Gilroy native and filmmaker Peter Guenther dreams in full color—in the shiny golden hues found on the movie industry’s most sought-after honor: the Academy Award.
Guenther, who had the privilege of learning from an Emmy-winning writer, now has seven short films to his credit as writer, actor, producer and director.
His latest project is “F,” his seventh film. The psychological drama focuses on main character Sean’s battle through denial, anger and his decision whether or not to be involved in criminal activity. Guenther plans to show it at Gilroy and Morgan Hill theaters in the coming months.
Raised in a Christian home with seven siblings, Guenther sees films as Jesus and God films—but not in a religious way.
“A Jesus film is where grace is found and a person has a change of heart then decides to go the better path, like ‘Les Miserables,’” he said. “Whereas a God film is where a person gets his revenge and justice is done, like ‘Gladiator.’”
As a student at the University of California, Riverside he started as a business major and on a whim he took an acting class. With his love of creating and telling stories, he realized where he belonged.
“I fell in love with filmmaking,” Guenther said.
When he told his parents he was switching majors, his mother Nancy was unhappy because she thought it wasn’t a practical major. His father, William, had another perspective.
“We don’t want to stand in the way of his dreams,” he said.
At UCR, Guenther learned from one of the best in the industry: Stu Krieger, who co-wrote the Emmy award-winning mini-series “A Year in the Life”; wrote the animated classic “The Land Before Time”; and has worked with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Krieger is a tenured professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre, Film and Digital Production at UCR, where he and Guenther met.
Before he took any of Krieger’s classes, Guenther knew of his stellar reputation and resume, so he wrote a script and took it to Krieger for help. With Krieger’s supervision, Guenther’s directorial debut was a film called “Letting Go,” which was filmed entirely in Gilroy.
For two quarters he did a one-on-one independent study with Krieger, who said Guenther was one of his favorite students to work with, and then took some of his classes.
“In addition to keeping up with his studies and his duties as a member of the UCR track team, he always had incredible energy, focus, dedication and dependability to contribute to all of the of the projects he was a part of,” Krieger said. “He’s also an incredibly determined and positive person and that went a long way in making the faculty and staff want to support the work he was doing—for the department and on his own with several outside film projects.”
His advice has helped students, including Guenther, prepare for the unpredictable entertainment industry.
“Work hard, be someone people want to work with and have a realistic picture of what you’re getting into,” Krieger said. “It’s not all sunshine and autographs and you have to be prepared to ride the wave while maintaining a healthy life outside the business.”
Hard work has helped Guenther on his journey, leading to working with Krieger, creating seven films, being a Central Coast Section champion hurdler and receiving a full scholarship to UCR.
There have been hurdles along the way; following a fight with another boy, Guenther was banned from sports at Gilroy High School. He gave himself to God and dedicated himself to a healthier lifestyle. When he was reinstated back into sports his junior year, he began to thrive again under the coaching of Jeff Myers, former GHS track coach. Guenther was a star hurdler, breaking a 30-year record by winning both the 100- and 300-meter hurdles at CCS championships. He also joined the choir, singing under former director Phil Robb, and performed at Carnegie Hall.
“He was meticulous and dedicated,” Myers said. “Couple that with a good work ethic and it equals a great season.”
Although school didn’t always come easy for Guenther, his mother Nancy said he successfully fought for all of his accomplishments, including graduating from GHS with honors and catching the eye of track coaches at UCR. He received a full ride scholarship, graduating Cum Laude.
“He was never the best reader, but he was determined, focused and set high goals for himself,” Nancy said.
In addition to films, he created and directed a commercial for Doritos and entered a contest for it to be shown during the Super Bowl. If the commercial—titled “Too Sick for Church”—advances, the public can vote beginning in January. The winning commercial will be shown during the Super Bowl and the winner will receive $1 million.
Guenther’s older brother, Jeff, who owns and operates two Gilroy businesses, is one of his biggest fans—and a mentor. He believes he inspired his brother by putting God first and living by example.
“I’m so proud of him for getting a full ride scholarship to UC Riverside,” Jeff said. “His film making is impressive.”
So impressive, in fact, that his short film “BASH” was recently selected for showing at the 11th annual Another Hole in the Head film festival in San Francisco.
With faith, the love of his family and the support of great coaches and professors who have guided him along the way, Guenther has overcome life’s hurdles. He hopes the accomplishments continue and that—maybe—one day he will hold that shiny, golden statue.
