JOAO CUETO
Founder | Producer | Director
Joao Cueto is an award-winning filmmaker and first-generation Peruvian American born and raised in New York. As the Founder of IMAGINA PICTURES, he is recognized for crafting imaginative, emotionally resonant stories that fuse large scale genre filmmaking with deeply personal themes.
Striking a pose on the set of "Sleep Paralysis" from L to R: Nelli Toth, Lisette DeJesus, Darius Livingston, & Joao Cueto
An 18 year old Joao Cueto sets up his shot on a 16mm film camera
Although filmmaking had always been a natural part of his life, it was not until he entered community college and took his first film class that he realized cinema could become a true calling. From the very first day, he fell in love with the craft and committed himself fully to pursuing filmmaking professionally.
Joao Cueto reads over the script on the set of "The Man of the House"
From L to R: Alan Romero, Shota Takei, Joao Cueto, Ralph Reyes, Mauricio Piratova
Founded in September 25th, 2025
Joao Cueto directs Ethan Lopez on the set of "Dreams of Yesterday"
From an early age, Joao was immersed in storytelling. Inspired by the video games, anime, and fantasy worlds that shaped his childhood, he spent much of his youth creating original stories and illustrating his own characters. At just 14 years old, he wrote, directed, acted in, shot, and edited one of his first films, an adaptation based on a comic book he created himself.
Drawing from his lifelong influences, Joao has developed a distinct cinematic voice and visual style that blends emotional storytelling with the energy, imagination, and spectacle of the genres that inspired him growing up. His work is driven by a passion for creating stories that transport audiences, evoke wonder, and leave a lasting emotional impact.
Joao Cueto slates on set
An 18 year old Joao Cueto sets up his shot on a 16mm film camera
Joao Cueto slates on set
