Dani Díaz: Pioneering Peruvian Casting Director Returns Home After International Success

Dani Díaz, a highly sought-after casting director, is returning to Peru following a successful international career spanning Spain, the United States, and Colombia. Her recent achievement, the premiere of her first voice casting project in animation, BOBs, at the Málaga Film Festival, marks a new chapter in her already impressive career.

From International Stages to Peruvian Shores

Díaz has led over 100 casting processes for film, television, animation, and advertising, developing a unique methodology that blends European precision with Latin American sensitivity. Her work extends beyond simply filling roles; she focuses on building casts that provide identity and narrative power to each story.

The Málaga Film Festival, which presented the 29th edition in 2025, served as the launchpad for BOBs, showcasing Díaz’s expanding skillset into voice casting [1].

A Career Defined by Recognition and Innovation

Díaz’s contributions to the film industry have garnered significant recognition. Her work on the short film La Niña Tatuada (The Tattooed Girl) earned 54 official selections and awards at festivals in Spain and Argentina, highlighting the impact of her casting choices. She received accolades including Best Andalusian Short Film at the Casares Festival, Best Actress at Santurtzi Zine Jaialdia, and the Audience Award at Mairena Film Festival [2].

Recent projects like FRI(G)IDA quickly gained international attention, securing festival selections shortly after their debut. Díaz has as well collaborated with prominent brands like Decathlon, Montana Colors, and KOI (vodka), and musical artists such as Nia Correia and Guaynaa, and SEYE and Álex Ubago [1].

Training and Professional Affiliations

Díaz honed her skills through the Master’s Degree in Casting Direction led by Eva Leira and Yolanda Serrano in Spain. She then brought these European best practices to Latin America. Her logistical capabilities were demonstrated in Colombia, where she coordinated a casting process involving over 600 applicants over 16 days, incorporating street casting and in-person callbacks [2].

Currently, Díaz is a member of the Worldwide Audiovisual Women’s Association (WAWA), becoming the first casting director to join the organization, further solidifying her commitment to diversity and gender equality in the industry [2].

A New Era for Peruvian Casting

Díaz’s return to Peru signifies a commitment to elevating the standards of casting in the region. She aims to promote new local productions with international appeal and create opportunities for Peruvian talent to gain global recognition. “Casting is the moment when a story stops being an idea and begins to turn into real,” Díaz states, a philosophy that drives her work [1].

Her trajectory exemplifies adaptability, innovation, and a dedication to excellence across various formats, positioning Peru as a rising force in the global audiovisual landscape.