Born in 1985 and raised in the rugged landscapes of South Texas and along the Gulf of Mexico, Tito West’s early life was shaped by a profound connection to the natural world. This foundation inspired a lifelong pursuit of exploration, leading him to spend the last 20 years working on immersive projects across Africa, South America, and beyond. Tito’s creative journey began in the early 2000’s when he discovered photography while living in Africa. Initially a means of answering personal questions and chasing stories that captivated him, his photography evolved into a gateway to documentary filmmaking. Over the years, he established himself as a Director of Photography on numerous projects around the world, blending his visual storytelling expertise with his passion for authentic narratives.
Mato Grosso is his first feature film, a narrative inspired by his transformative experiences working in Brazil. Originally conceived as a documentary, the project evolved into a feature film to fully capture its rich and complex character arcs. This pivot revealed Tito’s calling as a narrative filmmaker, a craft that allows him to integrate his skills in writing, photography and cinematography into a singular, impactful medium. In 2024, Tito published his first monograph of photography, Another Life, showcasing his belief in the power of images to foster connection and understanding across boundaries. When he’s not working on projects in Africa or Brazil, Tito lives in South Texas with his wife and three children, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the world he’s come to know.