Bold & CONSCIOUS
storytelling
ABOUT
Emmy Award-winning director and cinematographer with a background in illustration and storytelling. Specialized in documentary filmmaking, underwater adventure, and martial arts.
Background and accomplishments
Darlien Morales’ poignant storytelling and environmental filmmaking specialty to merge the gap between science and media led her to win three EMMYs, a Brand USA, ASTA Platinum awards, and more. With vast experience, and internationally premiered projects about conservation, history, eco-tourism, and education, Darlien stands out as one of the few female underwater camera operators and cinematographers from the Caribbean. Her works have screened at South By South West, Blue Ocean Film Festival, Jackson Wild Summit, Bad Bunny Concerts, and Apple TV’s USA Today. When not making films or exploring nature, she is drawing or performing martial arts. Last year, Darlien won four medals at the International Chinese Martial Arts Competition in Orlando with the traditional Eagle Claw style. Her illustrations have made it to book covers, scholarship auctions, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services programs to protect endangered species. Darlien values mobility and creativity throughout her lifestyle.
Reel
current work
Darlien will make her feature length directorial debut with a coming-of-age documentary about Puerto Rico’s wildlife in 2024. She is collaborating with local and international entities to promote underwater (and adventure) camera educational programs. As member of the "Asociación de Documentalistas de Puerto Rico," she seeks to promote the development of non-fiction cinema. Darlien travels constantly, but has a base in Puerto Rico.
Watching: Short of the Week
Reading: The Marginalian Blog
Listening: The Tim Ferris Show
lifestyle and passions
Crafting meaningful stories that uncover something new about what it means to be human - specially within a natural world. Bringing people together to inspire hope, awareness, and action. Getting moved by and collaborating with organizations and individuals that educate and work for environmental conservation and sustainable living. Watching Chasing Light and having Nat Geo Wild marathons. Hiking, scuba diving, and traveling. Enjoying theatre, music, and time-lapse photography. Everything and anything ocean related. Observing animal behavior or petting animals that don't belong to me. Going for extremely dark chocolate.
The following 6 Steps are intended to help guide someone that has no idea how to begin. In a way, you can say it is me talking to my younger self - recommending books, basic gear, breaking down some real life scenarios, and so on. It is an overview that can help you get into the right mindset with clear expectations and goals.