Cristóbal Krusen. Photo: Chris Emeott
Filmmaker and globe trotter Cristóbal Krusen reflects on his beginnings and shares insight into what’s to come.
Growing up, Cristóbal “Cris” Krusen recalls reading classical literature with the hope of someday becoming a writer. As a young man in college, he continued to be drawn to writing; however, the influence of photography and filmmaking left its mark on Krusen, eventually leading to his shift from literature to film. With a BFA in film and TV and an MFA in film, Krusen was armed with the knowledge to jump-start his career and fulfill his dreams. The Woodbury resident had the filmography trilogy—passion, purpose and a solid education—and now his resume overflows with experiences as an actor, director, filmmaker, producer and writer.
Benny, played by Nathan Barlow, with his father, Ben Whitmore Sr., played by Cristóbal Krusen, at the Piedra Herrada Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Mexico for Krusen’s acclaimed film, Let Me Have My Son. Photo: Edwin Padilla
Worldly Views
Raised in Tampa, Florida, Krusen was well-traveled throughout his early adulthood and has since traversed the globe on his journey to tell stories through film. His early career was primarily spent in Latin America, often in Mexico, but evolved to a more global reach, including South Africa and Nigeria. With Spanish as his second language, these locations caused little to no difficulty in terms of communication barriers, however as the team’s reach broadened into places like Indonesia or Bosnia, Krusen learned to rely on other factors to ensure alignment with cast and crew.
“As a director, I rely on my instincts,” Krusen says. “A good performance is discerned emotionally … It is ‘felt.’” Aside from his unique visions for his film, these connections are what Krusen is most known for. Entertainment attorney and film producer Bill Whitacre first crossed paths with Krusen in Tampa while working on a project called 33 Hope 15 years ago. Since then, the two have collaborated on multiple films and have traveled to lesser-known and sometimes dangerous locations in the name of their art. “Cris has the ability to translate extremely complex human experiences into visual media, resulting in films of unusual beauty and sensitivity,” Whitacre says.
A behind the scenes look at Let Me Have My Son shows Ben Whitmore’s daughter, Genevieve, played by Ladonna Craelius, in the camera monitor. Photos: Jared Neher
Prior to meeting Whitacre, Krusen established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Messenger Films, in 1988, with a goal to “communicate in the universal language of cinema, addressing the deep needs of the soul through films of beauty, stories of hope.” Krusen says he aims to combine his education and experience alongside his beliefs to tell stories that touch the deepest part of an audience’s heart. Krusen leans on his faith through the trials of the industry. “Being a filmmaker is not for the faint of heart. There are so many obstacles to success,” Krusen says. “The main thing is to not lose hope and to stay persistent. And never surrender your dreams.”
Recent Accolades
Krusen’s most recent film, Let Me Have My Son, addresses the complex and timely topic of mental health. In 2022, Krusen took home an award for the film at the International Christian Visual Media Crown Awards, where the best films and filmmakers who have embodied and showcased examples of Christian values are honored. Krusen was named the Gold Crown Award Winner for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role for his role in Let Me Have My Son, and the film was nominated for a Silver Crown Award for Best Non-Theatrical Release. In addition, the film was shown at multiple global film festivals. It won Best Drama at CEVMA Jewel Awards (Netherlands); Best Inspirational Film at WSXA Barcelona, Spain; Best Feature Film at American Golden Picture International Film Festival (U.S.); Best Director at Sevilla Indie Film Festival (Spain); Best Original Screenplay and Best Producer at 8 & Halfilm Awards (Italy) and was shown at Film Arts and Hearts (U.S.); Indie House Film Festival (Spain); and Lily Indie Film Festival (Ukraine). In total, Krusen has received over 25 awards and nominations, across multiple films, award ceremonies and years. Awards aside, Krusen finds the most joy when sitting in a theater incognito and seeing the organic reactions of the audience watching his film.
Cristóbal Krusen, serving as writer, director and actor, inspects video playback at the old Fergus Falls State Hospital.
Krusen has also been a guest speaker on various podcasts since the release of his latest film to discuss the relevance of mental illness in today’s society. (Listen to episode 240: Let Me Have My Son on the Choose 2 Think podcast on Apple Podcasts.) “We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health, but we don’t want to talk about it,” Krusen says. “There’s a stigma, embarrassment, shame … There shouldn’t be.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition. Through both the film and his media coverage, Krusen is opening doors to new conversations, bringing awareness and showing support for those who may be suffering. “The very best approach in dealing with mental illness is to love and be patient,” Krusen says. “If you have no exposure, open your eyes and heart. We can be quick to judge others without knowing what they’ve been through.”
Cristóbal Krusen directing and filming a scene from Let Me Have My Son shows him in the kitchen of Ben Whitmore’s American home.
What’s Yet to Come
While Cristóbal Krusen is certainly at the height of his career, he has big plans for the future. “I am hopeful this year to begin preproduction on a feature that tells the backstory of Paul the Apostle, when he was the persecutor of the church,” Krusen says. “I have a half a dozen film scripts I would like to produce.” With no shortage of ideas, it’s likely we’ll see his name on a marquee again very soon.
Photo: Chris Emeott
If you or someone your know are struggling with mental health, the National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine is available from 10 a.m.–10 p.m ET weekdays. If you or a loved one are struggling, call 1.800.950.NAMI (6264), text HelpLine to 62640 or email helpline@nami.org.
Cristóbal Krusen
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