RIT Graduate Showcases Documentary at Prestigious Cannes Film Festival

Sebastian Nazario-Colon, a recent graduate from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), made headlines at the 78th Festival de Cannes by presenting his work as an editor on the immersive documentary 'Fillos do Vento: A RAPA.' The festival, held from May 13 to 24, 2025, is renowned for showcasing groundbreaking films, and Nazario-Colon's project was selected from nearly 200 international submissions, highlighting its innovative approach and artistic merit.

Nazario-Colon completed his studies in the film and animation production option at RIT on May 11, 2024. Just a year later, he found himself in France, where he contributed to a documentary that explores Spain's Rapa das Bestas, a 400-year-old Galician ritual involving the grooming of wild horses. The documentary is not just a traditional film; it features an 8K, 270-degree sensory experience designed to engage viewers in an immersive environment that captures the intensity and tradition of the event.

"Adapting the footage for the immersive projection was a creative challenge that required a significant shift in my visual approach," Nazario-Colon explained. Traditional compositional guidelines, such as the rule of thirds commonly used in filmmaking, were not applicable in this format. Instead, he had to consider how elements would appear in a vast, panoramic projection. He remarked, "Understanding that what you see on your computer screen is vastly different from how it will appear to audiences in a 270-degree format was uniquely challenging."

The journey to Cannes began when Nazario-Colon moved to New York City after graduation. His cousin facilitated a connection with Brais Revaldería, the owner of 100 Sutton Studios, who had been working on a documentary for several years. Upon reviewing Nazario-Colon’s previous work, which included a documentary screened at the 2024 New York Latino Film Festival titled 'The Boricua’s Dilemma,' Revaldería offered him a position as a co-editor. This opportunity would eventually lead to the innovative idea of transforming traditional footage into a new immersive experience for Cannes.

Nazario-Colon credits his success to the rigorous academic training he received at RIT. He lauded the documentary filmmaking courses taught by Assistant Professor Amy Adrion and recognized the valuable mentorship from faculty such as Assistant Professor Vashti Anderson and Lecturer Linda Moroney. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of the RIT in LA study abroad program and an internship with the Television Academy Foundation, which provided him with critical industry exposure and experience.

Before its debut at Cannes, the feature-length documentary was screened at the 2025 Hot Docs Festival in Canada, North America's largest documentary festival and an Oscar-qualifying event. The positive reception at Hot Docs set the stage for the immersive experience's premiere at Cannes, where it was met with acclaim, further enhancing Nazario-Colon's emerging career in documentary filmmaking.

With the successful premiere at Cannes, Nazario-Colon expressed optimism about his future in the film industry. He stated, "This experience has expanded my horizons; it has made me realize that my potential is limitless. I am excited to continue working hard and exploring new heights in my career."

For more information on 'Fillos do Vento' and updates regarding its upcoming feature release, interested parties can visit the film's official website. This story exemplifies the impact of educational programs on students' careers and highlights the innovative spirit of RIT graduates in the global film industry.