Timeline in the film...
Sara Corrales (Sarayeth) is an emerging Director of Photography and professional Graphic Designer specializing in visual composition, lighting, and creative direction. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, she began her audiovisual journey at an early age, developing her craft through hands-on experience and progressing through various roles within the camera department, from trainee to camera assistant.
Her professional path has taken her through Caracas, Bogotá, and Barcelona, experiences that have shaped her visual language and strengthened her narrative identity. She is currently based in the Canary Islands, where she continues to refine her cinematic vision and expand her work as a cinematographer.
Inspired by the worlds of dance and theater, she developed an early passion for photography and visual storytelling. Her professional career began at the age of 13 as a stunt double for television productions at RCTV, later participating in commercial projects with Cinema Casting and various production companies in Venezuela.
Let's begin...
In 2009, she participated as an extra / stunt performer in the feature film « Son de la Calle » acting like Los Parkour. Directed by Julio César Bolívar, and director of photography: Cezary Jaworski.
During her Graphic Design studies, a photography course sparked her interest in cinematic imagery and led her to work as a stills photographer on academic projects. Seven years later, she would return to that role professionally, joining the crew of a feature film as a stills photographer and bridging the gap between her education and career:
In 2012, Sara took her first professional steps into the audiovisual industry through hands-on experience on set, thanks to the invaluable support of Coromoto Zambrano Catering, whose strong presence within Venezuela's film industry opened the door to her early professional opportunities.That same year, she joined the feature film « Espejos » as a stills photographer, an opportunity that connected her with key industry professionals and marked the beginning of her career within film crews.
During the production, she met camera operator and cinematographer Julio César Castro (AVC), known as "Moñoño," who would become one of her most influential mentors. This experience laid the foundation for her future path through the camera department and her development as a cinematographer.
Still photograph of Sara Corrales during the feature film Espejos:
In 2013, Sara's journey continued with a period of intensive learning when she joined the camera department as a Camera Trainee and Video Assist on the feature film « Papita, Maní, Tostón », directed by Luis Carlos Hueck and photographed by Carlos Luis Rodríguez. This experience provided a strong technical foundation and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, including focus puller Jean Carlos García, camera assistant Carlos Pulido, and the sound team Frank and David Rojas, whose guidance helped shape her understanding of set dynamics, teamwork, and professional discipline.
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.
Behind-the-scenes photographs of Jessy Trompiz during the filming of the feature film:
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 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 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.
(Latest feature film in Venezuela). When pre-production began for the sequel « Papita 2da Base » directed by Luis Carlos Hueck and photographed by Clever Castillo, Sara was invited to rejoin the camera team. However, due to the country's circumstances and her imminent departure from Venezuela, she was unable to accept the position.
In a meaningful full-circle moment, her final appearance on a Venezuelan film set was once again in front of the camera. Having started her journey in the industry as a stunt performer, she closed this chapter with a small on-screen role as a pole dancer fitness —a discipline she also practiced professionally at the time—before continuing her path abroad.
2021, Finally, Sara's last productions in Venezuela were a videoclip and a commercial spot completed just before her departure from the country. She worked as Camera Assistant on the reggaeton music video J.BM, directed by Gleubis Eskilache, and on her final commercial spot for « Natulac », directed by Pepe Garrido in 2021. These projects marked the end of her professional work in Caracas before continuing her career abroad.
That same year, That same year, Sara relocated to Colombia, where she first volunteered at Congo Films School during its launch event, the « 1st Week of Film Arts & Crafts » in Bogotá. She later became part of the school's staff, working as a corporate graphic designer and actively participating in masterclasses with international guests, supporting the logistics of spaces and equipment.
During this period, she also developed a strong technical familiarity with high-end, state-of-the-art rental equipment, gaining hands-on knowledge of industry-standard cinema tools and workflows.
2021. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to fully re-engage with the audiovisual industry. She moved to Catalonia, Spain, to restart her film career, gaining experience as a volunteer at the D'A Film Festival and the 25th anniversary edition of DOCSBarcelona.
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:
Photographs from the International Exhibition at the Barcelona Design Museum, 2022:
In 2023, she graduated with a degree in Cinematography from Escola de Cinema de Barcelona (ECIB).
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.
2023 - 2025, « GÖKOTTA », a short film written and directed by Kay Oceans, cinematographer by Sara Corrales, produced by Kay Oceans, Sara Corrales, ESCOLA DE CINEMA DE BARCELONA, COCCO'S HOUSE STUDIO, 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.
Awards and festivals:
Poster design by coccoshouse.com
Since 2024, she has co-founded « COCCO'S HOUSE STUDIO » with animator Tommaso Mangiacotti, It is not a production company, but a creative collaboration between two artists who aim to work together and develop new projects. Their work spans stop-motion animation, short films, advertising, and visual design.
In 2025, COCCO'S HOUSE STUDIO participated in the Teror Film Fest International in Gran Canaria, facing a creative challenge to produce a horror short film within a specific theme, a maximum duration of three minutes, and a 72-hour deadline. The project was developed in the town of Teror, alongside the festival team and filmmakers.
The results exceeded expectations, earning three awards « DYBBUK », directed by Adrián González, received Best Short Film and Best Performance for Zuleica Gabas. « LA CAZA », directed by Joel Rodríguez, was awarded Best Cinematography featuring Sara Corrales' work and a handcrafted 7 kg sculpted gargoyle used in the production.
By the end of 2025, she joined the comedy series « El Ambulatorio» as Director of Photography and Camera Operator, a production by Videoreport Canarias S.A. for Radio Televisión Canaria. The series was directed by David Sainz and starred Carmen Ruiz, with production by Fernando Castellano and lighting design by Iban Negrín. Filmed over two consecutive months, the project represented a demanding and innovative experience, with a fast-paced workflow of up to two episodes per day, blending cinematic and television language.
Behind-the-scenes photos:
As of 2026, Sara continues working in the film industry, with a particular focus on lighting and electrical departments—an area she is actively developing and deepening as part of her ongoing evolution. She aims to integrate her knowledge of camera and light into a unified practice: cinematography.
Her recent work as Director of Photography includes projects developed through COCCO'S HOUSE STUDIO, currently in post-production:
- The stop-motion short film « NONNA BRUNA », written and directed by Tommaso Mangiacotti and Sara Corrales.
- « MI CARA DE BUENO », short film directed by Tommaso Mangiacotti and written by Patricia Gomendio.
- « BELICE », a music release accompanied by a cinematic videoclip directed by Adrián González.
More information coming soon...
ENG - "Expressing the essence of the audiovisual world means engaging with a fluid form of communication that moves beyond conventional structures and transcends the tangible—adapting as freely as space and time themselves. Cinema keeps me anchored in a constant present: of learning, emotion, and lived experience. I am part of a creative mechanism that brings artistic expression to life through light, color, focus, movement, art, and sound."
SPA - "Expresar la esencia del mundo audiovisual significa interactuar con una forma fluida de comunicación que trasciende las estructuras convencionales y lo tangible, adaptándose con la misma libertad que el espacio y el tiempo. El cine me mantiene anclado en un presente constante: de aprendizaje, emoción y experiencia vivida. Formo parte de un mecanismo creativo que da vida a la expresión artística a través de la luz, el color, el enfoque, el movimiento, el arte y el sonido."
Sara Corrales
