Behind the Scenes - Monserrate (2017)

Michael Justiniano is a Puerto Rican filmmaker autodidact in directing, screenwriting and editing. His work is characterized by attention to detail, cinematic flair and structured storytelling. Even though he specializes in directing, his skillset extends to writing, video editing, color-grading, story-boarding, photography, photo editing, some graphic design and a little tiny bit of VFX.
He made his debut participating in the 2017 Cortaditos (Alianza Francesa) with short film MONSERRATE -- sponsored by PJ Gaffers and Reaktor Post. Followed it up with GAJES DEL OFICIO, winner of Best Short award in Lusca Fantastic Film Fest 2019.  In the realm of music videos, Kristal Fonrodona's FUETE won the Best Music Video award in the Puerto Rican Film Festival 2024 and Epilogio's 12AM won the Audience Award in Lusca Fantastic Film Fest 2024.
In 2024 he directed the local 6-episode series ROUTRIP (in development), from showrunner Mariana Emmanuelli. He's currently developing the script for his first feature film FIERA FEROZ.
ACCOLADES
Best Short Film
"Gajes Del Oficio"
Lusca Fantastic Film Fest - 2019

Best Short Film
"Monserrate"
Rincón Int. Film Festival - 2017

Best Music Video
"Fuete"
Puerto Rico Film Festival - 2024

Best Action Short
"Gajes Del Oficio"
Rincón Int. Film Festival - 2019

Best Script
"Gajes Del Oficio"
Lusca Fantastic Film Fest - 2019

Best Cinematography
"Gajes Del Oficio"
Cinefiesta - 2019
Best Actress
"Monserrate / Gabriela Saker"
Lusca Fantastic Film Fest - 2020

Best Actress
"Monserrate / Gabriela Saker"
Rincón Int. Film Festival - 2017

Best Actor
"Gajes Del Oficio / José Félix Gómez"
Lusca Fantastic Film Fest - 2019

Best Actor
"Gajes Del Oficio / José Félix Gómez"
Rincón Int. Film Festival - 2019

Mention of Honor - Best Performance
"Contenta / Kristal Fonrodona"
Puerto Rico Film Festival - 2022

Audience Award
"12AM"
Lusca Fantastic Film Fest - 2024
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