Hugo Kenzo on His Passion for Telling Stories

Hugo Kenzo

In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the LGBTQ media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood. 

Born in Brazil from Japanese parents, Hugo Kenzo is a writer, director and producer currently living in Hong Kong.

Before making his way to the Eastern side of the globe, he lived in New York for 6 years, where he attended Columbia University in pursuit of his Masters in Film. During that time, he strengthened his skills as a writer/director and his short film debut NO CLOTHES, featuring Jordan Firstman, premiered at Toronto’s Inside Out and screened in several other festivals around the world.

After graduating he went on to work closely with Darren Aronofsky (BLACK SWAN, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM), during the post-production of NOAH.

But it was in 2016 that his career took a life-changing turn. He was hired by Oscar- winning director, humanitarian and personal idol Jonathan Demme (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED) and remained by his side until his passing in April of  2017. As a director’s assistant, he learned about the art of filmmaking from a true genius, but more than that, he learned about life, personal values and the importance of using art to make a difference. 

Hugo’s latest short, DELIVERY BOY, screened in more than thirty international film festivals, and has gathered a fanbase of over 1M views on YouTube. He's currently developing the feature version of the short. 

A cat lover and an amateur carpenter, Hugo's main goal in life is to tell stories that will leave a positive legacy for the generations to come.

What are you best known for?

I'm best known for my short film DELIVERY BOY. The film hit the 1M mark on YouTube last May and it still feels unreal. I keep on getting supportive comments, which is a good way to stay motivated. 

What is the first thing you directed?

The first thing I directed was a short film called NO CLOTHES. It was almost 10 years ago, and I had just started film school in New York. I cast a then unknown Jordan Firstman, and had a blast shooting during the freezing winter all over NYC. 

What are you working on that no one knows about yet?

I've been developing DELIVERY BOY into a feature film, and also working on a few projects for film and TV in Brazil, where I'm originally from.