#66 - Matthew Rojas - Faith, Commercial Directing & Fatherhood
Mar 31, 2025
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In this conversation, filmmaker Matthew Rojas delves into the vital interplay between faith and creativity. He shares how listening to God shapes his career choices and highlights the joy of pursuing projects for love rather than profit. Personal reflections on fatherhood and community sprinkle the discussion, alongside insights on the challenges of freelance life. Matthew emphasizes the importance of collaboration and self-investment in filmmaking, encouraging authenticity and growth through personal passion projects. It's an inspiring blend of artistry and spiritual journey.
Creativity flourishes when artists pursue passion projects, often yielding their best work without the burden of commercial expectations.
Faith serves as a guiding force in decision-making for creatives, providing clarity and confidence amidst uncertainty in their careers.
Balancing creative integrity with commercial demands requires filmmakers to set boundaries, ensuring alignment with personal values in their project choices.
Deep dives
The Pursuit of Passionate Creativity
Creativity thrives when individuals pursue their passions without the pressure of external expectations. Engaging in projects solely for the joy of creating can yield some of the best work, as it stems from pure enthusiasm rather than the desire for validation. The speaker highlights how many of their successful projects emerged from innocent exploration rather than strategic career planning. Embracing this spontaneous approach can foster a vibrant creative environment, leading to opportunities that align more closely with personal interests.
Faith and Personal Growth
Faith plays a significant role in guiding personal and professional journeys, particularly in creative fields like filmmaking. The speaker discusses their own journey and the moments of doubt and indecision they faced, especially when transitioning from personal projects to commercial work. Engaging in prayer and reflection allows individuals to seek wisdom and clarity, which can help mitigate fear and instill confidence in decision-making. Recognizing the presence of a greater purpose can lead to a more meaningful experience both on and off set.
Navigating Challenges in Filmmaking
Navigating the balance between creative integrity and commercial demands is an ongoing challenge for filmmakers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries regarding the type of projects they accept, ensuring alignment with personal beliefs and values. The process of carefully curating opportunities leads to fulfilling collaborations rather than compromising artistic vision. This intentional approach not only enhances the quality of work but also fosters deeper connections with clients and collaborators.
Collaboration Over Competition
The creative industry thrives on collaboration, with the speaker advocating for supportive relationships among peers rather than fostering competition. Establishing open lines of communication and having approachable conversations can lead to fruitful partnerships that benefit everyone involved. By being transparent and aligning creative goals, individuals can build a network of trust that elevates everyone’s work. This community-oriented mindset encourages creativity and innovation while alleviating the pressure of comparison.
The Importance of Giving Grace
Grace and forgiveness are vital in both personal and professional realms, yet many struggle to offer that same understanding to themselves. The speaker notes the tendency to hold oneself to unrealistic standards, leading to stress and self-doubt. Embracing grace allows individuals to accept their imperfections and foster a healthier mindset, ultimately benefiting their creative process and relationships. Recognizing one's humanity and allowing room for mistakes can create a more supportive environment both on set and within the family.
Investing in Personal Growth
Investing in oneself is crucial for long-term success in any creative field. The speaker underscores the necessity of undertaking passion projects, even if they involve personal financial investment, as these projects can lead to significant career opportunities. By treating personal endeavors with the same respect as client projects, individuals can foster their creativity and expand their networks. This commitment not only cultivates artistic skills but also demonstrates dedication to the craft, which is often recognized by others in the industry.
In this podcast episode, filmmaker Matthew Rojas and host Carlo dive deep into the intersection of creativity, filmmaking, faith, and personal growth. They begin by discussing the organic nature of their recent projects—highlighting the value of making art purely for the love of it, rather than always chasing commercial goals. Both emphasize how spontaneity and collaboration often lead to their most fulfilling work. The conversation shifts into personal territory as Carlo shares about his recent baptism and journey back into faith, while Matthew opens up about how Christianity has guided every step of his career—from receiving a divine prompt to make seven films, to navigating which jobs align with his values. They touch on the challenges of being freelance creatives, the fear and excitement around fatherhood, and how prioritizing time—especially with children—has refined their patience and purpose. Through it all, Matthew emphasizes the importance of listening to God’s voice in his career decisions, curating community through relationships rather than shared beliefs, and staying open to collaboration while holding firm to his vision. The episode is a heartfelt blend of testimony, filmmaking insight, and spiritual reflection.
