The creative team
Ricardo Casanova
Director-writer-producer
Ricardo began his career in the film and music industry as an actor before expanding into cinematography, writing storylines, and directing music videos for a range of Latin artists including several Latin Grammy Award winners. His collaborations include work with reputable record labels. In addition to his music video work, Ricardo has contributed to the film industry through various roles, including videography, special effects makeup, photography and other production positions. Driven by a deep passion for the arts, Ricardo has worked on diverse creative projects across the country, spanning from creative painting, film, and photography. The concept for TÍO originated more than a decade ago, developing gradually in his mind before he began sharing it with others in recent years. Encouraged by a close friend to put the story into writing, the project took on new depth and significance. As Ricardo continued to refine the narrative, he shared it with individuals he envisioned as the characters, whose enthusiasm helped bring the project to life. Today, TÍO is in development as a feature film, supported by a dedicated cast and crew who believe in the importance of its story. The project holds special personal meaning for Ricardo, as his two youngest sons will also appear in the film.
Raised in the Houston area, Ashley has spent her life immersed in the arts. From an early age, she performed extensively in school productions as an actor, singer, and dancer before going on to compete in dance for several years. Her passion for creative expression continued to evolve throughout adulthood, expanding into photography, painting, sculpting, crafting, and writing. After the birth of her second child, Ashley discovered a love for photography and went on to open her own studio, specializing in newborn, maternity, and family portraiture. Through her work behind the camera, she developed a deeper appreciation for visual storytelling and the emotional power of imagery. With a background in marketing, business development, and research, Ashely brings both creative vision and strategic expertise to every project she undertakes. Her lifelong fascination with creative art and storytelling made joining the team behind Tio a deeply meaningful opportunity. Upon first hearing the story of Tio, she was profoundly moved and immediately recognized it as a story that needed to be told. Driven by that conviction, she committed her energy, resources, and expertise to helping bring the film to life. She is honored to be part of the talented team creating this powerful project and looks forward to seeing its beautiful story realized on screen.
Executive Co producer
ashley banning
co executive producer
Raised in the Houston area, Ashley has spent her life immersed in the arts. From an early age, she performed extensively in school productions as an actor, singer, and dancer before going on to compete in dance for several years. Her passion for creative expression continued to evolve throughout adulthood, expanding into photography, painting, sculpting, crafting, and writing. After the birth of her second child, Ashley discovered a love for photography and went on to open her own studio, specializing in newborn, maternity, and family portraiture. Through her work behind the camera, she developed a deeper appreciation for visual storytelling and the emotional power of imagery. With a background in marketing, business development, and research, Ashely brings both creative vision and strategic expertise to every project she undertakes. Her lifelong fascination with creative art and storytelling made joining the team behind Tio a deeply meaningful opportunity. Upon first hearing the story of Tio, she was profoundly moved and immediately recognized it as a story that needed to be told. Driven by that conviction, she committed her energy, resources, and expertise to helping bring the film to life. She is honored to be part of the talented team creating this powerful project and looks forward to seeing its beautiful story realized on screen.
The faces of the film
Roel Nava
the protector
Roel Nava is a multidisciplinary creative whose work spans music, film, and performance. With more than 20 years of experience as a songwriter and music creator, and over 15 years in film production and acting, Nava has built a career rooted in storytelling across multiple mediums. Beginning his creative journey through music, Nava developed a passion for capturing emotion, life experiences, and human connection through songwriting. That passion evolved into visual storytelling when he began creating music videos for his own work—an experience that sparked his transition into filmmaking. Since then, Nava has directed and produced numerous professional short films, commercial advertisements, and high-quality music video productions, collaborating with artists, brands, and creative teams to deliver compelling visual narratives. In addition to his work behind the camera, Nava is also an accomplished actor whose on-screen experience enhances his perspective as a director and producer. His ability to understand both performance and production allows him to approach projects with a uniquely well-rounded creative vision. Driven by a mission to create meaningful, impactful experiences through visual and musical storytelling, Roel Nava continues to push creative boundaries in every project he undertakes.
Angel Casanova
the rebel soul
At 22 years old, Angel makes his acting debut in his first lead role, bringing authenticity and heart to the screen as he portrays himself in this deeply sentimental film written by his father, the creative mind behind it all, many years ago. Though fairly new to acting, he steps into the role with natural presence and a personal connection to the story that makes this performance especially meaningful. A passionate music enthusiast, Angel plays guitar, saxophone and sings, using music as one of his primary creative outlets. His artistic interests extend beyond performance—he has long had a love for writing and storytelling, having competed in English essay writing competitions during his school years. In addition to his creative pursuits, Angel has completed fire academy training, reflecting his discipline, dedication, and commitment to service. He is honored and excited to help bring his father’s long-envisioned story to life in such a personal and powerful way.
Brian Rivera
brian rivera
the enforcer
Hailing from Molina, the historic Corpus Christi barrio that helped shape Tejano legend Selena, Mista Play Boy (MPB) has built a reputation as one of Texas’ respected independent rap artists, producers, and performers. Since starting music at 13, MPB has earned recognition for his versatile sound, relentless work ethic, and strong stage presence. At 17, he was selected by No Limit Records as the only local opening act for “The Street Ballers Tour” in Corpus Christi, sharing the stage with Master P, Silkk the Shocker, 50 Cent, and G-Unit. Influenced by icons like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and Nas, MPB blends Southern rap energy with authentic storytelling rooted in his Mexican American upbringing. As co-founder of Deep & Dirty Entertainment, MPB released his debut album Out The Smoke in 2006 and built a loyal following through performances, mixtapes, and freestyle battle wins across Texas and New York. In 2019, he was featured on HOT 97’s Artist Spotlight with Hip Hop Mike and later earned a Gold Plaque for graphic design work on BeatKing’s viral hit “Then Leave.” Today, MPB continues recording and performing while preparing new music for 2026 and beyond.
Xavier Garza
the fixer
Xavier Garza (Javo G) is a veteran TV and radio host, director, and live event personality known for his high-energy presence and ability to connect with audiences. With over 20 years behind the mic, he’s headlined events across Texas, California, and Atlanta—from nightclubs and weddings to major private events—blending genres like hip-hop, rock, 80s, Tejano, and more. As an award-winning director with 30+ years in music and visual storytelling, Javo G has worked with major artists including Ludacris, Usher, Faith Evans, and Jay-Z, as well as top Tejano acts like Elida Reyna and Grupo Mazz. He has also hosted Showtime Boxing alongside Evander Holyfield and earned Video of the Year honors with Michael Salgado. He currently co-hosts the popular Tejano morning show Los Dos Compadres on Majic 104.9 & KLMO 98.9, bringing music, humor, and culture to listeners every day. Javo G’s career has taken him through major cities like Hollywood, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Miami. He continues to draw inspiration from his journey, supported by his wife Stella and their daughters.
Vaden Casanova
young Blood
Vaden is making his feature film debut in this exciting new production, portraying a version of himself in this film produced by his father. At just 11 years old, he brings natural charisma, enthusiasm, and authenticity to the screen. In his free time Vaden is an avid gamer and content creator who enjoys producing videos for his YouTube channel, where he shares his creativity and passion for gaming. He also loves school and approaches every new challenge with curiosity and excitement. Thrilled to be part of his first feature film, Vaden is grateful for the opportunity to help bring this story to life and looks forward to sharing the experience with audiences.
Cynthia Arredondo
The hardened Helper
Born in Victoria and raised in the small town of Bloomington, Texas, Cynthia’s story is one of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. A devoted mother of three, she found strength through motherhood and began a personal journey focused on health, fitness, and self-love — striving to become the best version of herself while inspiring her children to do the same. Now living in Victoria and working in the health and nutrition industry for a family-owned business, Cynthia has built a lifestyle grounded in wellness, discipline, and compassion. Her fitness journey became more than physical transformation; it became a reminder that confidence and perseverance can reshape every part of life. Wanting to challenge herself and explore something outside of her comfort zone, Cynthia decided to audition for TÍO as a way to push her own boundaries and embrace a completely new experience. Having once been shy growing up, stepping into the world of film became both a personal and creative leap — one she welcomed with excitement and determination. Known for her nurturing spirit, warm heart, and authenticity, Cynthia is eager to bring real emotion, compassion, and passion for life to the screen. She hopes her journey encourages others to believe in themselves, take chances, and never be afraid to grow beyond who they once were. Her children remain her greatest inspiration — the motivation behind her drive, her purpose, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
Noe esquival
The Boss
Born and raised in Taft, Texas, where he still proudly resides today, Noe Esquivel has dedicated his life to music, performance, and storytelling. His journey began at just 10 years old when he first picked up a guitar, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion that would carry him across decades of musical success. At 18, Noe started his first band, Sonido, beginning a career deeply rooted in the South Texas and Tejano music scene. By the age of 22, he joined the conjunto band Ruben Pulido, where he performed for three years before continuing his musical journey with Julian Gutierrez’s band for five years. At 30, Noe formed his own band, Pura Onda, performing and building its legacy over the next six years. He later joined the Taft-based band Kanela before eventually creating his current band, Milagros. Under Milagros, Noe continues to write, record, and perform original music. The band is now entering its fourth year together and has already written and recorded multiple songs across CDs and 45s, with Noe currently preparing to release his fifth single and return to the studio soon. In recognition of his impact on Tejano music and culture, Noe received the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame Award in 2020. Beyond music, he has also appeared in several music videos for Latin Grammy Award-winning artists, bringing charisma and authenticity to the screen. TÍO marks Noe Esquivel’s feature film debut — an exciting new chapter for an artist whose life has always been centered around passion, creativity, culture, and heart.
Karina martinez
The vision
Kari Martinez is a South Texas-based model, entrepreneur, and paralegal with a background in brand promotions, media appearances, and event marketing. As the owner of K’s Corporation TM, she has worked with various brands and entertainment projects throughout Texas, while also being involved in the combat sports industry. Known for her confidence, professionalism, and strong on-camera presence, Kari is excited to continue expanding into film and creative media opportunities.
jayda kolman
The spy
Jayda Kolman has been passionate about acting since the age of 11, beginning her journey in stage productions throughout middle school, high school, and college before transitioning into film nearly five years ago. With a strong foundation in performance and storytelling, she has continued to expand her creative reach both in front of and behind the camera. Since 2024, Jayda has been commuting to Austin, Texas to work on the international crime drama Santos Bloodline, where she serves as an actor, screenwriter, and second assistant director. She also worked as an actor, writer, and director on the anthology series The Dead of Night, which premiered in Corpus Christi. Over the years, Jayda has contributed to numerous community film and creative projects across South Texas, building a reputation for her versatility, work ethic, and passion for independent filmmaking. In 2026, she earned Best Actress honors at the Corpus Christi 7 Day Film Project for a short film she independently wrote, directed, shot, edited, and starred in — showcasing her ability to bring a complete creative vision to life. Outside of filmmaking, Jayda works as a short-form content creator and social media strategist, blending storytelling, marketing, and video production to create engaging content across multiple platforms.
Luis Galindo
The healer
Luis has been a professional actor for over 30 years and has done well over 100 plays. He has worked and lived in NYC, Chicago and Los Angeles. Most recent film credit is The Last Time by Pandora Persephone Films. It is now at the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival. He has taught acting at The New York Film Academy (Los Angeles branch) and was a community outreach artist for the Alley Theatre in Houston. He has been an acting company member of Company of Angels (LA's oldest theatre company) and of the Independent Shakespeare Company of Los Angeles, where he also sat on the board of directors for 6 seasons. He works as a voice actor in Anime films, most notably Vinland Saga and Lazarus. He is a founding member of Gravity Players in Houston. He received his MFA from the University of Delaware Professional Theatre Training Program. He is the author of two volumes of poetry: Electric Rats in a Neon Gutter and The Roaring Dawn, The Silent Mountain and the play, The Tale of the Barrio Jedi. Luis is the owner of Soul haus Coaching. A life coaching company designed to help people achieve their goals and uncover their true desires. He is also a level 1 Reiki healer and esoteric practitioner.
Adam hernandez
The Guard
With a professional background in education, coaching, and leadership, I transitioned into the entertainment industry in 2022 to pursue a lifelong passion for acting and filmmaking. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and spent over 15 years teaching history and coaching multiple sports, experiences that developed the discipline, communication skills, and adaptability I now bring to every production. Since beginning my acting career, I have appeared in feature films, short films, and music videos while continuing to expand my work behind the camera as a writer and director. Most notably, I wrote, cast, and directed an independent horror film currently in production in Corpus Christi. Committed to growing within the industry, I regularly travel throughout Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Dallas, to collaborate on new projects and continue building a strong presence in film and television.
Mario morales
The security
Mario Morales is a Texas-born musician whose passion for music was shaped by family, perseverance, and a deep love for his roots. Originally from Placedo, Texas, and raised near Victoria, Mario discovered music at a young age after being encouraged by his mother to learn the drums. What began as a childhood lesson soon became a lifelong calling. Coming from a family of musicians, he spent years performing at weddings, quinceañeras, birthday parties, and local events, developing both his talent and stage presence along the way. As his passion grew, Mario taught himself guitar through YouTube tutorials and continued pursuing music despite early criticism and setbacks. His determination never wavered, and over time he began building a following online after receiving support from rising artists who shared and promoted his music. Inspired by that encouragement, Mario eventually began writing and recording his own songs. Now stepping into the Tejano music scene, Mario released his debut Spanish single, “Hazme Caso,” showcasing both his emotional storytelling and dedication to the genre. The song reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and redemption, introducing listeners to Mario’s heartfelt style and authentic voice. Excited for the future, Mario continues creating new music and looks forward to sharing his journey with audiences everywhere.
RJ vega
the helper
Born and raised in Taft, Texas, RJ Vega has dedicated nearly a decade to serving others as a Firefighter/EMT, including 7 years with Nueces County ESD #2. His career in emergency services reflects a commitment to service, resilience, and remaining steady in moments that matter most. RJ’s journey into entertainment began at just 16 years old when he was given the opportunity to appear in music videos. Originally saying yes simply because he wanted to try something new, the experience unexpectedly sparked something bigger—he discovered that he genuinely enjoyed being in front of the camera and being part of the storytelling process. That first opportunity opened the door to work on Tejano music video productions featuring Los Palominos, Lucky Joe, and Elida Reyna, as well as projects connected with Freddy Records. For more than 15 years, RJ did both—appearing in music videos while also working behind the scenes as a Key Grip. This hands-on experience in front of and behind the camera gave him a well-rounded understanding of storytelling, production, and how every role contributes to bringing a vision to life. Today, RJ brings together experience from emergency service, production, and performance—approaching every project with reliability, calm under pressure, and a genuine appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.
RJ vega
the helper
Born and raised in Taft, Texas, RJ Vega has dedicated nearly a decade to serving others as a Firefighter/EMT, including 7 years with Nueces County ESD #2. His career in emergency services reflects a commitment to service, resilience, and remaining steady in moments that matter most. RJ’s journey into entertainment began at just 16 years old when he was given the opportunity to appear in music videos. Originally saying yes simply because he wanted to try something new, the experience unexpectedly sparked something bigger—he discovered that he genuinely enjoyed being in front of the camera and being part of the storytelling process. That first opportunity opened the door to work on Tejano music video productions featuring Los Palominos, Lucky Joe, and Elida Reyna, as well as projects connected with Freddy Records. For more than 15 years, RJ did both—appearing in music videos while also working behind the scenes as a Key Grip. This hands-on experience in front of and behind the camera gave him a well-rounded understanding of storytelling, production, and how every role contributes to bringing a vision to life. Today, RJ brings together experience from emergency service, production, and performance—approaching every project with reliability, calm under pressure, and a genuine appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.
ashleigh perales
the bystander
Ashleigh Perales is an Australian-born artist currently based in Corpus Christi, Texas, where she works as a tattoo artist, singer/songwriter, and creative known for emotionally driven and visually distinctive work. After relocating to the United States in 2023, she continued building a career rooted in storytelling, expression, and human connection. Raised with a deep love for music by her late father and grandmother, Ashleigh developed an early passion for songwriting and the arts that continues to influence her creative voice today. Her background in music, visual art, and client-centered work has shaped a unique presence both on and off screen. Her transition into film marks the next evolution of an artist already experienced in connecting with people through emotion, imagery, and presence. This project marks Ashleigh’s official introduction into the film industry, bringing a raw authenticity, artistic depth, and striking individuality to the screen.