about

Mariscela Beatríz Méndez is a Director of Photography from San Antonio, Texas, whose work is deeply informed by her Mexican-American heritage. She gravitates toward projects that explore Latiné identity, center female perspectives, and incorporate elements of magical realism.

Méndez is one of the honorees of the International Cinematographers Guild’s 2025 Emerging Cinematographer Awards for The Middle, written and directed by Sylvia Ray. This year, she was nominated twice at the Mexican-American Film & TV Festival for “Best Cinematography,” ultimately winning for her work on the surreal vampire short Vivir, written and directed by Gerardo Maravilla.

Her notable credits include Las Hijas de Rosalia, executive produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; serving as LA Unit DP for the documentary Faithful Defenders, executive produced by Cate Blanchett and Dirty Films; and Water Angel, her second collaboration with director Nijla Mu’Min for Paramount+.

Méndez’s fellowships include the 2024 ReFrame Rise Fellowship in partnership with Women in Film and the Sundance Institute. She is also an alumna of the ASC Vision Mentor Program, Film Independent’s Project Involve, and the Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today Fellowship with the Hola Mexico Film Festival.

Beyond narrative work, Méndez has built an impressive commercial portfolio with clients including Google, Clorox, and Herdez. She recently made her directorial debut with an animated McDonald’s commercial.

A proud member of ICG Local 600, Méndez works internationally and continues to bring her unique vision and voice to projects across narrative, documentary, and commercial spaces.