Francisco, an American filmmaker with Salvadoran roots, currently holds the esteemed position of Artistic Director at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Department of Film, where he also serves as a professor. His exceptional work in the film industry has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Regents' Creative Activities Award Medal from the State of Nevada in 2017, awarded for his feature-length film "Stealing Las Vegas", starring the renowned actor Eric Roberts.
Throughout his illustrious career, Francisco has received numerous teaching awards from UNLV, showcasing his dedication to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. He has also been honored with two Charles Vanda awards for excellence in the arts, and has taken home first-place awards at the University Film and Video Association juried screening awards on two separate occasions.
In addition to his impressive filmmaking credentials, Francisco has also made significant contributions to the development of the UNLV Film Department, serving as Chair for nearly two decades and securing over a million dollars in funding for the program. Furthermore, his research interests extend beyond filmmaking, encompassing the cutting-edge fields of virtual reality, stereoscopy, and emerging technologies.
