Biography
Luis Molina Casanova (born August 27, 1951, in Ciales, Puerto Rico) is a renowned Puerto Rican film director, screenwriter, and producer. Recognized as one of the Caribbean island's most distinguished and award-winning filmmakers of recent times, his filmography includes documentaries and films exploring Puerto Rico's idiosyncrasies, history, and literature, such as La guagua aérea and Tales of Abelardo. Additionally, his academic career spans over 40 years at the University of the Sacred Heart, with teaching engagements at institutions like the University of Guadalajara and Harvard University.
Born into a family of Canary Islands descent, Luis Molina Casanova initially studied Business Administration at the University of Puerto Rico before joining WIPR-TV (Channel 6), where he started as a cameraman on various cultural programs. He later moved to the United States, working as a photojournalist for major networks including CBS and NBC. Pursuing further education, he earned a master's degree in Film Production and Direction in Madrid. Returning to Puerto Rico, Molina produced several cultural documentary projects. He is celebrated as one of the country's foremost documentary filmmakers for capturing diverse aspects of Puerto Rican cultural life—from the development of the train and the arrival of the telephone to the lives of historical figures such as Pedro Albizu Campos, Juan Ramón Jiménez, and Luis Muñoz Marín. He joined the University of the Sacred Heart faculty as a resident filmmaker in the Department of Communications, where he continues to serve.
Among his honors are the Citizen of the Year award (1999, Lions Club of San Juan), Special Recognition for Cinematographic Work (1995, Library Club of the Sacred Heart Academy), and the Medal of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of the Canary Islands, awarded by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria for representing the Islands internationally. Since 1978, he has also served as President of the Corporation of Cultural Productions.
