Diego Rafecas

Diego Rafecas was an Argentine actor and director, born in Buenos Aires on May 3, 1970. He is most recognized for his work in film, including the 2005 movie "Un Buda" (A Buddha), where he served as both director and actor.

Early Life and Education

Rafecas's journey into the arts began at age 17 with acting studies under the guidance of Cristina Banegas, a notable Argentine actress. His debut as an actor occurred two years later in a play directed by Banegas. Concurrently, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Buenos Aires.

Spiritual Practice

During his university years, Rafecas also commenced his study of Zen Buddhism. He practiced under Stephane Kosen Thibaut, who was a Dharma heir to the Japanese Master Deshimaru. This spiritual path ran parallel to his developing career in filmmaking.

Cinematic Career

Rafecas's interest in filmmaking led him to make his first short film, "The Good Life," during his college tenure. He further honed his directing skills by studying with Eduardo Milewicz, under whose mentorship he wrote and directed the short film "Living in New York," which garnered significant awards at national festivals.

Filmography Highlights

His directorial work includes short films such as "El secuestro" (2001) and "Vivir en Nueva York" (2005), as well as features like "Rodney" (2008), "Paco" (2009), "Cruzadas" (2011), and "Ley Primera" (2017). As an actor, he appeared in "La buena vida" (2002), "Vivir en Nueva York" (2005), "A Buddha" (2005), and "Ley Primera" (2017), among others.

Later Life and Death

Diego Rafecas passed away on April 18, 2017, at the age of 46, following an illness that required hospitalization. His contributions to Argentine cinema and his exploration of spiritual themes left a notable mark.