Hi. I'm Gus
Gustavo Bernal is a filmmaker and video editor with a passion for storytelling, film editing, and visual effects. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he has strong roots in his Hispanic heritage and multicultural background. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Animation and Visual Effects from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
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With extensive experience in the industry, Gustavo has worked with prestigious advertising agencies and production companies in Venezuela and New York City, including Havas Health, The Vidal Partnership, Adrenalina, and Warner Brothers Television. His editing portfolio includes projects featuring renowned personalities such as Spike Lee, Quest Love, Thalia, Aurora, Moby, Gorillaz, KT Tunstall, Lily Allen, actor Nestor Carbonel, musician Robin Thicke, restaurateur Danny Meyers, and Magic Johnson.
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Gustavo is the video editor for the Mentor Dino Podcast and the AIA Pittsburgh series Perspective, which highlights the legacy of Pittsburgh fellows. Actively engaged with AIA Austin since 2019, he is also the filmmaker behind the WiA Profiles interview video series.
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His work has earned him numerous awards in advertising and independent filmmaking. His film Tiny Victories 2.0: A Tale of Empathy has been showcased at film festivals worldwide, including in Venice, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Chicago, Dallas, London, and at the Better Cities Film Festival in Detroit, where it won the Emerging Ideas Award. It was also featured at the Archtober AIA Queens' Architecture Short Films festival in New York and the Western Australian Museum - Boola Bardip in Melbourne.
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Gustavo has shared his expertise on storytelling in architecture and film at prestigious events such as AIA Austin Design Excellence, the Texas Society of Architects Conference, and the AIA National Conference.
I am pleased to announce that I have been awarded the Texas Society of Architects Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Architecture through the Media, in honor of John G. Flowers, Hon. AIA.
These awards recognize exceptional members, firms, individuals, and organizations for outstanding achievements in support of the profession of architecture, the built environment, and quality of life in Texas. Recipients will be recognized at our upcoming TxA25 Annual Conference & Design Expo on Oct. 30–Nov. 1 in Dallas.
In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Venezuelan-born filmmaker, photographer, and educator Gustavo Bernal from his home in Austin, Texas. Gus shares how a childhood obsession with Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” led to a lifelong love affair with storytelling. He talks about his first editing jobs—literally cutting film by hand in Caracas—and how a short sci-fi film helped him earn an artist visa to move to the U.S. His path hasn’t been easy, but it’s been fuelled by curiosity, resilience, and a refusal to give up on creating meaningful work.
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In this episode of 100 Lunches, filmmaker Gus Bernal shares his journey from childhood in Venezuela to becoming an award-winning filmmaker and educator in Austin, Texas. He discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his passion for visual storytelling, his educational background, and the influence of his family. He emphasizes the importance of listening in client relationships and offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers, all while sharing memorable dining experiences that connect to his life journey.
Adrian Ramsay, the host of the Talk Design Podcast, engages in a thoughtful
conversation with Gus Bernal about storytelling, film, and architecture.
Discover what drives him, his inspirations, and the common threads that connect us all.
This is is my second participation in the MentorDINO Podcast
In this episode, I talk about my experience post-producing and shaping the style
of MentorDINO podcast and my creative role.
Check out my Podcast interview with MentorDINO
where I discuss my journey from Venezuela to NYC and finally to Austin,
working as a video editor and filmmaker, and transitioning from education to entrepreneurship.
My film, Tiny Victories 2.0: A Tale of Empathy, has received recognition
from both national and international awards. I would greatly appreciate it if you could watch the film and support this wonderful initiative.
In recognition of our exceptional documentary filmmaking that promotes architecture,
Alexandra Chaves and I were honored with the 2023 Presidents award by AIA Austin.