srael Vasquez’s job offers him the privilege of hearing the pain and hope of other people, but he’s no pastor or therapist. Instead, Israel is a professional storyteller, someone whose preferred medium for storytelling is through movies. In his life as a filmmaker, husband (to Dani), and father to two boys (August and Ame), Israel has learned to be direct but gentle, understanding that engaging in respectful, authentic collaboration is key to helping others through the darkness toward hope.