In the fast-paced world of Hollywood, where commercial directors often aspire to narrative features, Sergio Vizuete’s journey stands out as a testament to creative evolution. Born in Spain and now based between Miami and Los Angeles, Vizuete has made waves in advertising with campaigns for major brands like the Los Angeles Lakers, T-Mobile, Ducati, Lexus, Real Madrid, and Walmart. His commercials blend emotional storytelling with visually striking elements, earning him awards and recognition. Now, with his debut feature Becoming Vera, Vizuete transitions into indie filmmaking, bringing a personal and authentic voice to the screen. The film’s Los Angeles premiere is scheduled for October 11, 2025, at 8:30 PM at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in Hollywood Park, as the opening night selection for the inaugural Film Festival at Hollywood Park. This event promises to draw industry professionals eager to see how Vizuete’s commercial expertise translates to long-form drama.
Becoming Vera is a poignant, music-driven coming-of-age story set in the vibrant Latin jazz scene of Miami. The narrative follows Vera, an 18-year-old piano prodigy portrayed by Raquel Lebish, who has just aged out of the foster care system. Facing the harsh realities of independence—poverty, lack of support, and constant uncertainty—Vera clings to her passion for music as a lifeline. Self-taught on the piano, she pours her emotions into Latin jazz compositions, finding solace in the rhythms that reflect her turbulent life. The plot intensifies when Vera lands a freelance job painting walls at a high-end music studio owned by producer Hector, played by Gabriel Diehl. Unable to resist the allure of the studio’s grand piano, she sneaks in during breaks to play, creating a freestyle piece that catches Hector’s attention. What begins as a potential breakthrough spirals into betrayal when Hector steals her composition, crediting it to another artist, Ellen (Mikaela Monet). Vera must then summon the courage to confront the exploitation, reclaim her work, and assert her voice in an industry that often silences the vulnerable.
Vizuete’s screenplay masterfully weaves themes of resilience, identity, and artistic integrity, drawing from his own experiences as a foster parent and immigrant. Having moved to the U.S. 25 years ago and learned English while building his career, Vizuete infuses the film with genuine empathy for those on the margins. In interviews, he has described how fostering children exposed him to the emotional challenges of the system, inspiring Vera’s arc of self-discovery. The film’s runtime of 87 minutes allows for a tight, focused narrative that prioritizes character development over spectacle, with Latin jazz not just as background but as an integral emotional thread. Scenes of Vera composing alone in dimly lit spaces contrast with the bustling Miami streets, highlighting her isolation amid a city full of dreams.
The production of Becoming Vera exemplifies the resourcefulness of independent cinema. Shot over just 12 days in Miami, the film relied on a lean crew and local collaborations, including support from organizations that provided access to authentic locations. Vizuete, who also served as writer, producer, and editor, partnered with producer Jiarui Guo to keep the project efficient. Cinematographer Arturo Vasquez captures the essence of Miami—its humid nights, colorful downtown vibes, and fusion of cultures—using natural lighting and handheld techniques for an intimate feel. The budget constraints fostered innovation, such as incorporating real musicians for the jazz sequences to ensure authenticity. This DIY approach echoes Vizuete’s commercial background, where quick turnarounds and high impact are key, but here it’s applied to a deeply personal story.
The cast brings fresh energy to the ensemble. Raquel Lebish delivers a breakout performance as Vera, conveying quiet determination through subtle expressions and convincing piano playing that immerses viewers in her world. Gabriel Diehl’s Hector is a nuanced antagonist, blending charm with sleaziness to represent the darker side of the music business. Supporting roles add layers: Nicolás Pozo as Jake, Vera’s friend offering subtle romantic tension; Mikaela Monet as Ellen, the unwitting beneficiary of the theft; Phillip André Botello as Ariel, a competitive figure in the scene; and Brandon Williams as Daniel, a mentor providing guidance. Their interactions create a web of relationships that ground the story in realism, with chemistry that elevates moments of conflict and support.
Becoming Vera has already generated buzz on the festival circuit, building anticipation for its LA debut. It world-premiered at Cinequest in March 2025, followed by a screening at the Miami International Film Festival in April, where local audiences connected with its portrayal of the city’s artistic underbelly. Selections at the New York Latino Film Festival, Manhattan Film Festival, and The Americas Film Festival in New York further boosted its profile. As the opening film for the Film Festival at Hollywood Park (running October 6-12, 2025), it aligns with the event’s focus on independent and diverse voices. Festival director Greg Ptacek has praised it for its artistry and perspective, noting how it shines a light on foster youth challenges.
Critical reception has been strong, with early reviews highlighting the film’s emotional sincerity and musical integration. Aggregators show positive scores, with commendations for Lebish’s lead role and Vizuete’s confident direction in his debut. One review calls it a thoughtful drama on creativity’s power, emphasizing how Latin jazz serves as a cultural and emotional anchor. Another describes it as an inspiring lesson in perseverance, capturing Vera’s highs and lows without melodrama. The film’s advocacy angle—spotlighting the 23,000 annual foster care age-outs in the U.S.—adds social impact, resonating with viewers who appreciate stories of triumph over adversity.
Thematically, Becoming Vera explores exploitation in the arts, the immigrant experience, and the foster system’s failures. Vizuete uses Vera’s journey to advocate for self-belief, showing how resilience can turn betrayal into empowerment. The Latin jazz soundtrack, featuring original compositions, underscores these ideas, blending rhythms that evoke hope amid struggle. It’s a film that not only entertains but prompts reflection on personal voice and societal barriers.
For more on Sergio Vizuete’s directorial style, check out this in-depth piece at Silver Screen Magazine.
Industry watchers see Becoming Vera as a launchpad for Vizuete, whose next project—a true-story adaptation about Cuban baseball smuggling—signals further ambition. In a landscape hungry for diverse narratives, this debut proves commercial savvy can fuel meaningful cinema.
To dive into the indie production aspects, read the spotlight at Loaded Dice Films.
The premiere offers a prime opportunity for networking and discovery, with post-screening Q&As potentially featuring Vizuete and cast members.
For an analytical take on the film’s themes of music and identity, see Cinephile Magazine.
Don’t miss this event—secure your spot now via the official tickets page.
