In a journey that spans continents and historic revolutions, Guatemalan-born Oscar Gutierrez, Nelson Mandela’s trusted photographer, captures the world’s defining moments through a unique lens shaped by his Mayan heritage and his roles as an immigrant, a son, and a storyteller of our shared history.

SYNOPSIS:

30 Frames invites audiences into the extraordinary life of a man who has captured the world’s history in still images—from documenting NASA’s celestial endeavours to being the personal photographer of Nelson Mandela in post-apartheid South Africa. Born into the rich cultural heritage of Guatemala’s Mayan civilization, Oscar’s life unfolds like a series of serendipitous events. Emigrating to the U.S., Oscar gains dual citizenship in both the U.S. and South Africa, immersing himself in global historical movements from the civil wars in Mozambique to South Africa’s rebirth. His intimate access to world-changing events, seen through the lens of his camera, is interwoven with a sense of magical realism, exploring the idea that perhaps his deep Mayan roots have protected him and guided him to where he was meant to be. This film is a celebration of life’s intersections, where history, culture, and destiny meet in one man’s journey.