María Gisèle Royo
Tutor, Creative Production (Film) and Film Production
The film industry never stands still and neither does María, who prides herself on constantly innovating her own creative process and those of her students. The Venezuelan leads workshops in research methods, development, editing and colour, narrative, art direction and creative nonfiction on our Film Production and Creative Production (Film) MA film programmes.
Before joining Catalyst in 2020, María founded an independent production company in Sevilla and worked in many different kinds of audiovisual projects.
She holds an MFA in Media Arts Production from the City College of New York on a Fulbright scholarship and a BA in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Seville. Resident at the Royal Academy of Spain in Rome. Co-Director, Co-Writer, and Co-Producer of "On the Go", which received: Special Mention at Cineasti del Presente, Locarno Festival 2023. Best Spanish Feature Film at Gijón Festival, Jury Prize at Cheries-Cheris, and Special Mention at SEMINICI, Panorama España Award in Las Palmas International Film Festival, Best International Film At Bellaria Film Festival.
Her documentary "Rediscovering Pape" won a Student Academy Award (Oscars) and a College Student Award (Emmy), among other international awards and selections. "Education without Borders" was presented at the European Parliament and the UNHCR Global Refugee Forum. Collaborates on independent films in various roles, such as Production Manager for "Aqueronte," Critics' Prize at Rotterdam 2023, among others. Art Director for "H.," selected at Venice, Sundance, and Berlinale, nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Also served as Assistant Editor on "The Silence of Others," winner of the Goya for Best Documentary in 2019, among others.
One of the things that excites María most in life is true kindness. Her biggest piece of advice: never leave your inner child behind.