American artist Mateo Blanco makes first film debut ‘Caged Bird’

© Angel Francisco Justo Jimenez

Over the years, Mateo Blanco has had great success in the world of art and entertainment. He’s been a popular talk show host and TV personality, is an accomplished opera singer who’s performed for President Bush, and his sculptures and mixed media pieces are displayed in museums across the world.

Now, Blanco is taking his talents – and his personal story – to the big screen with “Caged Bird,” a short documentary about his artistic journey and Colombian heritage.

“It was such an honor to work with Mateo – his struggles and success resonated with me in a way I never expected. In many facets, we’re all caged birds, and what Mateo represent is the true meaning to be free,” said Emmanuel Simms, the director.

“Caged Bird” will premiere on Nov 27 with showings at 7 p.m. at Dr Phillips Center in Orlando, Blanco’s home city. FusionFest celebrates the people and many different cultures that make up Central Florida by educating, sharing stories, collaborating and breaking down barriers of fears and division.

“I’m so honored to be featured in ‘Caged Bird’ and to be able to share my Colombian culture, art and journey on the big screen,” said Blanco. “My mission in life is to spread happiness and love everywhere I go. By sharing my story in this documentary, I hope it inspires others to spread their wings and fly.”

Known for his unconventional use of mediums and edible materials, Mateo Blanco is a world-renowned visual and vocal artist. 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.

To view Blanco’s art and other projects, discover his website.

© Angel Francisco Justo Jimenez

About Mateo Blanco

Having risen to prominence over the last several years through his unique art projects, Mateo Blanco stands out by using unusual materials to create his latest artworks, which have captured the attention of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! His art is sold at ArtSpace Virginia Miller Galleries in Coral Gables and Rosenbaum Contemporary in Boca Raton Biba Gallery in Palm Beach. Some of his pieces have also been displayed at Orlando Museum of Art, Disney Springs and Aloft Hotel in downtown Orlando. Blanco was born in Miami in September 1981 and is also a talented opera singer. He notably sang a birthday celebration for former President George H.W. Bush.

For more information or inquiries, visit his Instagram @mateoblancoart.

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.