Cliqua: The Creative Haven of Filmmakers Raúl “RJ” Sanchez and Pasqual Gutiérrez in Downtown L.A.
In the heart of Downtown L.A., filmmakers Raúl “RJ” Sanchez and Pasqual Gutiérrez have transformed a former shoe store into their creative haven. The eclectic space, adorned with quirky decor and personal mementos, serves as a reflection of their artistic influences and offbeat humor. As the dynamic duo known as Cliqua, they have made a mark in the music industry by directing videos for top artists like Bad Bunny, the Weeknd, J Balvin, and Rosalía.
Gutiérrez recently ventured into feature filmmaking with his debut docufiction film, “Serious People,” a comedic exploration of personal and professional struggles. The film, co-directed with Ben Mullinkosson, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and is now available for streaming. Drawing from their own experiences, Gutiérrez and Sanchez portray music video directors navigating the industry's challenges and expectations.
Despite sharing a Mexican American identity, Gutiérrez and Sanchez bring distinct cultural perspectives to their work. Gutiérrez, a second-generation Chicano, draws inspiration from his upbringing in East Los Angeles and Pomona. In contrast, Sanchez, a first-generation immigrant, reflects on his Mexican heritage from Mexico City and Jalisco. Their collaboration blends their unique backgrounds, creating a fusion of cultural influences in their artistic endeavors.
The duo's creative partnership blossomed from a shared passion for filmmaking and a mutual understanding of the industry's dynamics. Bonding over their experiences as Latino creatives in a competitive field, Gutiérrez and Sanchez found common ground in their aspirations to break into feature filmmaking. Their journey from directing music videos to crafting narrative shorts and feature films reflects their evolution as storytellers with a shared vision for cinematic storytelling.
With a growing portfolio of music videos and narrative projects, Gutiérrez and Sanchez continue to push boundaries and explore new storytelling avenues. Their latest venture, “Golden Boy,” promises to delve into a coming-of-age narrative centered around four Edgars on a quest to uncover a familial mystery involving former boxer Oscar De La Hoya. As they embark on this new cinematic journey, Gutiérrez and Sanchez remain committed to their creative partnership and the pursuit of their filmmaking dreams.