Julio Valenzuela

Julio Valenzuela was born Julio Cesar Valenzuela Gonzaga in Lima, Peru, but he spent most of his formative years in Queens, New York, starting from the age of 6. His journey with music began early, at the age of 7, when he first started playing the piano. Growing up, he honed his skills in various church settings until he reached the age of 27. With a dream of becoming a film composer, he dedicated himself to his studies in music composition at The City College of New York, earning his Bachelor's degree.

After the birth of his first daughter with his wife Morgan Shapero, Julio made the decision to become a full-time stay-at-home dad. It was during this period that he delved into writing stories and composing music, fueling his aspirations in the realm of filmmaking.

In 2019, Julio joined forces with his business partner and director of photography, Adrián Treviño Durán, to establish Raspadilla Films. Together, they set out to create a platform that authentically portrays the human experience and advocates for greater diversity in cinematic representation for Hispanic and Latine Americans. Drawing from his own background as a Peruvian raised in Queens, New York, Julio infuses his work with personal stories and cultural influences.

Some of Julio's notable recent projects include the films "Bleeck" (2024) and the award-winning "All Shadows" (2020), showcasing his dedication to storytelling and his commitment to amplifying diverse voices in the film industry.