In Paraguay, much of the country’s history is preserved in books, scattered photographs, and testimonies, but very little in the form of videos. Paraguayan art director and graphic designer José Báez is trying to change that by combining artificial intelligence and traditional filmmaking tools to reconstruct historical moments and make them accessible to modern audiences.
From design to storytelling
José Baez works in visual and creative fields beyond traditional design. “I’m an art director and graphic designer. I’ve been in the advertising industry for over 20 years.”
Alongside his work at a creative agency, he is constantly exploring other forms of expression. “I’m always trying to explore, I’m driven by curiosity, I’m driven by some kind of passion, and I’m always looking for ways to express myself beyond my work,” he says. asunción times. He is interested in cinematography, photography, culture, and history, which form his visual language.
Focus on Paraguay’s history
His interest in Paraguayan history was born out of a very simple need to visualize what he was reading. Báez began this project by reading about Paraguay’s history and searching for images that didn’t exist.
“I’m very visual. When I read something, I want to look at it. It’s like a must-have for me.” He opens a new tool and tests out the scenes he’s imagined. The first results convinced him that he could show a part of Paraguay’s past that many people had never seen.
His early videos include content related to the Paraguayan War, where photographs and paintings are still scarce. He also researched the Chaco War. Encarnacion TornadoThe Tragedy of the Boat of Milignay and Adela, The Story of San Roque González de Santa Cruz. Each subject gives him a different way to reconstruct the nation’s memory.
Reconstruction of historical moments
Much of Baez’s work focuses on bringing historical experience closer to the viewer. In particular, he frequently engages with moments of conflict in Paraguay’s past, where written accounts are more common than visual records.
“I want people to feel it. I want them to feel what they felt. Sit there with the soldier and feel what he felt in the first person.”
For Baez, the goal is to place the viewer within the historical experience, to inform and create a sense of intimacy, rather than simply observing history from a distance.
Build your own story
Each project begins with extensive research. “Search, read forums, find videos on YouTube, collect photos, notes, everything you can imagine.”
Once Baez comes up with a theme, he researches it as thoroughly as possible, consulting multiple sources and gathering visual references to understand the historical context in detail. He studies photographs, documents, and videos to capture factual information and the atmosphere of the time.
From this material he constructs a perspective. “People don’t talk linearly or what’s on Wikipedia. People have positions.” Scripts are then developed, refined, and reworked throughout the process.
After structuring the story and defining what he wants to emphasize, Baez begins creating each image based on the references he has collected. He pays close attention to lighting, framing, color grading, and historical accuracy.
These images are converted into video clips. Baez records the narration, chooses music that conveys the intended emotional tone, and assembles all the elements during editing. Throughout the process, I often add new details or replace scenes to ensure the final piece fully reflects my original intent.
Baez describes his workflow as a combination of artificial intelligence and traditional creative tools. His AI tools include ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Kling AI, while his traditional software includes Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
For him, technology is a tool, never a substitute for artistic vision. “During our evolution as humans, tools have always accompanied us,” he reflects.
He compares current changes in technology to previous changes in the history of art. “Painters didn’t disappear when photography came along. They created new movements. Tools don’t replace artists; they add new forms.”
Viewer reaction and future direction
Baez was surprised by the level of social interest his work generated. “There were a lot of people who wanted to know and want to know more.” Viewers often shared the videos across generations and used them to reaffirm their national identity. He also noticed strong reactions from Paraguayans living abroad, expressing nostalgia and emotional connection to the content.
For him, the project is still in development and has great potential for expansion. “This is just the beginning,” he says. He envisions a wide range of formats, from short videos to larger-scale productions, including documentaries and film projects.
Follow Jose Baez on Instagram to learn more about his work.
Please also read asunción times Exclusive interview with Paraguayan film director Marcelo Martinez.
