Mario Troncoso is a 12-time Emmy® award-winning filmmaker, journalist, and creative entrepreneur, as well as the founder of The Documentary Society (Doculab). With over 18 years of experience spanning advertising, documentaries, and fiction, his work explores the powerful intersections of art, culture, and community.
Beyond filmmaking, Mario has built a distinguished career as a journalist and branded storyteller, contributing to Billboard Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, TIME Inc., NPR, and PBS. His ability to craft compelling human stories has also led to collaborations with renowned artists, including Travis Scott, Leon Bridges, Shakey Graves, Zooey Deschanel, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.
“My interest is at the crossroads where different communities intersect and art meets life”
— Mario Troncoso
Mario has spent much of his career documenting the creative process of hundreds of artists while making art of his own. Most notably, he directed and produced Arts In Context, a documentary series that transcended the boundaries of broadcasting, embarking on a profound journey into the essence of creation, collaboration, and the artist’s life.
His latest project, City of Songs (PBS, 2025), follows musician and actress Stephanie Hunt on a global quest to uncover the sounds and stories that define iconic cities like Austin, Seoul, and Barcelona. Through encounters with legendary musicians, cultural ambassadors, and emerging artists, the series showcases music’s power to transcend borders and connect people across cultures.
Now, Mario is set to return to fiction with his highly anticipated narrative feature debut, Bring Back the Guns, a surreal thriller set in El Paso. Blending his signature visual style with an atmospheric, gripping narrative, the film marks an exciting new chapter in his career as he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling across mediums.
“Brilliantly crafted and heartfelt stories about how art and beauty can transform lives.”
“Mario Troncoso is both bearing witness to the art being made and making some of his own”
“I’ve never worked with a director that can bring the audience into the artists’ process in such a real and human way.”
“Mario’s superb storytelling and technical skills give him a unique ability to craft unforgettable documentaries.”
