Raised between New York’s Spanish Harlem and Puerto Rico, Kristian Mercado discovered his passion for the arts at an early age, often using film as a form of escapism. His psychedelic animated short Nuevo Rico debuted at the 2021 SXSW Festival, garnering the prestigious Animation Jury Award, and is currently being developed into a full-length feature film.

Earlier this year, Mercado directed his first feature film entitled If You Were the Last, written by Angela Bourassa. The film is a warm and comedic investigation of life and love, set on a rocket ship adrift in space.

Mercado has directed content for Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, Awkwafina, Eric Andre, Spotify, Adidas, Corona, Miller, Topo Chico, Alienware, De La Soul, MF DOOM, Planned Parenthood, Gatorade, and Adult Swim, among others. He has also solidified a place in today’s comedy scene, directing specials for Michael Che, Ilana Glazer, Taylor Tomlinson, Hannibal Buress, Sam Jay, Phoebe Robinson, and Aida Rodriguez.

With work that has screened at numerous festivals, Mercado has a distinct voice for addressing issues of identity, family, and systemic oppression across race and class. His work is celebrated for its poetic portrayal of working-class struggles and highlighting the gaps between love and loss. Mercado has several scripts in the works, laying vital groundwork for the next phase in his career.