A Quiet Visionary Turns Medellín’s Past into Film

Stillz, the Colombian‑American who keeps his face hidden behind a bandanna, has spent most of his career making music videos for big names like Bad Bunny and Rosalía. Yet when he steps off the set, he prefers to disappear from the spotlight, texting instead of talking on camera or phone. His new feature film, “Barrio Triste, ” is a stark contrast to his polished video work. It follows a group of young men in 1980s Medellín who form a tight bond while committing reckless crimes. The story is rooted in the director’s own family history, as his relatives fled violence in the city decades ago. The movie is shot like found footage from a first‑person view, beginning with the teens stealing a camera to film their own antics. Stillz handled all of the cinematography himself, recalling his early days filming skateboarding at age twelve. To bring authenticity, he cast real residents of Medellín’s informal settlement El Paraíso, working with local gangs to secure safe shooting conditions. The actors were not trained; their performances blend lived experience with the script, creating a raw, believable atmosphere. Harmony Korine, known for “Gummo, ” executive‑produced the project through his EDGLRD company. Korine encouraged Stillz to return to Colombia rather than shoot in Miami, prompting months of research and immersion in the city’s neighborhoods.

The film’s soundscape was crafted by Venezuelan electronic artist Arca, whose music guided Stillz’s visual choices. He described the soundtrack as a “cross‑world adventure” completed in Tokyo. After premiering at Venice, the film is now playing in theaters. Stillz admits he has watched it over a thousand times and plans to experience new screenings with his eyes closed, hoping no one notices him in the crowd. Bad Bunny himself saw a private showing and praised the personal, experimental nature of Stillz’s work. Their friendship began in 2018 when Stillz first photographed Bad Bunny on tour, and it has evolved into a creative partnership that blends mutual respect with playful disagreement. Born in Miami, Stillz grew up surrounded by religious art rather than cinema. His fascination with cameras started with skateboarding footage, leading him to explore various mediums without aiming for fame as a director. He balances his Colombian and American identities, speaking Spanish first and English second. Ultimately, Stillz insists that people learn about him through his art rather than his public persona. He encourages viewers to focus on the work itself, where he believes all answers lie.

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