Collective Spotlight: Miguel Labastida González
Photo Courtesy of Miguel Labastida González
“I really like the challenge of making nature movies that don’t use the classical informative narrative. I try to relate the subject, structure, and theme through a philosophical point of view that would ultimately talk about a way of seeing the world and not only give information. This can be very challenging to achieve.”
The poetic and philosophical undertones Miguel describes are palpable - very soon into starting Miguel’s short, Arthropodium (2018), a film co-produced with Jorge Bolado
Photo Credit: Miguel Labastida González
A jack of all trades, Miguel Labastida González is a cinematographer, director, editor, writer, and photographer. He was a Cinematography Lab Fellow, participating in a specialized programming track at the 2022 Jackson Wild Summit for experienced and established cinematographers which specifically focused on refining techniques and skill sets.
Miguel is based in Mexico City and comes from a multicultural background; his father is from Mexico, and his mother is from Brazil.
While he now specializes in multiple disciplines, Miguel first started studying film in Brazil but finished his degree in directing from CENTRO, a leading university for design, film, and media in Mexico.
Photo courtesy of Miguel Labastida González
“Robert Bresson said that directing is entering a state of intense ignorance and curiosity in order to better see the world that surrounds you. I try to use this to improve my relationship with reality.”
While in school, Miguel was taught by Jorge Bolado, a university professor for more than 35 years, a film scholar, musician, and a lover of books. Bolado’s films have been presented in many film festivals such as Venice, Cannes, Berlin, and more.
Miguel and Jorge’s friendship-turned-creative partnership led them to find Matadragones, a Mexican production company dedicated to the creation of films, video clips, advertising, photography, music, animation as well as artistic or experimental projects. Their mission is to create unique, different, and original audiovisual content of quality.
Photo courtesy of Miguel Labastida González
In 2022, Miguel and Jorge appeared as guest speakers during the Collective’s Narration Writing Masterclass led by Carol L. Fleisher. The Collective has allowed Miguel to engage with the wildlife filmmaking community and make new connections.
“Thanks to the Collective, I met Kimerudi Motswai, a Sudafrican filmmaker whom I’ve already collaborated with making a panel discussion that happened at this year's NEWF congress in Sudafrica.”
These days, Miguel is keeping busy with two nature-focused projects. “Right now I’m doing some mushroom macro photography for a feature film, and I’m trying to finish editing my own mushroom film.”
Photo courtesy of Miguel Labastida González
“Rather than focusing on some great shots I try to think of films as a whole, their meaning and power should come from what many shots are put together to create”, shares Miguel, in reference to the industry’s heavy emphasis on capturing singular moments.
The advice he’d give to his younger self and an aspiring filmmaker? “Censorship starts on the outside by people, festivals or the industry telling you what's best to do. After some time, if you don't fight this continuously, censorship comes from within yourself. Don’t let this happen, do the movies you believe in.”
Photo courtesy of Miguel Labastida González
The Jackson Wild Collective is the virtual home for our global storytelling community to connect, collaborate, and inspire change year-round. Join today.
Photo Credit: Miguel Labastida González
To learn more about Miguel’s work, please visit Matadragones' website and Instagram, and keep up with Miguel's Instagram.
The Jackson Wild Collective is the virtual home for our global storytelling community to connect, collaborate, and inspire change year-round. Join today.