Julian Acosta

Julian grew up in Bakersfield, California, shaped by the quiet ache of in-between places. His cultural identity lived on shifting ground, and his break from Mormonism only deepened that sense of liminality. Drumming—and later punk bands—gave him rhythm, release, and the first spark of a creative life that would lead him to filmmaking.

After studying at BYU, he discovered cinema as the perfect vessel for contrast and intensity. His work became defined by visceral visual storytelling and poetic realism rooted in emotional truth. He directed music videos and commercial work for brands including Porsche, Samsung, JBL, and Hyundai, while collaborating with artists such as John Legend, The Beach Boys, M.I.A., and The Shins. His Delta Air Lines film Wheels Up was nominated for a Webby, and his Fox Sports spot Big Noon Energy won an Emmy. His spot for the nonprofit Carry On Foundation reached millions organically, resonating deeply within the skateboarding community through heartfelt responses and widespread social sharing.

Julian continues to craft intimate narrative projects. He directed a segment in the anthology feature film The Seven Faces of Jane, produced by Roman Coppola and starring Gillian Jacobs. In 2024, he directed three episodes of Coolie, a period drama set in 1860 colonial Cuba, starring Louise Wong, Mauricio Henao, and Joseph Chang. His short film What Bitch?found success at multiple film festivals before it was picked up by HBO in 2020. Currently, Julian is developing a feature film, Aberdeen, which originated as a stage piece at The Public Theater, and a half-hour comedy, “Alaska,” with writer and actor Justin Chatwin (Shameless, War of the Worlds).

In 2025, Julian expanded into fine art with Smile Now Cry Later at Alma Gallery in Provo, exploring his Mexican American identity, Mormon upbringing, and childhood secret fascination with cholo culture. Featuring lowriders, bicycles, and an altar installation, along with 13 photos, one piece received an Award of Excellence and Purchase Award at the Springville Museum of Art and was acquired for their permanent collection. His latest exhibition, Before the Pain, now showing at The Helper Mini in Helper, Utah, examines the influence of generational pain and love in fatherhood.

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IG: @julianacosta

Website: julianacosta.tv

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