Timeline in the film...
Sarayeth, professionally known as Sara Corrales, discovered her passion for visual storytelling at an early age. She is a cinematographer in professional growth and a professional graphic designer, with a focus on visual composition (camera operator), lighting (director of photography and lighting technician), and creative direction.
A citizen of the world with roots in Caracas, Venezuela, she began her approach to the cinematic craft at a very young age, developing her skills through hands-on learning and on-set experience. Her early steps took place as an apprentice and trainee, progressively moving through the camera department as a camera trainee, video assist, camera assistant and assistant camera, building a solid technical foundation and a deep understanding of collective work on set.
Throughout her journey, she continued to expand and strengthen her visual and photographic perspective in Panama City and Bogotá, Colombia, experiences that enriched her narrative language and supported the development of her visual identity. This process led her to formalize her career as a director of photography in Barcelona, Spain, assuming the role from a position of continuous growth and the construction of her own voice.
She currently practices her profession in the Canary Islands, developing her work as a director of photography in growth, committed to constant learning, visual exploration, and the ongoing evolution of her cinematic language.
From this path, her story begins to unfold through the experiences that follow:
Inspired by her sister, a dancer, she was drawn to photography through dance and theater, a path that was both challenging and deeply inspiring.
Her professional career began at age 13, working as a stunt double on television series for « Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) » . She later joined « Cinema Casting » by Beto Benites' production company for various commercial projects in Caracas, Venezuela.
Let's begin...
In 2009, she appeared as an extra in the feature film « Son de la Calle » acting like Los Parkour. Film directed by Julio César Bolívar, director of photography: Cezary Jaworski.
While studying graphic design, one of her courses focused on photography, which led her to take on a series of assignments inspired by the film being studied.
In that context, she took on the role of stills photographer as part of her coursework. Little did she know that seven years later she would join the crew of a feature film as a stills photographer, closing the circle between her academic training and her professional career:
In 2012, she once again appeared as an extra in the film « Er 'Relajo del Loro » directed by John Petrizzelli and photographed by one of her inspirations, the iconic director of photography Alexandra Henao (AVC) Venezuelan Cinematography Association.
That same year, her curiosity for cinema deepened when she had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the industry by working with « Coromoto Zambrano Catering ». Through this experience, she met director César Manzano, who was looking for a photographer for his feature debut, « Espejos » cinematographed by Junior Gonzalez. This marked the beginning of her connection with key professionals in the audiovisual industry, taking on the role of stills photographer. During this production, she met who would become one of her main mentors in the audiovisual world, camera operator and now director of photography Julio César Castro (AVC), known as "Moñoño".
Some of her images from this production:
In 2013, Sara Corrales entered a period of intense learning and growth. She joined the camera team as a trainee and video assistant for the feature film « Papita, Maní, Tostón », the debut film by director Luis Carlos Hueck, cinematographed by Carlos Luis Rodriguez. It was an eye-opening, hands-on experience. During this project, she met who would become one of her main mentors in the audiovisual world, camera operator Julio César Castro A.V.C., known as "Moñoño". She also had the opportunity to learn from professionals who contributed greatly to her growth: focus puller Jean Carlos García and Carlos Pulido (one of the finest camera assistants she has encountered in the industry).
Along with The Rojas Sound, renowned for their extensive careers in sound—Frank Rojas (sound recordist) and David Rojas (boom operator)—who guided her from the very beginning, teaching her how to navigate the set with respect, attentiveness, and a clear understanding of each role.
That same year, she worked as a video assistant on « KM 72 » directed by Samuel Henríquez, cinematographed by Juan Toledo.
She also met steadicam operator Freddy Vásquez, who placed his trust in her and gave her the valuable opportunity to collaborate with him over an extended period within the advertising field. On this production, she had the pleasure of meeting Laura Goldberg, one of the most iconic script supervisors and mentors in Venezuelan cinema.
In 2015, she continued working as a video assistant on the feature film « Amor Cuesta Arriba », directed by Nelson Núñez. She continued working as a video assistant on the feature film. This production further strengthened her network within the audiovisual industry, allowing her to work alongside renowned professionals such as director of photography Tonny Valera (SVC) Venezuelan Society of Cinematography, with more than 30 years of experience; her mentor and camera operator Julio César Castro (AVC) "Moñoño" and focus puller Nayan Perales. The experience had a profound impact on her both personally and professionally.
Throughout that year, Sara worked as a camera assistant on various commercials and short films. One particularly meaningful experience was being second assistant camera for steadicam on « Por Todos los Medios / Ahora me toca a mí », director of photographer: Junior Gonzalez. A short film/monologue initially shown as a theater show in Miami and later exhibited in countries such as Chile, Colombia, Spain, and Panama. This masterpiece was written and directed by renowned Venezuelan actor and broadcaster Luis Chataing.
At the end of 2013, she became a camera assistant on the television series « Barrio Sur», directed by Michael Labarca, cinematographed by César Briceño. Which portrayed life in the poorest neighborhoods of Venezuela. In several scenes, she had the opportunity to take on the role of 1st AC - first assistant camera (focus puller).
She closed the year working on the feature film « Mar Afuera » directed by Billy Cass and produced by the audiovisual cooperative PRO CINE. Once again, she collaborated with DOP Tonny Valera as second assistant camera with the help of their focus puller Nayan Perales. The film was shot for two months on the paradise Island of Coche, near Margarita, Venezuela.
In 2015, Sara worked on the documentary « La Impunidad » for Villa del Cine, directed of photography Tonny Valera, as second assistant camera.
Throughout 2016, She worked consistently in the camera department, as well as in the equipment rental Cinequipos 2002 of Marcos Díaz and and one of his most consistent mentors was the steadicam operator Freddy Vazquez.
Taking on roles such as video assist and camera assistant. After a long time and effort, she is officially recognized by the « National Autonomous Cinematography Center of Venezuela (CNAC) »under registration No. 4992 as a camera assistant.
In 2017, she began the year working on a documentary about Venezuelan poet, educator, autodidact, and diplomat « José Antonio Ramos Sucre ». The production, directed by the Rodríguez brothers and produced by Villa del Cine, and DOP Tonny Valera, had a warm, artistic, and intimate tone. Sara worked in the camera department once again:
Her final feature film that year was « Desafío Urbano » directed and producer by Oscar Rivas and cinematographer by Saul Torres. A production that truly lived up to its name due to Venezuela's political and social context. Sara was second assistant camera for the second unit, filming with three RED Scarlet cameras. It was an unforgettable experience with a talented and dedicated crew.
When pre-production began for the sequel « Papita 2da Base » also directed by Luis Carlos Hueck and directed of photographer Clever Castillo. Sara was invited to join the team. Unfortunately, she had already planned her departure from the country, so she couldn't accept the job—but she did appear in one scene as a pole dancer, a sport she also practiced professionally at the time.
Just days before leaving Venezuela, a few last-minute shoots came her way. One was a reggaeton music « Videoclip J.BM » directed by Gleubis Eskilache, where she worked as camera assistant.
2021, her final project in Venezuela was a commercial spot for « Natulac », directed by Pepe Garrido, once again as camera assistant.
That same year, Sara relocated to Colombia and volunteered for Congo Films School during its major launch event: the « 1st Week of Film Arts & Crafts » in Bogota.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Sara decided to fully re-immerse herself in the audiovisual field. In 2021, she moved to Catalonia, Spain, to restart her film career. One of her first experiences there was volunteering at two prestigious festivals: « D'A Film Festival » Barcelona's International Auteur Film Festival and « DOCS Barcelona » 25th Anniversary.
By 2022, she was already well integrated into the local industry and began working in the cinematography department. She joined the crew of « SINÉL » the debut feature by Emilio Martínez-Borso, cinematographer by Maria Muñoz. Filmed in Barcelona, where she served as a lighting technical (spark). The film won Humphrey Bogart 'Best Lead Actor in a Foreign Film' in Teramo - Italy, an award given to David Marcé:
That same year, she worked as the director of photography for the short film « LUTHIER TEARS » written and directed by Kay Oceans. The film was selected for screening at the 4th Mostra Internacional d'Audiovisuals d'Artesania, held on October 22 at the Design Museum of Barcelona, and was also featured on Filmin later that year:
In 2023, she graduated with a degree in Cinematography from Escola de Cinema de Barcelona (ECIB).
This year 2025, she has worked as a 1st AC (focus puller) on both commercial spots —including projects for Fundación Disa— and the second season of the acclaimed Canary Islands television series « INSULAE II » produced by Las Hormigas Negras and Filmed in the islands of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Director of photography Mario Blanco and for the second unit by Arturo Vazquez.
2023 - 2025, « GÖKOTTA », a short film written and directed by Kay Ocean, cinematographer by Sara Corrales, begins its festival journey on a high note. The film is set to premiere on October 12, 2025, as part of the Official Selection Sitges Family at the prestigious Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia.
Furthermore, the short film is celebrating it's official selection at the Vila-seca International Short Film Festival (FICVI), where it will be screened in the FICVI JOVE 2025 section, as well as at Stokkseyri Northern Lights – Fantastic Film, a short film festival held on Iceland's enchanting southern coast. Bakunawa Fest 2025 in Bacolob, Phillipines whit Winner Special Mention. Among 9 other official international dimensions.
A story that starts to travel — reaching new audiences and new festival screens.
Poster design by coccoshouse.com
A two years ago, she co-founded « COCCO'S HOUSE STUDIO » with animator Tommaso Mangiacotti, a production company specializing in stop-motion animation. The studio develops a wide range of projects, including short films, advertising, and graphic design for movie posters, among others. She plays a key role as the studio's director of photography, working with clients from around the world.
2025, COCCO'S HOUSE STUDIO had the privilege of taking part in a festival with a truly unique challenge: shooting a horror short film under a specific theme, with a maximum duration of three minutes and a tight deadline of just 72 hours. All of this took place in one of the most beautiful locations we have ever experienced in the Island of Gran Canaria - Teror, alongside the wonderful team behind Teror Film Fest International 2025.
The outcome exceeded all expectations, earning three awards « DYBBUK », directed by Adrián González, won Best Short Film and Best Performance, awarded to Zuleica Gabas. Meanwhile « LA CAZA », directed by Joel Rodríguez and Sara Corrales, received the award for Best Cinematography, featuring a striking hand-sculpted gargoyle weighing 7 kg.
By the end of 2025, She embarked on a new adventure as director of photography and camera operator for the comedy series « El Ambulatorio », a production by Videoreport Canarias S.A. for Radio Televisión Canaria, filmed over two consecutive months. The series was directed by David Sainz, starred the acclaimed Carmen Ruiz, and was produced by Fernando Castellano, with lighting design by Iban Negrín. The series proved to be a challenging and innovative experience, featuring a production pace of two episodes per day, seamlessly blending cinematic and television language.
Sara Corrales continues—and will always continue—to work as an audiovisual professional, guided by her commitment to constant learning through new techniques, cultures, experiences, and the great teachers life provides. She understands art as a form of science, which requires continuous evolution, learning, and attentive listening. Each day represents a valuable new lesson.
2026, she actively works in cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, and the Canary Islands, contributing to a wide range of projects including television series, feature films, short films, commercials, videoclips and short others. She is currently part of the team behind the stop-motion short film « NONNA BRUNA ». More information coming soon.
"Expressing the essence of the audiovisual world... that fluid form of communication which breaks away from conventional frameworks and transcends the tangible, the malleable—being as flexible as space and time. Cinema keeps me grounded in a constant present: of learning, of emotion, of experience. I'm part of a mechanism that, through light, color, focus, art, movement, and sound, brings artistic creation to life.
And within that process, I live passionately."
Sara Corrales