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Colombian entertainer and Kissimmee resident Mateo Blanco is the subject of a new documentary, “Caged Bird.” PHOTO/ANGEL FRANCISCO JUSTO JIMENEZ
Mateo Blanco, a Colombian-American and longtime Kissimmee resident and artist recently made his film debut in “Caged Bird,” a short documentary about his artistic journey and Colombian heritage.
Mateo Blanco is a successful artist and entertainer and has lived in Osceola County for 10 years.
The film will be entered in FusionFest Nov. 27 and 28, which celebrates the different cultures that make up Central Florida, held at the Dr. Phillips Center of the Performing Arts.
Blanco has been a popular talk show host and TV personality in Colombia, is an accomplished opera singer, and now he can be seen on the big screen.
“The film industry is important to me,” said Blanco. “It is a dream. I’m so honored to be featured in ‘Caged Bird’ and be able to share my Colombian culture, art and journey on the big screen. Each film is like a painting and expresses all my feelings in a documentary. I dream to be a bird and be free.
“It can be challenging being an artist. It’s a huge battle to make our dreams come true.”
Film director Emmanuel Simms said it was an honor to work with Blanco.
“His struggles and successes resonated with me in a way I never expected,” he said. “In many facets, we’re all caged birds and what Mateo represents is the true meaning to be free.”
Blanco has been widely publicized for his celebrity portraits and is known for his unconventional use of mediums and edible materials. His most noteworthy projects include intricate portraits of Dolly Parton created with cloth and string, Jennifer Lawrence recreated in peanuts and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” made entirely of sugar crystals. Blanco’s work can be found in museums and private collections worldwide, including exhibits such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museums.
His art is sold at ArtSpace Virginia Miller Galleries in Coral Gables and Rosenbaum Contemporary in Boca Raton. Some of his pieces have been displayed at Orlando Museum of Art, Disney Springs and Aloft Hotel in downtown Orlando.
Blanco said one of his most important accomplishments was singing for President George H.W. Bush in 2003.
“He was such an important person. That moment changed my life. I sang in Spanish and the President loved it,” he said with pride. “That day they recognized me and opened more doors for me.”
Although he was born in Miami, Blanco said he’s extremely proud of his Colombian heritage. The 1980s were a violent time when he lived In Colombia, but it was where he said he discovered the arts.
“It was wonderful to learn there then move back to the United States,” he said. “Art is powerful. As an American we dream big and you can make your dreams come true here.”
His family is now in the States and he feels we live in a very generous country.
“They support you and recognize your talent. You can see art all over Kissimmee and I would like to see more. We have a lot of talent and I’m proud to live here.”
He said this film is just the beginning of bigger things. “I will film more documentaries and there are different directors interested,” he explained. “It doesn’t matter where you live. There are lots of opportunities here.”
His mission: to spread happiness and love wherever he goes.
“By sharing my story in this documentary, I hope it inspires others to spread their wings and fly,” he said.
To view Blanco’s art and other projects, visit https://www.artsy.net/artist/mateo-blanco.
