Rafa edits films.

My name is Rafael Luis Rodolfo Ignacio Julian Villareal Fernando (yes, seriously).

But just call me “Rafa”

I am a professional video editor with more than 6 years of experience with award-winning film projects from all over the globe.

I am a storyteller who:

• Can quickly find the compelling narrative

• Knows how to showcase the lovely details in a story that make us human •

• Understands the value of communication and professionalism - no ghosting here

Check out my portfolio below:

Skip to Videos
  • UN Environment Programme: Communities unite to save high Andean forests, for water & climate

    UN Environment Programme: Communities unite to save high Andean forests, for water & climate

    I edited a short doc for the UN Environment Programme to highlight the work done by Accion Andina in protecting watersheds in the high Andes through native flora restoration.

  • La Cosecha (SXSW 2023 / PBS Frame of Mind)

    La Cosecha (SXSW 2023 / PBS Frame of Mind)

    I edited this documentary about a Guatemalan immigrant who is fighting for greater food access in Austin, Texas. This doc premiered at SXSW 2023 in the Texas Shorts Showcase.

    It also aired on PBS Frame of Mind on October 2023.

    https://filmlibrary.sxsw.com/film/la-cosecha/

    https://www.pbs.org/video/la-cosecha-trailer-afuipr/

  • Year of the Rabbit (Award-Winning Short Documentary)

    Year of the Rabbit (Award-Winning Short Documentary)

    I edited this human interest documentary piece for the South China Morning Post. It has garnered more than 100k views (Youtube and Facebook).

    I received a Best Editor award at the Tekka International Film Festival for this film.

    This film has won Best Documentary Film at the Southeast Asia x Seattle (SEAxSEA) Film and Literature Festival.

  • UN Environment Programme: How Central America is fighting drought with nature

    UN Environment Programme: How Central America is fighting drought with nature

    I edited a short film for the UN Environment Programme to highlight the work they’ve done to make farming in El Salvador more resilient to climate change. Narrated by Edward Norton.

  • Boca Chica (HSDFF 2023 / PBS Reel South)

    Boca Chica (HSDFF 2023 / PBS Reel South)

    I edited this documentary about the environmental impact of the SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica beach. This doc premiered at the 2023 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and is part of the PBS Reel South documentary selection for 2023

  • Project Re:Form — Case Study

    Project Re:Form — Case Study

    I edited a case study documentary showcasing the success story of a long-overdue redesign of a US Government process. This film is part of the Civilla Practica continuing education curriculum for government workers.

  • Nuestras Historias: Rosalba Rolón

    Nuestras Historias: Rosalba Rolón

    I edited a three-part biographical documentary series featuring the leaders of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures. All three films were showcased at the National Latinx Summit in 2021. This video features Rosalba Rolón.

  • Nuestras Historias: Tomás Ybarra-Frausto

    Nuestras Historias: Tomás Ybarra-Frausto

    I edited a three-part biographical documentary series featuring the leaders of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures. All three films were showcased at the National Latinx Summit in 2021. This video features Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto.

    SYNOPSIS: This video features a little bit of the story of Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto, an independent scholar of Chicano art.

    MY ROLES: Offline Edit

    CLIENT: National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC)

    AGENCY: School of Slow Media / TÁPI Story

  • Nuestras Historias: María López De León

    Nuestras Historias: María López De León

    I edited a three-part biographical documentary series featuring the leaders of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures. All three films were showcased at the National Latinx Summit in 2021. This video features María López De León.

  • Engelbert: King of the Garden | (not)BBC Backyard

    Engelbert: King of the Garden | (not)BBC Backyard

    Under the deep throes of pandemic boredom, I shot and edited a short spec documentary in the style of BBC Earth. The star is our pet tortoise, Engelbert.

  • Phuong Quynh | VISA Innovation Center

    Phuong Quynh | VISA Innovation Center

    I edited a four-part series of biographical case study films focusing on average Vietnamese professionals and their financial habits. The video series was created as part of a study by the research arm of VISA.

LEt’s work together.

Currently open for editing work, especially in the science or natural history documentary genres.