About

Gus Avila is a first-generation Mexican-American writer whose focus is writing authentic stories about misfits, usually with undercurrents that explore mental health issues and cultural identity. Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Avila spent some of his youth living in the coastal city of Veracruz, Mexico, constantly straddling between two cultures that often reflects in his writing. His work has garnered recognition from the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, the Sundance Institute and other industry organizations. Most recently, his screenplay, THE LOST ONES, was selected to participate in the Cannes Film Festival’s Maison des Scenaristes, the only U.S. entry participating in the workshop. Additional accolades include the Screenwriters Spotlight Award at CineFestival and Best Screenplay from the Cynosure Screenwriting Awards, as well being cited as a finalist for the Sundance Screenwriters Lab. Among his other projects, Avila’s screenplay, KINGWOOD,was selected as an honoree for the prestigious WGA Feature Writer Access Project. 

Avila has participated as a screenwriting Fellow for the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), the AMPAS-sponsored Cine Qua Non Lab Artist Residency and Film Independent’s Project:Involve. He is a UCLA alumnus, earning a B.A. degree in English Literature. While at UCLA, Avila received his introduction into Hollywood by personally assisting Academy Award-winning producer Jerome Hellman (Midnight Cowboy). He then spent several years in creative development for Paramount Pictures, HBO and Starz. He is currently a member of the WGA, while continuing to develop several film and television projects. When not writing, he enjoys playing guitar, long-distance running and Harry Potter movie marathons with his two daughters.