The Non-Biological Mexican
About the Film
In the heart of Seoul, South Korea, a man named Jung-Su Lee has dedicated his life to mastering the art of Mexican cuisine. The Non-Biological Mexican explores his journey—how an unexpected connection to a distant culture reshaped his identity, and in turn, challenges what it truly means to belong. Through his story, filmmaker Joseph Balderas reflects on his own relationship with heritage, identity, and the blurred lines between culture and personal meaning.
Director: Joseph Balderas
Producer: Joseph Balderas
South Korea, United States // 2025 // Documentary // Los Shorts
15 minutes
About the Filmmaker
Joseph Balderas is a 33-year-old filmmaker from McAllen, Texas, located in the Rio Grande Valley. He holds a BA in English/Theater and an MFA in Screenwriting. Originally, he used filmmaking as a bonding experience between himself and childhood friends, but ultimately fell in love with telling stories visually. He was captivated with unlocking the mysteries of the movies he had grown up with and implementing the “movie magic” in his own projects. He often tells stories exploring the human condition as it relates to his life and own personal experiences in hopes of relaying messages of universal truth.
