We are proud to celebrate our alumnus, Carlos Augusto Mendez (KCP Class of 2003), on the success of his award-winning short film Where Is Berlin, winner of Best Animated Short Film at the Lugano Film Festival in Switzerland.🎬✨
After more than 20 years exploring visuals, storytelling, and video art, Carlos Augusto created an immersive audiovisual experience where animation, music, and storytelling become one. We recently had the opportunity to speak with him about his time at KCP and his advice for students pursuing careers in the visual arts: create fearlessly, take risks, and share your work with the world.
Congratulations, Carlos Augusto, on this incredible international recognition! 💚🐯
#KCPExcellingForward #KCPAlumni
Read full interview:
1. Can you share some of your favorite memories from your years at KCP and how they shaped your creative journey?
I had a lot of fun attending KCP. It’s very hard to pick just one memory, but I have to say that winning a prize for singing a Carlos Vives song was definitely a peak moment, lol. I think music is extremely important to the creative process in anything you work on, and music class at KCP was always something I looked forward to. The music teacher at the time really showed me how to express my artistic side through music. That experience stayed with me and became an important part of how I approach creativity today.
2. When did you first discover your passion for filmmaking and storytelling, and how did that passion grow over time?
Since I was a little kid, I’ve always been intrigued by storytelling and cinema. At a young age, I used to write short stories, and those who know me know that I’m naturally a storyteller. Over time, that passion grew strong enough to catch the attention of my parents while I was still very young. My dad bought me a video camera, and I started making small short films using my family as actors. Sometimes, I even used the camera for school projects. Looking back now, those moments were the beginning of everything.
3. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your award-winning short film and the creative process behind it?
Where is Berlin is the result of years of experimenting with media and film. It’s not only a short film — it’s a whole universe that includes comic books and original soundtracks. I’ve always been a fan of adult animation and experimental cinema, and this project became a way to combine all of those influences into one world.
The creative process was very human — full of ups and downs, discoveries, and collaboration. Working alongside an illustrator and a team of creatives helped bring the vision to life. In a world that constantly seeks perfection, I believe imperfection is what makes us human. Technology was rapidly evolving while we were producing the film, but we decided to keep the process human-made, embracing the small imperfections that ultimately became part of the beauty and identity of the short film.
All of that inspiration and experimentation started with a simple illustration and eventually evolved into an award-winning short film. More than anything, the project represents years of passion, experimentation, and persistence.
4. In what ways did your experience at KCP influence your artistic vision, confidence, or career path in the film industry
I think the first experience that truly led me to pursue a career in the film industry happened when I met Dr. Farr during my admission interview for the school. Based on the conversation we had, he came out very excited and told my parents that I had a lot of creativity after asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up. He told them to pay close attention to my stories because someday we would see them in a movie theater.
That moment confirmed for me that I was heading in the right direction, and it gave me confidence in my creative path from a very young age.
5. What challenges did you face as a young filmmaker, and what lessons have you learned through those experiences?
The challenges I faced as a young filmmaker are still relevant today. Filmmaking, especially animation, demands persistence, focus, and a deep belief in your project, even when others doubt it. For instance, when I began working on my animated short film, many people thought it was too ambitious to create a 15-minute animation with no budget. But through collaboration and creativity, we made it happen.
The project involved a long process of animation and illustration, and that experience taught me that taking risks is crucial — without risks, you never know what’s possible. In order to do something meaningful, sometimes you just have to go for it and trust the process.
Another challenge was the industry itself. When I was growing up, it was much more closed off, but now, with streaming platforms and accessible technology, you can create and distribute work even with just a smartphone. There’s really no excuse not to go out there and show your work to the world.
6. What advice would you give to KCP students who dream of pursuing careers in film, the arts, or other creative fields?
The advice I would give to all KCP students is to go out there and do it. Create, make things, and don’t spend too much time overthinking when the right moment is going to be. Don’t procrastinate. Just take the risk and show the world what you can do with your creative skills.
Creativity is a superpower, and you need to learn how to use it. Nowadays, every field requires creativity in some way. You need creativity to be an architect, a filmmaker, a painter, and even a doctor. Creativity can blend into so many different careers and industries, but in film, art, and other creative fields, it becomes your greatest strength.
When I realized that I saw storytelling differently and that my interests in art, music, and film made me stand out, it gave me the confidence to throw myself into the world and see how people would react to the things I created. I think Where is Berlin is the perfect example of that mindset — taking an idea, believing in it, and bringing it to life, no matter the obstacles.
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