Toronto-based filmmaker and digital media producer Rafaela Galindo is breaking new ground with her upcoming debut single, “Unmasking the Pain.” This venture into music marks a significant expansion of Rafaela’s artistic repertoire, blending her storytelling expertise with the emotive power of song.
Rafaela, the founder of Ant Films Production, a digital media and freelance production company in Toronto, is no stranger to creative expression. Her journey into music began unexpectedly on May 20, 2024, sparked by a profound conversation about grief. This discussion, centered on the complex emotions tied to the loss of her parents while they were still alive, became the catalyst for Unmasking the Pain.
When it came to bringing “Unmasking the Pain” to life, Rafaela didn’t go it alone. As the songwriter, she teamed up with music producer and composer Marcelo Ovidio to turn her lyrics into a fully-fledged song. Rafaela poured her heart into the words, drawing from her own life experiences, while Ovidio worked his magic on the musical composition. The duo then brought in a talented crew of musicians to add depth and emotion to the track. Andrea Mendez lent her voice to Rafaela’s lyrics, Beth Silver brought soulful cello tones, Stefan Carriman tickled the ivories, Rob Tardik strummed the guitar, Curtis Freeman laid down the bass lines, and Emi Kapcsos added violin melodies. To polish the sound to perfection, Thiago Lima Diatroptoff stepped in as the Mix and Master Engineer, bringing his expertise to the final production. Together, this ensemble took Rafaela’s raw, emotional words and transformed them into a powerful piece of music—one that Rafaela hopes will strike a chord with anyone who’s walked a similar path.
Rafaela’s background in visual storytelling has significantly shaped her approach to this new medium. As a documentary filmmaker, her work has garnered international recognition, winning over seventeen awards and nominations. Her films have found audiences on major streaming platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Roku, and Tubi TV, often tackling challenging societal issues head-on.
The “Unmasking the Pain” project extends beyond the song itself. Rafaela is currently in post-production on a music video, which she both directed and produced. The video is slated for release in October 2024, aligning with Canada’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This timing is no coincidence, as the project aims to shine a light on the realities of child abuse and encourage breaking the cycle of silence.
Rafaela’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in personal experience. Growing up in an environment where silence was imposed by those meant to protect her, she found her voice through journalism and film production. This background has profoundly influenced her storytelling approach, driving her to create narratives that challenge audiences to engage with difficult subjects.
Through her work, including this new musical venture, Rafaela aims to spark crucial conversations about traditionally taboo topics. Her projects serve as platforms for those who have suffered in silence, offering them a voice and visibility. Rafaela doesn’t seek to be seen as a victim or to evoke pity; instead, she firmly believes that by leveraging her storytelling skills, she can initiate discussions that have the potential to create positive change.
As Rafaela expands her artistic horizons, she maintains her commitment to using storytelling as a tool for social impact. “Unmasking the Pain” represents not only a personal milestone but also a continuation of her efforts to address societal issues through art.
Those interested in following Rafaela Rafaela’s work and updates can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook. The upcoming release of “Unmasking the Pain” and its accompanying music video will mark a new chapter in Rafaela’s multifaceted career, further demonstrating the power of storytelling across different artistic mediums.
