United States | Indonesia
An Indonesian citizen raised in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Anaheim, California. Julio grew up surrounded by the vibrant culture of the Indonesian archipelago and the American frontier. This diverse environment which includes the Sundance Institute and a brief Hollywood experience, alongside serendipitous encounters with Mads Mikkelsen, Sean Baker and Benh Zeitlin who were highly influential during his formative years, have profoundly shaped his storytelling journey. Now residing in Ubud, Bali, he dedicates himself to inspire future filmmakers by crafting stories that transcend borders and empowering others to share their own unique voices in cinema.
Julio’s filmmaking philosophy is deeply rooted in the Latin motto “Ad Astra per Aspera,” meaning “To the stars through hardships.” This ethos reflects his belief in overcoming challenges to achieve greatness, which epitomizes the core values of indie cinema—where every step is marked by obstacles—budget constraints, creative battles, hidden maneuvers, behind the scenes drama, and the relentless grind and hustle of the invisible industry. Yet, it’s through these very struggles that true artistry is born. Just as stars shine brightest in the darkest skies, great films emerge from overcoming adversity. Julio believes that nothing worthwhile in the film industry ever comes easily; it’s the constant perseverance, experimentation, and unwavering authenticity that lead to success. This philosophy mirrors the true spirit of independent cinema—where storytellers push boundaries, embrace failure, and develop meaningful connections with human experiences, all in the pursuit of something greater.
His works blend magical realism with authentic human experiences, marked by breathtaking mise-en-scènes, character-driven narratives and metafictional storytelling. Inspired by underrated classics like “The Steamroller and the Violin” and contemporary gems such as “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” Julio’s films capture the complexities of life with raw sincerity, reflecting humanity in its purest form. His visual style draws viewers into a world where reality and fantasy coexist, evoking deep emotions and provoking thought.
Julio’s approach to filmmaking emphasizes narrative integrity and a willingness to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling. He often works with nonprofessional or emerging actors and real locations to ground his stories in reality, fostering an environment where raw, unfiltered performances can thrive. This method is evident in his debut feature, “Bestiary” (2024), which explores the duality of freedom versus authority and aspirations versus reality and security through the experience of an average office worker with fledgling dreams of becoming an actor in the film industry. By employing guerilla filmmaking tactics and minimal crew, Julio immerses himself and his audience fully in the environment, enriching the narrative with cultural insights and lived experiences
“As a storyteller, my goal is to provoke thought and spark conversations. I don’t want to provide all the answers; instead, I aim to pose questions and invite viewers to reflect on their own lives. If a hundred people watch our movie, I expect a hundred different interpretations to arise after the credits roll. This diversity of thought is what makes cinema so powerful.”
– Julio Rionaldo
Julio’s commitment to immersive storytelling extends to his narrative structures, often employing nonlinear timelines and fragmented perspectives to reflect the complexity of human experience and perception. In his next feature film, “A Figment of Your Imagination” (2025), he weaves together the stories of a college freshman and her desire to write her own original script, embodied through her sporadic encounters with her sleep paralysis demon, who is the protagonist of her story. By playing with narrative structures, Julio aims to create films that resonate on a deeper, more intuitive level, inviting audiences to piece together the story in a way that feels personal and impactful to them.
Central to Julio’s ideals is an exploration of existential themes through a curious eye. His films often grapple with fundamental questions of existence, identity, and the human condition, embracing the curiosities and contradictions of life. This existential inquiry is presented in a way that challenges viewers and invites them to ponder their own understanding of reality. Through his bold use of visual symbolism, long takes, and multi-layered screenwriting subtexts, Julio Rionaldo ensures that his films linger in the minds of audiences, sparking conversations and inspiring introspection long after the credits roll.
“I often just let this camera roll, and dream of skies unknown.”
– Julio Rionaldo
