Here in Denver, the Biennial of the Americas is a lot more than just a cultural event; it’s a platform that is trying to unite the diverse communities across the Western Hemisphere. From promoting diversity and inclusion to building global connections, their Annual Leadership Luncheons have become a key part of this mission. Our job? To bring that mission to life on screen. Here at Rocket House Pictures, we’re thrilled to partner with the Biennial for a second year to produce a series of videos showcasing leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the Americas. These videos, crafted with a sharp focus on the personal stories of these figures, don’t just capture moments. They drive impact and help fund this amazing non-profit organization.
Bridging the Americas Through Storytelling
Let’s face it: When you think about the power of video, storytelling is at the heart of it. But it’s not just about telling any story. It’s about telling the right story — one that touches the people watching it. And that’s what we’re doing for the Biennial of the Americas. The Leadership Luncheons are designed to highlight civic, creative, and business leaders who are making waves in the Americas. From Rhys Duggan from Canada to Charlo Garcia Walterbach from Mexico and Lori Pace from Jamaica, our videos shine a light on these diverse voices. These aren’t just “talking heads” on screen; they are powerful individuals whose personal stories fuel the Biennial’s message of inclusivity, connectivity, and innovation. And here’s where we come in — our job at Rocket House Pictures is to take these stories and give them a voice that reaches the right audience. Video, after all, isn’t just about visuals. It’s about making a connection.
The Power of Video for Leadership Luncheons
Statistics back this up. A report from HubSpot states that 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands and organizations. Pair that with another stat from Wyzowl — 88% of people say that watching a video has helped them understand a product or service better — and it’s clear why video is a cornerstone for events like the Biennial of the Americas Leadership Luncheons. Video makes information accessible, relatable, and memorable. But we’re not just creating videos to “check a box” for the event. Each video we produce serves a purpose: to elevate the profiles of these remarkable individuals and, by extension, to bolster the role the Biennial plays in connecting people across the Americas. For instance, our 2023 interviews with leaders like Benny Samuels of the Rose Community Foundation (Panama) and chef Dana Rodriguez (Mexico) didn’t just highlight their accomplishments. They showcased how the Biennial has been instrumental in helping them grow their identities and overcome challenges as immigrants in Denver. This not only resonates deeply with the luncheon attendees but also inspires viewers to engage with the Biennial’s broader mission of fostering intercultural understanding and collaboration.
Why It Matters: Creating Impact Through Identity
What’s fascinating about the Biennial’s work is how it reshapes the narrative of identity — particularly for Latinos and others from across the Americas. The event challenges the audience to think beyond borders. It repositions Latino identity, pushing it toward a more inclusive, cosmopolitan vision — one that says, “We are from the Americas.” And we’re documenting that transformation. Each video digs deep into what it means to be “from the Americas” through the lens of these diverse leaders. We ask them directly: What does being “from the Americas” mean to you? How does Denver remind you of home? These aren’t fluff questions. They lead to authentic, relatable responses that help viewers understand the unique experiences of people who are actively shaping the Americas. By showing these moments, we’re not just promoting the Biennial of the Americas. We’re contributing to a larger conversation about identity and inclusion.
The Rocket House Touch: Why It Works
At Rocket House Pictures, we take pride in the fact that we don’t approach video production as a one-size-fits-all deal. Every project is unique. For the Biennial, we spent a lot of hours with their team understanding not only the technical aspects but also the emotional resonance behind their mission. Our videos are crafted with precision to not only meet the objectives of the Leadership Luncheons but also to strike a chord with the audience. The goal isn’t just to inform — it’s to inspire. And that takes a certain level of finesse that we’ve developed over the years in the video production world. But it’s not just about us. It’s about the people we film. Their stories, their challenges, their victories. Take Maria De Cambra, for example. As a leader that was born in the US, but grew up in Venezuela, Maria’s story of adapting to life in Colorado for a second time is compelling (without us saying it!). It’s real, raw, and honest. And it makes an impact. That’s the kind of content we strive to create.
The Results: Elevating Denver’s Role as a Global Hub
By working with the Biennial, we’re helping to solidify Denver’s reputation as a global hub of connectivity. The video series shows how Denver is more than just a city in the middle of the U.S. — it’s a meeting point for ideas, innovation, and culture from across the Americas. The Biennial itself plays a huge part in this. They were pivotal in bringing the Cities Summit of the Americas to Denver in 2023, further positioning the city as a major player in international dialogue. Through our videos, we highlight how these connections are being made, one leader at a time. And it’s paying off. The content we’ve created not only helps promote the Biennial’s initiatives but also fuels interest in supporting youth scholarships and other fundraising efforts. We’re proud to say that our work is making a tangible impact on their success.
Why Rocket House Pictures Is Your Go-To Partner
So here’s the takeaway: Video is powerful. When done right, it moves people, changes perceptions, and drives real-world impact. That’s what we’ve been doing with the Biennial of the Americas, and that’s what we can do for you. At Rocket House Pictures, we’re more than just another Denver video production company. We’re partners. We work alongside you to ensure your story — whether it’s about business, culture, or leadership — gets told in a way that sticks with your audience. Ready to take your vision to the next level? Let’s talk.
Gio Toninelo is the founder, producer, and cinematographer at Rocket House Pictures.
Based in Denver, Gio and his team specialize in creating compelling, impactful videos that elevate brands, organizations, and causes.
