Luis Palomo

1954 - 2021

Luis Palomo
February 20, 1954 - January 14, 2021
Miami, Florida - The life of beloved Cuban American film director Luis Palomo will be celebrated today, February 20th, the day that would have marked his 67th birthday. Luis passed away on January 14, 2021 at University of Miami Hospital from complications caused by COVID-19.
Born in Holguín, Cuba to the late Ñico and Mary Palomo, he is survived by six siblings, Tony, Mercy (Gloria), Manolo (Odette), Martin, Pepe (Maggie) and Rosa, as well as a niece, nephews and godchildren.
As the co-founder of Pigeon Productions, along with his sister Mercy, he achieved career success directing commercials and documentaries for the Hispanic market from 1983 to 2001. Notable projects include a commercial he directed for McDonald's starring Cuban salsa icon Celia Cruz, as well as commercials for Crest, Toyota, Coca Cola and Heineken. In 2000, he directed and produced feature film ""Feliz Christmas, Merry Navidad"", which is watched around the world on YouTube, especially during the holiday season. He was also a founding member of the City of Miami's Arts & Entertainment Council.
Luis graduated from La Salle High School in 1972, receiving the Miami Herald's prestigious Silver Knight Award. Included in the award was a course taught by an established filmmaker who, upon completion of the course, offered Luis a job that would launch his career in film. In 1975, Luis moved to Columbus, OH to attend film school at The Ohio State University, one of only two Latinos in the program.
Luis was an avid collector of contemporary Cuban art, making numerous trips to Cuba to meet artists.
A die-hard environmentalist, Luis was a founding member of the National Nature Conservation Association in Panama (ANCON). He designed and built a Platinum LEED Certified home in Cermeño, Panama, the first of its kind in Central America.
In 2018 he authored the book Secrets of a Gay Film Director, published in Spanish and sold on Amazon.com.
Renowned for his signature fashion style, Luis often wore two different colored high-tops, Panamanian crafted mola shirts and statement jackets. His talent for forging friendships, his larger-than-life personality, and his confidence in creating a life true to himself will be long remembered and admired by those who knew him.
A virtual tribute will be held for him via Zoom this evening, February 20th at 6pm. For more information contact mercedes@ondafilms.net. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to ASPCA or Surfrider Foundation Miami (Rise Above Plastics) to support Luis's favorite charitable causes.