647-966-9289
A lil' latin kid from north york tryna be somebody.
PAUL-DANIEL TORRES
DIRECTOR, WRITER, ACTOR, SPOKEN WORD POET, OVERALL DECENT HUMAN BEING*
WHO THE HELL IS THIS?
A KID FROM T.O. TRYNA MAKE IT.
What's up! The name's Paul-Daniel Torres (or danny depending and where and how you know me) I'm twenty-two years old, with a love for film and making people happy. I'm a Toronto native, born from Ecuadorean parents. I try to embody the elements of the immigrant dream in my life and in my work. With things such as; Hope and resilience in the face of adversity and the quest for happiness, that's what it's all about. My films have screened all around the world from Canada, Greece, Egypt and beyond. Including finding screens at Jackman Hall, TIFF's Bell Lightbox, and the SIFF Uptown. My latest film "Do Turtles Swim in Maple Syrup?" is currently on its festival run. Already winning Best Screenplay and Score at Sheridan's Screen Art awards, Best Direction at the Toronto Youth Shorts, Best Student Film at the Durham International Film Festival, and The Young Trail Blazer Award at the Official Latino Film Festival sponsored by HBO. As well I run "The People's Youth Film Project" a non-for-profit aimed and made for racialized youth from underserved communities. Which aims to create pathways to employment and post-secondary education. As to put the power of film in the hands of youth. Our biggest goal is to grow a new generation of independent racialized Toronto filmmakers who can depend on each other. Ensuring we tell our stories, that move the needle and are for and by us.
DIRECTOR'S SHOWROOM
A GLANCE AT WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON
CHECK OUT WHAT'S FRESH OUT THE KITCHEN.
DEMO REEL
And a sneak peek at my latest project Do Turtles Swim in Maple Syrup.
PROJECTS/SAMPLES
ALL WORK WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY YOURS TRULY.
PROJECT
Sit Down Rise Up
"[Sit Down, Rise Up] is a culmination of the anthem scene of Casablanca, Hamilton the musical, and a drum break I saw in The Get Down. It's the product of all the angst I'm feeling about the world. It's mainly about the sacrifice, unity, and individuality we need to stand up to people in power. Hope you enjoy it."
PROJECT
Peter Parkour
"Peter Parkour" Is a doc on Toronto's very own "Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man". It delves into the man behind the mask, what people think of him and answers the question...
"Spider-Man, Hero or Menace?"
The film is currently getting ready for a festival run. Follow it on instagram!
PROJECT
Fear Episodes
The fear episodes are a personal project which highlight my love for spoken word poetry. I guess they have some inspiration from "City Symphonies" but they're introspective pieces. I go into my struggles with mental health with the goal of normalizing it all. It's a way to keep honest and appreciate my beautiful hometown of T.O.  As well keep myself from going insane.
PROJECT
Here We Go.
"Here We Go" is a rom com steeped in the tradition of magical realism. (But with some hints of fairy tales and telenovelas for flavour)Â It's a story of a special night between two best friends taking the plunge into becoming more. It's a story about, love, friendship and the anxiety that comes with it.
PROJECT
Do Turtles Swim in Maple Syrup.
"Turtles" is an eclectic super sonic mambo of a movie that follows Latin-Canadian teen Tony Tenorio as he's robbed at his chance at a better life by a racist thug. Leaving him to decide between succumbing to racial stereotypes or fighting to become more. Coming to a festival near you papi!
POETRY
SOME SAMPLES
I usually like to take month long break from directing and writing. In that time I write and perform spoken word poetry. Poetry helps me flesh out the themes and topics of my films and flesh out myself. It's one of the most raw artistic expressions that I have. Catch my next performance opening for Kirby for his release of "This is Where I Get Off" at the knife fork book poetry shop, May 4th, at 6 p.m.
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