Felipe Téllez Wins Big at the Premios Macondo, Colombia’s Most Prestigious Film Awards
Felipe Téllez MM ’15
Image courtesy of Felipe Téllez
Filipe Téllez MM '15 is a Colombian-Canadian composer who attended the scoring for film, television, and video games program at Berklee Valencia, graduating in 2015. Since then, he has worked extensively across feature films, television, and recorded albums, and has taught composition and music production at several Canadian institutions.
It feels like recognition for the years of work it takes to forge a career and knowledge in the field of film music—
His latest project—writing the soundtrack for the film Estimados señores—was recently recognized at the Premios Macondo, Colombia’s most prestigious film awards given by the Academy of Colombian Cinema. This year, Estimados señores swept the awards with nine wins, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Original Music awarded to Téllez.
“It was a pleasure to work alongside director Patricia Castañeda and bring to life such an important Colombian story from our recent past,” said Téllez.
The film explores women’s suffrage in 1950s Colombia, following historical figure Esmeralda Arboleda. During a pivotal assembly debate, she encounters fierce opposition and a personal crisis when her son is injured, forcing her to choose between her family and her cause.
“The soundtrack aims to accompany the intimate and emotional scenes, rather than dominate them,” he explained. Drawing upon his Colombian roots, Téllez mixed folkloric instrumentation with modern production techniques to underscore the story’s emotion and atmosphere. “I combined Colombian folk instruments, analogue synthesizers, and a palette of orchestral sounds. This blend became the soundtrack's signature sound.”
Receiving the Macondo Award for Best Original Music “has been an incredible feeling. It means receiving the support of filmmakers and creators from my homeland, Colombia, and it feels like recognition for the years of work it takes to forge a career and knowledge in the field of film music.”
Téllez’s journey from his time at Berklee Valencia to his growing body of work in Canada, Colombia, and beyond reflects a dedication to connecting culture and craft through music. This award marks a highlight in his career celebrating not only his artistic vision, but also his commitment to musical storytelling that bridges tradition and innovation.