Image Student Degree Bachelor of Fine Arts Areas of Study Filmmaking Location Lakeville, Minnesota Describe the work you submitted for merits. To Whomever it May Concern: (2020); An experimental documentary that explores the amalgam of identities that accompany being an immigrant in the USA. Five channels of footage are sewn together to depict qualities of Filipino-American assimilation amidst American dominance. An Eternal March (2020); A video journal that encapsulates the uncertain atmosphere from the beginning of quarantine. This short is a combination of my journal entries written between March and May 2020 and footage shot in the Fall of 2020. Delicate Living Memory (2021); Minneapolis-based Filmmaker Torey Erin discusses her work, the inspiration for it, and an intimately morbid experience that she encountered at a state park. This documentary incorporates footage of Erin, alongside her own 16mm and Super 8 film. Why did you decide to come to MCAD? My choices were between SAIC in Chicago, and MCAD. I chose Minneapolis because they offered me a better deal in financial aid. I initially came to art school for animation, and SAIC didn't have the kinds of programs that I was looking for. What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond? Right now I am developing a story for my senior project. In writing this short film I intend direct it in my senior year and send it to film festivals in 2022. In the next five years I aim to plant roots in Minnesota and build a network of relationships locally. Depending on how life plays out, I have also put some thought into pursuing a masters in either Screenwriting or Directing in California. Favorite thing about college life (so far)? So many things. I'm a resident assistant, so I live alone, and that itself is such a blessing. But I'm grateful for all the friendships that I have, new and old (s/o to Bawls). There are so many creatives, so inspiration is here for you, but only if you're willing to receive it. What's the best thing you've got from MCAD's free shelf? Because of the pandemic, it's been a hot minute since I pulled anything off of there. But back when it did exist, I stumbled on a copy of the Catholic Catechism my sophomore year. As a practicing Catholic, this was definitely the best steal. What inspires you? Number one thing is observing interactions between people: family, friends, and strangers. So many stories that we love are based in reality, and the infinite quality of making things that mimic reality drives my work. I'm a boy scout at heart, so sitting in the silence of nature brings me a lot of peace. When I spend time alone, I find myself people watching, admiring the birds and animals, and taking it all in to remind myself that I am part of the whole. Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it! My favorite fine art piece that I made is a series of screen prints. I took Print Paper Book Techniques in the fall of 2020, and this one takes the cake. I garnered inspiration from Grand Marais Harbor in northern Minnesota. The prints are tabloid size, and the base color changes depending on the color of the paper they are printed on. I sold 7/10 at the Art Sale, and gifted the rest to family members. The composition is the view of the harbor, and the watch tower at the edge of the dock. It is backdropped by the Saw Tooth Mountains, with a clean circle in the sky. I let the viewer decide if it's a sun or a moon; night or day. I can't wait to make more prints in the future! Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? I'm really digging the look of the Hong Kong New Wave, and Taiwanese New Wave film movements. The color grading, and story direction reminds me of old photographs from the 70s of my parents when they were my age. I hope to make films in the future that evoke this quality, but with the essence of my Filipino ancestry. What's your favorite place to go in Minneapolis? I love biking around the city by myself and exploring different places. The chain of lakes in the western part of Minneapolis are a real treat, especially after a long day of classes. Bde Maka Ska and Lake Harriet are great places to walk and bike to clear your head.