There are a few people in life who, upon meeting them, shift your entire perspective. Daniel Marin Medina is one of those rare individuals. A Colombian-born artist, runner, dancer, and Berlin resident, Daniel has a unique talent for blending self-expression with resilience. His work, which spans painting, drawing, and community-building, delves into themes of body positivity, sexuality, and identity, particularly through his fascination with the human form. He brings this vision to life not only in his art but also in his role as a co-founder of Wayv Run Kollektiv - a Berlin-based community focused on empowering marginalized and underrepresented identities in the running world, including queer, Black, and brown athletes.
When Oakley invited us to create an inspiring story for their Be Who You Are lifestyle campaign, the idea of spotlighting Daniel felt like the perfect fit. In this short documentary, we explore his life in Berlin, capturing his journey from a Parsons-trained illustrator in New York to a community leader in Berlin, where he has found a unique space to advocate for visibility and diversity in both art and sport. Running is more than a physical endeavor for Daniel; it’s a powerful mental journey, one that has helped him navigate personal challenges and deepen his connection to his art and community.
Through this film, we aim to show the courage it takes to truly embrace one’s identity and share it openly - a quality Daniel embodies and which Oakley celebrates. Daniel’s story is an inspiring reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the beauty of authenticity, two forces that have the power to connect us all.
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