writer/ director/ producer

Born in 1987 in a Texan border town, David Rodriguez Estrada discovered his cultural roots and ignited his creative passion during his upbringing in the lively city of Durango, Mexico. The seeds of his storytelling journey sprouted at the age of 12 when he delved into writing and journalism, while hosting a children’s radio program for the national broadcaster, Radiorama.

At 17, Rodriguez Estrada embarked on a transformative odyssey, making the move to California to pursue his dreams. Enrolling at the Art Institute of California – Los Angeles, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Filmmaking. Notably, his talent and dedication garnered recognition in the form of the Outstanding Achievement Award.

One of his early cinematic creations, “Suripanta,” emerged as a poignant exploration of the American dream. This evocative work secured a coveted nomination for an Imagen Award in 2008 and earned accolades as an official selection at Frameline 33, the largest LGBTQI film festival in the United States.

Rodriguez Estrada’s thesis film, “Existes?,” delved into profound themes, including orgasm, divinity, onanism, and the essence of existence. It wove a tapestry of diverse individuals embarking on personal sexual journeys across various cities worldwide. This thought-provoking work made its world premiere at the Palm Springs International Shorts Fest in June of 2009.

Beyond his filmmaking pursuits, Rodriguez Estrada has been a devoted contributor to his community, serving as a filmmaking instructor for children and teenagers from underrepresented communities in the East Los Angeles and South Central areas. This role aligns with his steadfast commitment to fostering creativity and diversity in the cinematic world.

Recognizing his dedication to the craft, Rodriguez Estrada has actively participated as a Film Independent Project: Involve fellow. Moreover, he has been distinguished with the 2023 Sundance Latine Collab Scholarship.

His most recent undertaking, “El Tesoro,” features a remarkable cast, including Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza, and is produced under the guidance of esteemed Mexican director Patricia Riggen. This film marks the latest milestone in Rodriguez Estrada’s ever-evolving career, poised to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and cinematic prowess, shining a light on the more than 100,000 disappeared people in Mexico.

At present, Rodriguez Estrada stands on the brink of leaving an indelible mark in the world of feature filmmaking with his inaugural screenplay, “Trip.” This coming-of-age road trip drama centers around Maria Sabina, a renowned shaman in Oaxaca, Mexico, and her role in the psychedelic revolution. The narrative unfurls as three Southern Californians embark on a journey to Oaxaca, encountering the unexpected presence of the young daughter of a recently murdered politician along the way. As they venture deeper into the heart of Mexico, they grapple with the realization that their journey may yield unforeseen consequences.