Draft:Ignacio Castilo Cottin
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Comment: This could be substantially cut down. Have not determined if meets WP:NPEOPLE. qcne (talk) 20:42, 15 July 2025 (UTC)
Ignacio Henrique Castillo Cottin | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 2nd, 1982 Caracas, Venezuela |
| Citizenship | Venezuelan |
| Occupation(s) | Director, Screenwriter and Film Producer |
| Notable work | El Inca, La Virgen Negra, La Danubio Penélope, En Blanco |
| Spouse | Lulú Montesinos |
| Children | León Castillo, Boris Castillo |
| Parent(s) | Leopoldo Castillo, Nelly Cottin De Castillo |
Ignacio Castilo Cottin
[edit]Ignacio Castillo Cottin (Caracas, Venezuela; December 12, 1982) is a Venezuelan filmmaker, narrative strategist, and communications consultant. He is known for his feature films La Virgen Negra (2008), El Inca (2016, officially submitted by Venezuela for the Oscars), and La Danubio (2020), all of which have received significant international distribution. Beyond cinema, he has built a multifaceted career as the founder and director of Pa’ Los Panas, a boutique communications firm based in Caracas that combines strategic vision, narrative design, and high-level execution. Under his leadership, the company has become one of the most influential agencies in Venezuela, developing large-scale campaigns for brands, institutions, and cultural projects with a carefully crafted aesthetic and strong communicational impact. Castillo Cottin stands out for his comprehensive approach: he conceptualizes, leads, and delivers projects that connect cinema, advertising, institutional communication, and political strategy, with a deep sensitivity for social and cultural matters. [1][2][3]
Carreer
[edit]Ignacio began his artistic career in theater at the age of 16, writing and directing three plays during high school, two of which were presented at the Ateneo de Caracas. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he studied Film at the University of Southern California (USC) and Political Science at California State University Northridge (CSUN). During this time, he worked as a freelance reporter for the newspaper El Nacional in the Culture and Politics sections. Upon returning to Venezuela, he co-founded the investigative journalism magazine Contrabando, edited by the Cadena Capriles.[4]
Film
In 2008, Castillo Cottin released his first feature film, La Virgen Negra, a magical realism comedy starring Carmen Maura, Angélica Aragón, Matheus Nachtergaeele, and Carolina Torres. The film premiered at the São Paulo International Film Festival and was showcased at several international festivals. In 2022, a special edition of La Virgen Negra was presented at the 59th edition of the Venice Biennale.[5][6][7][8]
In 2009, Random House Mondadori published Penélope, a book of short fiction written by Castillo Cottin. The following year, he premiered Comedia En Blanco, a theatrical monologue he wrote and directed in Caracas, which received excellent reviews and almost sold out its two seasons.
His second feature film, El Inca (2016), based on the life of boxer Edwin Valero, was Venezuela's official selection for the Academy Awards and became the first film censored by the Venezuelan government. It received multiple awards and was screened at festivals such as Morelia, Miami, Chicago, and Goa.
In 2020, he directed his first documentary, La Danubio, about a legendary pastry shop in Caracas and the family behind it. Released during the pandemic, it achieved wide international distribution and is available on platforms such as Filmin, Apple TV, and Vudu.
In 2020, he also directed La Danubio, a documentary produced by Pa' Los Panas that tells the story of the most famous pastry shop in Caracas and the family dynamics behind the business.
He is currently preparing two new productions: Fashionably Late (2025–2026), a short fiction film, and Un día, 50 años después (2026), a documentary about El Sistema and its cultural legacy.
Advertising
Subsequently, Ignacio began his career as a commercial director, where to date, he has created major campaigns for companies such as Coca-Cola, Jeep, Kraft, Nestlé, Ford, Movistar, Ron Santa Teresa, Kellogg's, among others. He has also directed commercials for Non-Governmental Organizations such as Acción Solidaria, Caja Mágica, and Senos Ayuda[9], earning awards and recognition both nationally and internationally. [10]
Teaching
He has been a guest professor and speaker at Venezuelan institutions such as the Metropolitana University, Andrés Bello Catholic University, Central University of Venezuela, Monteávila University, and Santa María University. At IESA, he has participated in executive programs, connecting creativity with business strategy, focused on narrative, storytelling, and visual culture.
Affiliations and Institutional Roles
- Member of the National Association of Cinematographic Authors (ANAC) since 2008; served on its board of directors from 2010 to 2014.
- Member of the Venezuelan Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences since 2018.
- President of the Selection Committee for Venezuela's Oscar submissions for four consecutive years (2019–2022).
- Juror at the Venezuelan Film Festival for four editions, as well as at CCS DOC and other national events.
Pa' Los Panas
[edit]Founded in 2005, Pa’ Los Panas (formerly known as Pa’ Los Panas Producciones) began as a film and advertising production house and evolved into a communications company in 2019. Based in Caracas, the firm combines audiovisual production, creative strategy, digital content, and communications consulting.
Among its clients are Nestlé, McDonald's, Ron Carúpano, Granos Pantera, the CAF Marathon, the National System of Orchestras, and the Policlínica Metropolitana. Since 2025, Pa’ Los Panas has been a member of VenAmCham and FEVAP.
Notable Projects:
In 2008, Pa’ Los Panas produced La Virgen Negra, its first feature film. In 2009, it partnered with Soda Producciones to produce advertising commercials, maintaining this partnership until 2017.
In 2010, Pa' Los Panas produced its first play titled En Blanco.
In 2015, the production of El Inca, its second feature film, began, and it was released the following year. That same year, Pa' Los Panas opened its offices in the CC Mata de Coco in Chacao, where it still operates today.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pa’ Los Panas produced its third feature film and first documentary, La Danubio.
From 2021 to the present, Pa’ Los Panas has managed comprehensive communications for the Policlínica Metropolitana, including its social media communications, the creation, conceptualization, production, public relations management, and media strategy for the Expo Metropolitana in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Between 2022 and 2023, Pa’ Los Panas created, executed, and implemented integrated campaigns for Granos Pantera, such as Lo Mejor De Ti, including strategic brand activations, digital campaigns, and ATL campaigns, positioning the brand as the leading grain company in the country and increasing the reach of its communications.[11]
In 2023, Pa’ Los Panas developed the concept, execution, and communication strategy for social media for Ron Carúpano XO, highlighting the origin and innovation of the brand through audiovisual pieces and sensory graphics of the essential elements that make up the blend, achieving greater reach in posts and positioning XO as the best rum blend both nationally and internationally.[12]
By the end of 2023, Pa’ Los Panas, along with the Líder Shopping Center, through the execution of projects, strategic media management, and public relations, consolidated the partnership with the Miss Venezuela Organization for the beauty pageant at the Espacio venue.
Institutional, Political, and Social Campaigns with a Narrative and Transmedia Approach:
In 2024, Pa’ Los Panas was involved in the relaunch of the CAF Marathon, leading the public relations strategy, digital content, and audiovisual production, repositioning the event as a sports and cultural emblem of continental reach.[13]
That same year, it worked with Nestlé Venezuela on campaigns such as Pets At Work and Enfrentados, managing everything from conceptualization to audiovisual execution and PR strategy.[14][15]
It also produced campaigns for McDonald's Venezuela, including El Match Perfecto —in partnership with the Venezuelan Football Federation— and Siempre de Moda, a 360° campaign aimed at relaunching its chicken product line (McChicken and McNuggets). These campaigns resulted in a sales increase of over 30% and reinforced its partnership with the national football team (La Vinotinto). Castillo Cottin led the conceptualization and direction of the ATL pieces, while Pa’ Los Panas executed the complete strategy, including digital, PR, and media.[16][17]
In 2025, Pa’ Los Panas will launch the campaign Vive El Sistema and the Vive El Sistema Fest, featuring more than 250 concerts across the country, as well as the rebranding and brand manual for the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra.[18]
Film Industry
[edit]In 2005, Ignacio Castillo Cottin founded Pa' Los Panas.
In 2008, he premiered La Virgen Negra at the São Paulo International Film Festival, where Ignacio was nominated as Best Young Director. The feature film featured performances by Carmen Maura, Angélica Aragón, Matheus Nachtergaeele, and Carolina Torres.
That same year (2008), Ignacio became a member of the National Association of Cinematographic Authors (ANAC) and in 2010, joined its board of directors, a position he held until 2013.
In November 2016, Castillo Cottin premiered El Inca in Venezuelan theaters, a film starring Alexander Leterni and Scarlett Jaimes. This feature became the first film in Venezuelan cinema history to be censored due to a judicial measure that violated the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.[19]
In 2018, Castillo Cottin was part of the jury at the Mérida Venezuelan Film Festival. The previous year (2017), he chaired the jury for the University Short Films Festival at the same Venezuelan Film Festival in Mérida.[20] [21] [22]
Also in 2018, Castillo Cottin became a member of the Venezuelan Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences (ACACV).[23]
Ignacio Castillo Cottin served as President of the Selection Committee for choosing the Venezuelan film that would represent the country at the Academy Awards. He was initially elected for the 2019 edition (La Familia), then reelected for the 2020 edition (Being Imposible), and again for the 2021 edition (Once Upon A Time In Venezuela).
In 2023, he was part of the jury for feature films at the ninth edition of CCS DOC, the most important documentary festival in Venezuela. La Virgen Negra
La Virgen Negra (2008) is a film written and directed by Ignacio Castillo Cottin and produced by Pa’ Los Panas. The feature film, starring Carmen Maura, Angélica Aragón, Matheus Nachtergaeele, and Carolina Torres, tells the story of the surprising changes experienced by the inhabitants of a fishing village in the Caribbean following the appearance of a black virgin.[24]
The film premiered at the São Paulo International Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Film and Best Young Director. Notable recognitions for La Virgen Negra include:[25] [26] [27]
In 2022, a special edition of the film was made for its screening at the 59th Biennale di Venezia. This version is available on Pa' Los Panas' YouTube channel and was broadcast on national open TV as part of Venevisión’s programming.
São Paulo International Film Festival (2008):
- Nominated: New Directors Competition, Best Feature Film.
Venezuelan Film Festival (2008):
- Winner: Audience Award, Best Feature Film.
Syracuse International Film Festival (2009):
- Nominated: Best Feature Film.
Paraguay Film Festival (2009):
- Nominated: Golden Panambi, Best Feature Film.
Manchester International Film Festival (2009):
- Nominated: Festival Prize, Best International Feature Film.
Park City Film Music Festival (2011):
- Winner: Gold Medal for Excellence, Best Impact of Music in a Feature Film - Jury’s Choice.
El Inca
El Inca (2016) is a feature film directed by Ignacio Castillo Cottin, co-written with Ada Hernández. The film (produced by Pa' Los Panas) represented Venezuela at the 89th Academy Awards and starred Alexander Leterni, Scarlett Jaimes, Miguel Ferrari, and Daniela Bueno, among others.[28][29]
El Inca is a tragic love story based on the life of two-time world boxing champion Edwin "El Inca" Valero. The film premiered in Venezuela on November 25, 2016, and just days later, it was pulled from cinemas due to a judicial measure that violated the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. After six months, the Court of Appeal of the Judicial Circuit for the Protection of Children and Adolescents overturned the ruling that prohibited its distribution and exhibition within the country. In July 2017, El Inca was re-released at the Mérida Venezuelan Film Festival, where it won 7 awards, including Audience Award, Best Director, and Best Actor. Three days after the film returned to national cinemas, the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) ordered the suspension of the film’s screenings once again, calling for a hearing that was never held.[30]
São Paulo International Film Festival (Brazil - 2017):
- Nominated: New Directors Competition, Best Feature Film.
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) (India - 2017)
Morelia International Film Festival (Mexico - 2017):
- Nominated: Audience Award, Best Feature Film.
Miami Film Festival (USA - 2017):
- Nominated: HBO Ibero-American Competition, Best Feature Film.
Venezuelan Film Festival (Venezuela - 2017):
- Winner: Best Musicalization (Luis Miguel Emmanuelli)
- Winner: Best Actor (Alexander Leterni)
- Winner: Best Director (Ignacio Castillo Cottin)
- Winner: Best Editing (Maikel Jiménez)
- Winner: Best Makeup (Stella Jacobs)
- Winner: Best Script (Ada Hernández, Ignacio Castillo Cottin)
- Winner: Best Feature Film (Audience Award)
INDIEBO (Bogotá Independent Film Festival) (Colombia - 2017)
Fine Arts Festival (Dominican Republic - 2017)
Cinema Venezuela Miami (USA - 2017)
Cine Latino Film Festival (Australia - 2017)
Hola Mexico Film Festival (Mexico - 2017)
La Película Film Festival (Czech Republic - 2018)
Academic Hispanic Film Festival (Canada - 2018)
HAY FILM FESTIVAL - Cartagena (Special Participation) (Colombia - 2018)
Chicago Latino Film Festival (2018):
- Nominated: Feature Film, Best Feature Film.
La Danubio
La Danubio (2020) is a documentary film directed by Ignacio Castillo Cottin. It tells the story of the family business behind the most famous pastry shop in Caracas. The film premiered during the pandemic and, like El Inca and La Virgen Negra, achieved significant international distribution.
It is available on streaming platforms like Filmin, Apple TV, and Vudu.
Venezuelan Film Festival (Venezuela - 2022):
Winner: Best Sound, Documentary Feature Film.
Award and Nominations
[edit]Film
São Paulo International Film Festival (2008):
- Nominated: New Directors Competition, Best Feature Film (La Virgen Negra)
Venezuelan Film Festival (2008):
- Winner: Audience Award, Best Feature Film (La Virgen Negra)
Syracuse International Film Festival (2009):
- Nominated: Best Feature Film (La Virgen Negra)
Paraguay Film Festival (2009):
- Nominated: Golden Panambi, Best Feature Film (La Virgen Negra)
Manchester International Film Festival (2009):
- Nominated: Festival Prize, Best International Feature Film (La Virgen Negra)
Venezuelan Film Festival (2017):
- Winner: Best Director – El Inca
- Winner: Best Screenplay (Ada Hernández, Ignacio Castillo Cottin) – El Inca
- Winner: Best Feature Film (Audience Award) – El Inca
São Paulo International Film Festival (2017):
- Nominated: New Directors Competition, Best Feature Film
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) (2017)
Morelia International Film Festival (2017):
- Nominated: Audience Award, Best Feature Film
Miami Film Festival (2017):
- Nominated: HBO Ibero-American Competition, Best Feature Film
Chicago Latino Film Festival (2018):
- Nominated: Feature Film, Best Feature Film
Venezuelan Film Festival (2022):
- Winner: Best Sound, Documentary Feature Film
Advertising
ANDA Awards (2011):
- Bronze Best Direction: "Caja Mágica, Paz en las Calles Campaign"
- Gold Best Direction: Movistar (Turtle Version)
ANDA Awards (2012):
- Bronze Best Direction: Jeep (Versions Despeje and Abrebocas)
- Gold Best Online Video: Acción Solidaria (Porn Video Version)
- Gold for Multimedia Campaign: Acción Solidaria (Porn Video Version)
Ojo Iberoamericano (2012):
- Bronze Best Direction: Movistar (Turtle Version)
ANDA Awards (2013):
- Bronze Best Direction: Ferretotal (Dinner Version)
- Gold Best Direction: Cheez Whiz
Ojo Iberoamericano (2014):
- Bronze Best Direction: Ferretotal (Dinner Version)
Other Awards
Municipal Award from the Baruta City Hall (1998):
- Second place in painting
P&M Awards (2024):
Political Communications
[edit]In 2005, Ignacio Castillo Cottin graduated in Political Science from California State University Northridge (CSUN).
2012-2013 Campaign
At Soda Producciones, he conceptualized and directed audiovisual pieces for the presidential campaigns (2012-2013) of candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski.
2014 Miranda Governor’s Campaign
At Soda Producciones, he conceptualized and directed the Juntos Somos Más campaign for the Governor’s Office of Miranda State.
Plan País
At Pa' Los Panas, he conceptualized and produced all audiovisual material for Plan País, a body created by the National Assembly in 2015.
2021 Regional Unity Campaign
At Pa' Los Panas, he conceptualized and produced the campaign for the Mesa de la Unidad Democrática for the 2021 regional and municipal elections.
Press and Publications
[edit]- ^ Variety (12 de abril de 2018) ‘El Inca’ Director Ignacio Castillo Preps First English-Language Film, ‘The Death of Marquez’ (EXCLUSIVE)
- ^ ESPN (31 de agosto de 2017) Nominada para el Oscar, película del Inca Valero sigue censurada
- ^ Rojas, Indira (2020-11-11). "Documental "La Danubio": la receta de la Venezuela exitosa". Prodavinci (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ Biblioteca Digital Banesco (Noviembre de 2018) Nuevo País del Cine
- ^ Redazione (2022-08-31). "Film venezolano "La Virgen Negra" se proyectará en Venezia en paralelo a la Biennale". La Voce d'Italia (in Italian). Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ Miope, El (2022-08-26). "La virgen negra se proyectará en Venecia". El Miope (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-03-19.
- ^ "La Virgen Negra versión Biennale 2022".
- ^ "La Virgen Negra (2008) - Trailer".
- ^ "Kellogg's y Senos Ayuda - El despertador del optimismo (versión: Laura)".
- ^ La Patilla (2 de marzo de 2017) El director de “El Inca” afirma que su película no es crítica con el chavismo
- ^ "Pantera - Linda".
- ^ "Ron Carúpano - Lanzamiento XO".
- ^ "Maratón CAF 2025".
- ^ "Pets At Work 25.08.2023 - Nestlé Purina".
- ^ "Purina - Enfrentados".
- ^ "McDonald's | La Vinotinto - El Match Perfecto".
- ^ "McDonald's - Siempre De Moda".
- ^ "El Sistema Nacional de Coros y Orquestas - Vive El Sistema".
- ^ ESPN (31 de agosto de 2017) Nominada para el Oscar, película del Inca Valero sigue censurada
- ^ El País (25 de diciembre e 2016) Venezuela censura la película sobre la vida del boxeador Inca Valero
- ^ El Estímulo (12 de abril de 2018) Director de “El Inca” debutará en Hollywood con “The Death of Marquez”
- ^ Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (24 de octubre de 2017) El Inca, by Ignacio Castillo Cottin, was presented at the 15th FICM
- ^ El Nuevo Herald (20 de junio de 2018) Campeón invicto, entre el amor y la muerte, llega a los cines de Miami
- ^ El Diario (12 de abril de 2018) El venezolano Ignacio Castillo debutará en Hollywood con "The Death of Marquez
- ^ Chicago Reader (2016) El Inca
- ^ Vice Versa Magazine (31 de marzo de 2017) Ignacio Castillo Cottin: No podemos permitir que exista la censura
- ^ Diario Las Américas (25 de septiembre de 2017) "El Inca", censurada en Venezuela, representará al país en los Oscar
- ^ https://globovision.com/article/el-inca-representara-a-venezuela-en-los-premios-oscar
- ^ BBC (21 de junio de 2017) Quién era "El Inca" Valero y por qué una película basada en su vida está prohibida en Venezuela
- ^ Diario El Tiempo “La virgen negra” mezcla realismo mágico y comedia
- ^ "Revista P&M, pág 71. Publicidad".
- ^ "Revista P&M, pág. 48. Publicación ganador premio agencia digital".