Diego Quemada-Diez, a visionary filmmaker, began his cinematic journey in 1995, serving as a clapper loader on the critically acclaimed "Land and Freedom" directed by the renowned Ken Loach. This early exposure to the film industry kindled a passion within him, which would soon propel him to new heights.
As his skills and experience grew, Quemada-Diez made the bold decision to relocate to the United States, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with the acclaimed director Isabel Coixet on an independent film project. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, as he immersed himself in the vibrant film scene of Los Angeles.
With years of working in the industry under his belt, Quemada-Diez had amassed a significant amount of knowledge and expertise. He then made the strategic decision to invest in his future by attending the prestigious American Film Institute (AFI),a renowned institution dedicated to the art of filmmaking.
Quemada-Diez's graduation film, titled "A Table is a Table", received widespread recognition and accolades, ultimately earning the prestigious Best Cinematography Award from the esteemed American Society of Cinematographers (ASC),a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry behind the lens. Following this notable achievement, he embarked on a successful career as a camera operator, collaborating with some of the most renowned and respected directors in the industry, including the acclaimed Alejandro Gonzalez-Iñarritu, the late Tony Scott, the accomplished Fernando Meirelles, and the iconic Spike Lee. Throughout this period, he simultaneously continued to hone his skills as a writer and director, creating a diverse range of short films and documentaries that showcased his versatility and creative vision.
In the year 2006, a significant milestone was reached in the career of a prominent filmmaker, marked by the premiere of his second short film, titled "I Want to Be A Pilot", at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. This notable achievement was followed by an impressive array of accolades, with the film garnering over 50 awards and receiving widespread recognition by being showcased at more than 200 film festivals across the globe.
One of the most notable awards received by "I Want to Be A Pilot" was the Audience Award at the La Mostra Sao Paulo Film Festival, a testament to the film's enduring appeal and resonance with audiences. Additionally, the film received a Special Mention at the Amiens Film Festival, further solidifying its reputation as a standout in the world of cinema.
In the same year, the filmmaker also turned his attention to the realm of documentary filmmaking, directing the short documentary "La Morena". This project premiered at the 2007 Morelia Film Festival, providing a platform for the filmmaker to showcase his skills and artistic vision in a new and exciting way.
In the year 2010, a significant milestone was reached by Quemada-Diez, as he embarked on a creative journey by participating in the esteemed Cannes Film Festival Atelier workshop, showcasing his inaugural feature film, "La Jaula de Oro", which translates to "The Golden Dream".
This highly anticipated film made its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, being selected for the official Un Certain Regard category, where it garnered widespread recognition and accolades.
Quemada-Diez's remarkable debut feature film went on to win three prestigious awards at the festival, including the Un Certain Talent Award, the Gillo Pontecorvo Award, and the François Chalais Special Mention Award.
As a result of this outstanding achievement, Quemada-Diez's name became synonymous with excellence in the film industry, solidifying his position as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
Noted filmmaker received an impressive array of accolades for his exceptional direction, including the prestigious Best Director award at the Vladivostock Film Festival, where his outstanding work was widely recognized and celebrated.
He also received the coveted Best New Director Hugo Award at the esteemed Chicago Film Festival, a testament to his innovative and bold approach to storytelling.
Furthermore, his direction earned him the Best Director honor at the Tesalonica Film Festival, where his dedication to his craft was acknowledged and praised by industry professionals and critics alike.
In addition, he took home the Best Director award at the Havana New York Film Festival, a recognition of his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
His impressive body of work also earned him the Best Director award at the Luis Buñuel Calanda Film Festival in Spain, a celebration of his artistic vision and technical skill.
Moreover, the Satjavit Ray Foundation at the London Film Festival bestowed upon him the Best Director award, a recognition of his mastery of the medium and his ability to inspire and captivate audiences.
Lastly, he was honored with the Jean Renoir Award in France, a prestigious recognition of his contributions to the world of cinema and his enduring impact on the art form.
The critically acclaimed film "La Jaula de Oro" made a significant impact on the international film festival circuit, garnering numerous prestigious awards and accolades.
At the Havana Film Festival, it won the coveted Best First Film award, a testament to its outstanding debut.
The film's success continued to grow as it went on to win the Best Film award at the Mumbai, Mar de Plata, Tesalónica, and Zurich film festivals, solidifying its reputation as a standout feature.
In its Mexican premiere at the Morelia Film Festival, "La Jaula de Oro" received widespread acclaim, taking home three top honors: the Audience Award, Best First Film, and the Press Guerrero Award.
Furthermore, the film earned a total of nine Arieles from the Mexican Film Academy, including the most coveted awards: Best Film, Best First Film, and Best Original Screenplay.
These impressive accolades serve as a testament to the film's exceptional quality and its ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
The renowned artist, Quemada-Diez, underwent a significant milestone in 2013, as he formally acquired Mexican citizenship, a testament to his deepening connection with the country and its rich cultural heritage.
