmentalhealthfilmfestival.com
https://boweryfilmfestival.com

"I wouldn't recommend it. Save your time and energy. It's a lot of hard work to run just one festival. Unless you're comfortable working 7-8 years making no money, then start your own festival, all while working 1 or 2 other jobs just to put food in your mouth and have a roof over your head. But if you ultimately want to be a filmmaker and make some money then make a film. That's where the REAL money is. So many opportunities nowadays with streaming platforms and distribution outlets."



Since Geoffrey even stepped into the "film ring" a lot has occurred with technology like AI which has become a hotbed for many. For Geoffrey, he sees it as a new frontier that for many there raises a fear and a curiosity. He sees it as a new tech to embrace and add it to the arsenal one already has at their disposal. It offers innovative ways to tell a story and it's not going away any time soon. It also cuts costs if a filmmaker is looking to use it in a way of saving funds.

"As an independent filmmaker you don't have to worry about spending 10-20K a day on that ambitious crane or tracking shot. You don't have to hire 10-20 crew members to set up cameras, dolly tracks and rent out enormous gib arms or crane operator, not to mention hiring catering service to feed such a large crew which would normally cost you an arm and a leg. With AI the risks have been lowered. You can do more with less now. I really believe this is a watershed moment for filmmakers and content creators. I think it's going to pave the way for a new golden age for independent filmmakers. The opportunities are now limitless. So, I'm excited about the future of filmmaking with AI as a new kit in the toolbox and what that means for cinema."

Only recently, Geoffrey was invited in 2022 to speak on a panel hosted by the NY State Multicultural Creativity Summit hosted by HBO's NY Latino Film Festival. In addition, he was asked to speak at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale with film and media arts students and discuss 20+ years' experience in the industry. His most recent speaking engagement was in 2023 at a festival panel titled "Creating a Better World: Fostering Conscious and Ethical Storytelling." Geoffrey has proven his love for cinema and is always finding ways to expand and deliver intriguing content worldwide.