Dan Garza

Dan Garza’s film journey is, well, a bit all over the map—in the best way. First off, “Raphanis” (2022) throws you straight into a quirky, offbeat world where nothing’s really as it seems. The guy’s got a knack for blending the weird with the heartfelt, and you can tell he’s not afraid to get a little experimental. Things twist, characters get in over their heads, and you’re never really sure where the story’s gonna land next. It’s not your cookie-cutter indie film, let’s just say that. Then he pops up on “Kidding” (2018), which, if you know your TV, is that slightly surreal Jim Carrey show about a children’s TV host having a meltdown behind the scenes. Garza brings a sharpness to his work here, capturing all the messy, raw stuff about grief and trying to hold it together. There are moments that’ll choke you up and others that’ll make you laugh, sometimes in the same breath. The writing’s clever, the performances are tight, and Garza fits right in with that off-kilter vibe. Jump to “Splash and Bubbles” (2016), and suddenly it’s a complete 180. We’re underwater. It’s bright, it’s bubbly (literally), and it’s aimed at kids. But honestly? There’s a real charm to it. Garza helps build a world that’s fun and educational without talking down to the audience. You get silly songs, sea creatures with attitude, and a show that manages to sneak in some actual science when you least expect it. If nothing else, his credits prove the guy can do just about anything he puts his mind to.