Profile of Matías Held

Written by Elian Rangel

Mati, an 18 year old four-year Film and New Media major, carries two cultures in his background. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, his family consists of a blend between Colombian and German heritage. His perception is global and he brings a unique perspective everywhere he goes. This is no surprise to why he is recognized as “the archetype of the international student” by his friend Maya Frankel from the University of Toronto. He describes his hometown as busy, cold, but very nice and cosmopolitan. The urban energy and cultural diversity shapes his purpose as an artist.

Coming from a family full of strong women, Mati finds much of his creative inspiration at home. Many of the characters he writes are women, drawn directly from the personalities and stories of his mother, aunts, grandmother, and cousins.

This year, Mati’s goals are clear and ambitious. He will finish his capstone project, graduate, and, more personally, get a mini Kelly bag. At the age of sixty, Mati imagines a perfect day as something simple yet valuable. He is married, sharing a special dinner at Cipriani (with his favorite cake, of course), and returning home with his husband.

Math has always been a challenge. “Ask me any math question and I cannot tell you how to solve it, even if it would save my life,” Mati admits. This, however, is just God’s attempt to stop Mati from being a total genius. He is praised for his limitless creativity and exceptionally good taste, strengths that are evident in his work.

If given the chance to pursue another field at IAA, Mati would return to his origin in musical theater. He performed professionally in the past and now feels some regret about stepping away from it. Still, film is the place for his journey. Through film, Mati has learned to embrace who he is, “I’ve always been loud and a big character, and film has taught me to stay true to myself.” 

This is a lesson that he will never forget.