Walter Diaz is a Mexican-American cinematographer and writer whose work explores dark realities infused with optimistic surreality. Born in Mexico City and raised in Los Angeles, Walter brings an authentic perspective to his art, deeply inspired by his heritage. Influenced by rock and metal of the late 90s and early 2000s, he incorporates a strong sense of rhythm and depth in his visual narratives.
With a BFA from the Art Center College of Design, Walter has crafted a career in short films, documentaries, and commercials. Known for pushing the creative boundaries, he creates thoughtful, forward-thinking stories that draw viewers into immersive worlds of darkness and hope.
Nominations & Awards
- 2023 Berlin Commercial Film Festival - Best Music Video - Shortlist
- Nominated - LA Under the Stars Festival 2022 - Best Cinematography
- ASC 2020 Vision Mentorship Program Recipient
- Winner - Farmosa Festival of International Filmmaker Awards - Cinematography Award of Special Mention
- Winner - LA Under the Stars: Film Festival - M. Night Shyamalan Award
- Nominated - La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival - Best Cinematography
Narrative
- Lost Angel (Short) | Alex Orea
- NANA (Short) | Alfredo Vidal
- Time Dilation (Short) | Alex Orea
- A Unique Tune (Short) | Devin Rojas
- Chosen (documentary) | Joseph Hoo Juhn
- Blood (Short) | Alex Orea | Kite Rock Pictures
- Roadside Fling (Short) | Norman Bertolino
- Tian and Mimi's Summer (Short) | Yung Ching "Eva" Chen
- Somewhere (Short) | Kiu Kayee
- Alchemist (Short) | Calvin Khurniawan
- He and Rock and Roll (Short) | Yilei Sherry Zhou
- RWB Medusa | Walter Diaz | Highsnobiety
Commercial / Music Video
- Gabriel He | Laufey Life - Vogue +
- Alex Gilbert | Future Self - E1
- José Tapia | Revery
- Alfredo Vidal | Venom | Ghost Gun
- Alfredo Vidal | Build | Eureka Ergonomic
- Alfredo Vidal | The Gamer
- Alfredo Vidal | Farewell | Volvo
- Alex Orea | Say It With Your Heart (Campaign) | BH Cosmetics
- Yun Kim | Circle | OurR
- Shevy Shovlin | Shinola Bookshelf Speakers | Shinola X B
- Felicia Manning | Price Schools: Here to Stay | Fe Brand Films
- Yilei Sherry Zhou | Don't Start A Rock Band Kids | QIAN
- Alex Orea | Cultura
- Nuesch Sisters | Woven Into You | Wolven Threads
- Yung Ching Eva Chen | Craft | Brew Attire
- Hae Hoon Yoo | Iceland Aurora Campaign | LG
More work samples upon request.