About

Michael R. Zumaya is a filmmaker based in Austin, TX., by way of Southern California in general. He’s a first-gen American who grew up with traditional Mexican culture and Spanish as his first language.

Growing up, Michael was heavily by his nerdy father and bonded over Star Wars and Star Trek. During college, Michael secured a job for local production company Tony Hawk’s 900 Films. Here, Michael ran 3 shows where he assisted in the launch of RIDE Channel, which was a partner in YouTube’s pilot channel and helped shape the format YouTube has today.

Over the next few years, he’d go on to produce and direct (and every other possible position) over 30 music videos and documentaries. In 2019, Michael founded Muted Widows, a full service creative collective with director Michael E Linn Sutliff, and Grammy winning photographer Nedda Afsari. Michael Zumaya is the lead producer and AD, while occasionally directing and editing as well.

Expanding on this experience, Michael now often produces and ADs narrative shorts, as well as commercial campaigns and broadcast spots.

Outside of film, Michael loves 80s new wave, goth music, art, running, yoga, video games, culture, artisanal vegan food, Mexico, being an uncle, and single origin coffee. He’s an extrovert who cares deeply about people and experiences.