The Rise of Cody Dades: A Young Filmmaker Taking Over Las Vegas

Las Vegas is home to an abundance of talent, with a thriving underground creative scene that you have to be part of to truly understand. One filmmaker making waves in the city is 19-year-old Cody Dades, a born-and-raised Las Vegan with a deep passion for his hometown. Despite his young age, Dades has already built an impressive portfolio, including abstract films like Open Waters.

Dades' main gig is videography, frequently working with local musicians and rappers on the rise in Sin City. His signature style—an edgy, camcorder aesthetic—gives his work a raw, nostalgic feel that makes viewers feel like they're part of something exclusive. His debut film, Escape, captured the essence of the local skate scene at the biggest skatepark in Nevada, an intentional tribute to the city he loves.

His latest documentary, Music in the Meadows, highlights prominent figures in the Las Vegas arts community, including Playboy Jay, CuddleThot, Wes "Lost Not, Found," and more. Through this film, Dades solidified his artistic mission: to carve out his own lane in Vegas' creative scene through abstract filmmaking and storytelling.

Breaking New Ground with Open Waters

In 2024, Dades collaborated with The Vegas Creative Network, premiering Open Waters at Taverna Costera, a key cultural venue in the city. The premiere was accompanied by performances from six poets, who explored the theme of artistic fluidity—how being an artist requires adapting and flowing like water to connect to his film Open Waters. Since then, Dades has continued to showcase his work at major events like the Ess West Festival, The Desert Muse Award Ceremony, and the 24-Hour Earthbound Livestream.

Interview with Cody Dades

We had the opportunity to sit down with Dades and discuss his journey as a filmmaker, his

creative process, and what lies ahead.

At just 19, you've already had a legendary run with Open Waters. What first got you into

filmmaking, and how did you develop your abstract storytelling style?

"I've always had a camera in my hand & tried to push the boundaries of how to tell a story or convey an idea... And I think abstract filmmaking is the most authentic & raw way to do just that."

"Open Waters was my first release demonstrating my esoteric & abstract signature in storytelling/filmmaking... Deeply impacting my process as a Director during the production of the film."

What's your ultimate goal in filmmaking? Do you see yourself staying in the indie space, or do you have dreams of major studios?

"I just wanna grow in the indie circuit of filmmaking while I still have the privilege to at a relatively early start to my directorial career, but best believe my ambitions aim for the top as I grow a catalog of avant-garde cult classics."

What’s the biggest lesson you've learned so far that you’d pass on to other young filmmakers trying to break through?

“The biggest lesson I've learned is that creating is not an arc like in a film but a constant continuing saga of growth and evolution... It's as simple as it gets, the uncharted sea of life."

What’s Next for Cody Dades?

Dades is currently working on a new horror short film titled Strano. He has teamed up with Desert Scorpion, a well-known local videographer, and Gaia Speaks, the founder of The Vegas Creative Network, to bring this project to life. His relentless dedication to his craft and unwavering consistency set him apart as an artist who continuously pushes boundaries.

Cody Dades is undoubtedly a filmmaker to watch. Despite his youth, he has already proven himself as a visionary who is deeply committed to both his art and his community. As someone who has had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him, it’s clear—Dades is a

passionate artist who refuses to let anything stand in the way of his creative journey.