IYO - FILMAKERS IN FOCUS

FILMMAKERS IN FOCUS

3 diverse filmmaker pairs from Houston, showcasing their unique collaborative journeys in the film industry. Powered by the City of Houston Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs & The IYO Collective.

THE BRIONES BROS.

THE BRIONES BROS. ✦ spotlights Mexican American filmmakers Orlando (@thisisfilmatic) and Christian Briones (@christianfedericobriones) This piece showcases their passion for cinema and their dedication to weaving their cultural heritage into every frame. Orlando, a skilled cinematographer, and Christian, a director & writer with a background in theater, draw from their upbringing to enrich their storytelling. Together, they bring a unique creative vision to their projects, reflecting their shared love for filmmaking and their deep cultural roots.

MEET THE POWELLS

MEET THE POWELLS ✦ shines a light on the Powell family, an African American husband-and-wife duo (@vincentpowell • @blackglass) who balance running a full-time film production company while raising their two young sons. The micro doc explores their collaborative dynamic and celebrates their journey as native Houstonians, showcasing how they highlight the city’s culture through their work in film.

JAY + FRANK

JAY + FRANK ✦ hilights Jay Clark (@jayclarkfilms) and his partner Frank Hernandez (@the_creativex), a creative duo who have found love and fulfillment through curating art in film & photography. Identifying LGBTQIA+ community, they proudly are celebrated throughout Houston’s creative scene. Much of their work is highly regarded within the local art museum circuit, where they excel in documentary storytelling. Together, they have launched their own studio at Winter Street Studios, collaborating to build custom sets and bring their creative projects to life as a cohesive team.

THE ROLLOUT

The City of Houston and IYO Visuals partnered with IKE Kiosk systems to showcase the work of three dynamic groups of artists across more than 100 kiosks throughout the city. Over 45 days, this initiative generated an impressive 18 Million impressions, creating widespread visibility for Houston’s thriving filmmaking community. More than just a campaign, this collaboration was a powerful statement—shining a spotlight on local creatives, celebrating their artistry, and reinforcing Houston’s reputation as a hub for innovative storytelling. By bringing these filmmakers to the forefront, the project not only elevated their work but also inspired the next generation of visual storytellers to leave their mark on the industry.

To further the impact, we teamed up with the Houston Cinema Arts Society to host a special screening of the featured creatives’ stories, followed by a thought-provoking Q&A panel. The discussion, led by the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the CEO & Founder of IYO Visuals, was well received and laid essential groundwork for the importance of Houston’s creative market. It emphasized not only the necessity of supporting local artists but also the significance of taking ownership of Houston’s growing influence in the creative industry.
View the full conversation below.