Meet AG Orloz

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful AG Orloz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi AG, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I believe that if there is one word I aspire to, it is purity. And this applies across different facets of life. For instance, when choosing a concept for a cinematic sequence, when defining a creative idea, or—on a personal level—when striving to be authentic to my essence and gradually shedding unnecessary layers in this journey we call life.

I believe that if there is one word I aspire to, it is purity. And this applies across different facets of life. For instance, when choosing a concept for a cinematic sequence, when defining a creative idea, or—on a personal level—when striving to be authentic to my essence and gradually shedding unnecessary layers in this journey we call life. That pursuit of purity is what keeps my success aligned with all that I truly am—anywhere.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

AG Orloz is a multi-awarded Puerto Rican independent filmmaker composer actor and psychologist. He has completed numerous artistic projects since 2001 as an actor and since 2009 as a director. He is recognized internationally for his Oscar qualified films and social impact work. His film projects have reached global audiences and earned numerous prestigious honors in both creative and academic fields.

Filmmaker Achievements:
A. Oscar Eligibility
AG Orloz qualified in the short film categories at the Academy Screening Room in 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025
International Selections
He represented Puerto Rico at:
The American Pavilion Cannes in 2022
Animation in Cannes in 2023
World of Film Cannes in 2024
Venice Production Bridge World of Film venue at the Venice Biennale in 2024
Screenings at Prestigious Theaters
His short films Marbles, AERC-O2, and Princeney (with the Peruvian animator Jorge Dardo Caceres) were screened at Graumans Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
B. Awards and Recognitions
From 2018 to 2024, he earned over 140 international laurels and 50 awards, including Best Director, Best Leading Actor, Best Concept, Best Short Film, Best Composer, and Best Script
C. Films with Social Impact
His films focus on global issues such as climate change, discrimination, pandemics, empathy, and peace.
The film ONE addressed Hurricane Maria’s aftermath and was presented worldwide
The short film 2HOOM zoom created during COVID 19 tackled stigma, HIV AIDS, and empathy
Won Best Drama Short Film at the Vesuvius International Film Festival in Italy in 2023 for AERC 02 and Best Animated Short Film at The North Film Festival in New York city, among other prizes
World Prize for Excellence in the Defense of the Planet in Peru in 2022
Nominee for the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr Award at George Washington University
Honorary Doctorate in Education (Mexico)
Leader of the Americas award (Mexico)
Sor Isolina Ferre Medal in Education and First Medal for Distinguished Filmmakers- Government of Puerto Rico
Top Ten Young Persons Award in Arts and Culture in Puerto Rico
Two Nominations to the Prince William Earthshot Prize
D. Composer and Music Contributions
Original compositions
His composition Sere won an award at the Miami International Voice Festival
The song Alto Vuelas was selected as the official Puerto Rican song for the World March for Peace held in Argentina and New Zealand
Collaborations
Participated in different music projects since 2013.
E. Films and Academy:
Films screened at: Yale, Michigan State, New York University, and George Washington University.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three skills I developed from a young age are the following: vocal tuning and voice arrangement, an appreciation for the aesthetic value of writing and the arts, in general, and the discipline required to develop creative projects, nurtured through my education in various disciplines. I believe that anyone who wants to contribute to the seventh art must have a deep relationship with the art and science of sound, image, and words. From physics courses to psychology courses, from political studies to contemporary culture classes — all of it has been reflected in my art.

If you can recognize that perfect moment when all the orchestral elements merge with a particular scene and a specific line of dialogue, then you have found your place within cinema and the special light that combines all elements. And that is a continuous search—it never truly ends. It comes from discipline, the balance of intellect, and the joy of creating.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

I must say that Sinapsis Creativa is a book that did not exist — and that I felt compelled to create. It serves as a theoretical framework on creativity, neuroscience, and virtuality, in response to the emerging changes of a society increasingly connected to the virtual universe.
This book not only changed my life, but it has also become my compass and guiding force to explore new experiences and achieve unimaginable milestones. Without this book, references such as Cannes, Grauman’s Theater, AI Animation, Creative Coaching, the art-science binomial, Politics and Governance, Honorary Doctorate, and Academy Screening Room would not be part of my life. It has not only taken me to unimaginable corners of the World, but it has also helped me recognize the immeasurable value of being a lifelong learner. I’m currently in the final stages of my first animated feature film (animator: Jorge Dardo Caceres), titled OSKÄR. Metaphorically, this is my next book—one whose pages I hope will be imprinted in the minds of my viewers. It was a true pleasure to be part of such a meaningful interview. I’m open to collaborations with both emerging and experienced talents in the fascinating world of cinema.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8472995/

Image Credits

Animator: Jorge Dardo Caceres
Animation Supervisor: AG Orloz