Biography
Juan Francisco Pardo was born on December 18, 1977, in Aruba. This young filmmaker and author began creative writing and filmmaking at the age of seven. As a child, he was captivated by science fiction films, particularly 'E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial'.
By nineteen, Pardo had published his first youth novel, 'E Solo di e Caiquetionan,' and started working at a local television station, handling master control, production control, and news editing. In 1999, he enrolled at Septima Ars Film and Television School in Madrid, Spain, where he studied Film Direction. After two years, he returned to Aruba and directed a 30-minute teen short film on self-acceptance titled 'E Secreto'. In 2003, he attended Sint Lucas Media Design School in The Netherlands, focusing on Media Design.
In 2010, Pardo founded the AVI-Audiovisual Institute of Aruba, an organization dedicated to enhancing Aruban audiovisual culture. At AVI, he has led workshops on scriptwriting, filmmaking, and TV production.
Pardo is a two-time winner of the 'Aruba Treasures' video contest. In 2011, his short film '10 Ave Maria' earned the jury prize for best short film at the 5th Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival. It was also showcased at the Aruba International Film Festival 2011, Bahamas International Film Festival 2011, Caribbean Tales Film Festival 2012 in Barbados, Reggae Film Festival 2012 in Jamaica, Montreal International Black Film Festival 2012, and the 34th International Festival of New Latin America Cinema in Havana, Cuba. The following year, his second short film, 'Awa Brak,' won the audience award for best Aruba Flavor film at the 3rd Aruba International Film Festival and received a special mention for best film at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival 2012. Additionally, in 2012, Pardo was honored by Focus Magazine Aruba for his contributions to art and entertainment.
In 2013, Pardo launched a major project called 'Tribi Soña' (Dare to Dream), a multidisciplinary educational initiative featuring several intensive audiovisual workshops. He is currently working on the post-production of his third film, 'Abo So' (Only You), which is the final product of the 'Tribi Soña' project.
