A graduate of the 2014 Director’s Lab at the Canadian Film Centre where he developed his feature screenplay THE NEARBY a coming of age story. His recent short film A MAN’S STORY won the impact short film award at the Reelworld Film Festival. As a visual storyteller he thrives creating personal compelling films that transcend boundaries. For the past two decades, Arrioja has travelled around the world shooting hundreds of commercials for some of the big brands like Coke and Chrysler. His fascination for storytelling began at an early age following his instinct of capturing the stories of those around him with stills; he always sees a picture as the possible first frame of a movie. Fernando holds a BFA in Film Direction from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena California. He is based in Toronto where he is currently developing his feature film debut.