Guido Santi's cinematic journey commenced in Italy, where he was fortunate enough to be mentored by the illustrious director Ermanno Olmi as part of the prestigious "Ipotesi Cinema" collective, a group renowned for fostering innovative and creative filmmaking. This valuable experience played a significant role in shaping Santi's artistic vision and skills, laying the foundation for his future success in the film industry.
Santi's initial foray into filmmaking was marked by the creation of his debut short film, Concertino, a collaborative effort with his lifelong friend and fellow filmmaker Marco Simon Puccioni. Produced by the Italian public broadcaster RAI, this early work showcased Santi's potential as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
Following the success of Concertino, Puccioni and Santi decided to pursue separate film school opportunities in the United States, seeking to further hone their skills and expand their knowledge of the craft. Puccioni attended the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts),while Santi was accepted into the University of Southern California's esteemed film production program, where he went on to earn a master's degree.
This period of study and growth was instrumental in refining Santi's skills as a filmmaker, allowing him to develop a deeper understanding of the technical and creative aspects of the craft. Upon completing his master's degree, Santi was well-equipped to embark on a successful and fulfilling career in the film industry, one that would be marked by a range of innovative and critically acclaimed projects.
After the culmination of his formal educational pursuits, Santi Cilento embarked upon a new chapter in his professional journey, shifting his focus towards the creation of television specials and documentaries. Concurrently, he dedicated his expertise to instructing aspiring filmmakers at esteemed institutions of higher learning in the United States, playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of cinematic talents. Furthermore, Santi shared this exciting venture with his partner, Tina Mascara, and together they co-founded the production company "Asphalt Stars Productions", a creative endeavour that would allow them to collaborate on a wide range of innovative projects.
Guido Santi's remarkable journey of camaraderie commenced in the year 1992, as he embarked on a lifelong friendship with Don Bachardy, the esteemed and devoted partner of the renowned author Christopher Isherwood.
This profound and enduring bond between Santi and Bachardy ultimately blossomed into the critically acclaimed documentary film, Chris & Don, which made its grand premiere in the year 2008, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Santi's remarkable professional trajectory was marked by a dual passion for filmmaking and education, as he simultaneously pursued a distinguished career in the cinematic arts while devoting himself to sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation of filmmakers. One of the numerous esteemed institutions that benefited from his expertise was the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, where he took on the role of professor, imparting his vast understanding of Film Aesthetics and History of Cinema to his students.
As a testament to his dedication to his craft and his students, Santi's life was a rich tapestry of creativity, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to his work. However, his life was tragically cut short on February 4, 2019, when he suffered a heart attack on the very first day of the College of the Canyons' Spring Semester, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence those who had the privilege of knowing him.
