Buenos Aires-based Martin Hodara has been working in still photography, commercials, and narrative films since he was a teenager. Free Market Films founders Beth Kinder and Ed Nammour met Martin in the capacity of 1st AD, on the first project they ever shot in Argentina, back in the olden times when dinosaurs roamed the earth and cameras were made of wood.

They all became fast friends, until, perhaps inevitably, Beth learned that Martin had become a director. Foolishly rolling her eyes and barking about “everyone is a director” Beth ignored the reel, using it as a paperweight, for several weeks. (yes paperweight, because DVDs were not ubiquitous yet, particularly in Argentina, where it is well known that everyone lives in tee-pees. I understand they are just now learning about the InterWeb, and the whole “link” thing.)

Finally looking at the reel, Beth admitted to what a big fat idiot she really was (and often still is, perhaps, depending on who you talk to). Martin’s work combines a photographer’s eye with a dry wit, and a sophisticated yet straightforward attitude. He has not only the patience to work with children and animals, he enjoys doing so. The simple fact that he understands them, generally speaking as well as individuals, is readily evident in his work.

Holding an O-1 visa, Martin is able to shoot stateside, as well as in his native Argentina. His Buenos Aires production company, Palermo Films, is a sister company to Free Market Films. Click the link to check out their site.