Alonso Alvarez-Barreda, a talented Mexican filmmaker, emerged into the world in the vibrant city of Mexico City, where he spent his formative years in the quaint town of Tampico, situated on the eastern coast of Mexico. As a young individual, Alvarez-Barreda's early life was marked by a delicate balance between his personal aspirations and the expectations of his father, who envisioned a promising future for his son as a professional ping-pong player.
Alejandro Monteverde's mentorship played a pivotal role in the creative journey of Alvarez-Barreda, as he embarked on directing his inaugural short film, Historia de un Letrero, under the esteemed guidance of his mentor.
With an unorthodox approach, Alvarez-Barreda's debut film was produced on a remarkably modest budget of just $50, a testament to his resourcefulness and innovative spirit. The entire production was filmed in the city of Tampico, utilizing borrowed equipment and enlisting the services of his friends, who generously lent their acting talents to the project.
The outcome of Alvarez-Barreda's tireless efforts was a cinematic masterpiece that garnered widespread acclaim, ultimately securing the prestigious Best Short Film Award at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, a crowning achievement that solidified his reputation as a rising talent in the world of filmmaking.
Alvarez-Barreda's third short film, Crescendo, is an 18th-century period piece that unfolds entirely in the German language, delving into the captivating story of Beethoven's birth. This cinematic masterpiece was brought to life through the collaboration of renowned Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim, who shared his expertise and resources to make this ambitious project a reality. The film's global premiere was met with widespread acclaim, as it was showcased at over 30 prestigious international film festivals, including the esteemed Telluride and New York festivals. Furthermore, Crescendo's outstanding quality earned it a spot as a finalist for the 2013 Academy Awards, solidifying its position as a standout in the world of short filmmaking. Alvarez-Barreda's exceptional direction was recognized with the Best Director award at the NBCUniversal Short Film Festival, while the film also received nominations for Best Writing and Best Film, a testament to the artist's skill and dedication.
In the year 2014, Alvarez-Barreda was fortunate enough to be one of only four exceptional filmmakers handpicked for the inaugural HBO Access Directing Fellowship, a prestigious program designed to provide aspiring directors with the opportunity to hone their craft and bring their unique vision to life.
As part of this esteemed initiative, Alvarez-Barreda was tasked with producing a short film, which ultimately became the captivating The Walk, featuring the talented Max Arciniega, renowned for his memorable role in the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad.
The Walk is a poignant and thought-provoking short that tells the powerful story of a Mexican man and his young son as they embark on a perilous journey, risking everything to cross the border illegally.
Since the inception of his illustrious career, Alvarez-Barreda has had the privilege of directing a total of twelve television episodes, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. These notable projects include The Mosquito Coast, a critically acclaimed series produced by Apple TV, which has garnered widespread attention for its captivating storyline and exceptional production quality. Additionally, Alvarez-Barreda has also had the opportunity to work on The Lincoln Lawyer, a popular Netflix series that has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plot and memorable characters. Furthermore, his impressive portfolio also includes directing episodes of Mayans M.C., a critically acclaimed FX series that has received widespread acclaim for its gritty realism and compelling storyline. Big Sky, a popular ABC series, has also been a beneficiary of his expertise, showcasing his ability to balance action and drama with ease. Moreover, Alvarez-Barreda has also had the privilege of working on Jordan Peele's The Twilight Zone, a CBS All Access series that has been praised for its thought-provoking themes and masterful storytelling. The Chi, a SHOWTIME series, has also been a recipient of his direction, featuring his unique ability to balance complex characters with engaging plotlines. Kindred, a FX series, has also been a beneficiary of his expertise, showcasing his ability to craft compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Furthermore, Alvarez-Barreda has also had the opportunity to work on American Horror Stories, a Ryan Murphy production that has been praised for its bold storytelling and captivating characters. Finally, his impressive portfolio also includes directing episodes of The Calling, a PEACOCK series produced by the renowned David E. Kelley, which has been praised for its intricate plot and exceptional production quality.
Notably, a considerable number of episodes from the critically acclaimed television series Snowfall, helmed by a renowned director, have been formally nominated for consideration in the prestigious Emmy Awards by the esteemed cable network FX, specifically in the category of Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series, a testament to the director's exceptional craftsmanship and artistic vision.
As of this moment, Alvarez-Barreda is actively engaged in the post-production process of his debut feature film, a cinematic masterpiece entitled The Wingwalker, which boasts an impressive cast of talented actors, including the renowned Mexican star Omar Chaparro and the accomplished Ariel Winner actress Mercedes Hernandez.
