2025/26 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Dante Alejandro Garcia Luna

How/why did you choose your major?

When I first arrived at MCAD, I was completely unsure about the career I wanted to pursue. Initially, I was drawn to animation or a major in comics. However, I realized I had always had a fascination with movies and TV shows, and how they are made. I was captivated by the concept of visually narrating stories through moving images and sound. After my experience in my foundation media classes, my interest in filmmaking only grew stronger. In that moment, I made a decision to pursue Filmmaking as my major.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

La Muerte Viva narrative Film that tells the story of a newborn Aztec god searching for their family. However, in their search, they are confronted with a revelation; they must lead and guide the next generation of their people into the future.

Virgo MN Portrait documentary serves as a tribute to my friends’ local punk rock band here in Minneapolis.

Mixed in America. As a mixed-race individual, I felt compelled to share the experiences and stories of other mixed Americans, in order to create this sense of connection and understanding.

Each of these works I submitted represent very personal and important aspects of who I am not only as a person, but as a storyteller and filmmaker.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

During high school, I had the intention of going into engineering and architecture. However, I was advised to seek colleges that could offer the chance to showcase my artistic talents. That’s when I discovered MCAD. After extensive research on the school, I firmly believed that MCAD was the perfect fit for me to begin my journey into the art career.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I plan to start and complete a short horror film in my senior year with a crew and the skills I have learned in my MCAD career.

Beyond my career at MCAD? I aim to continue my education, potentially heading to Mexico to be closer to my heritage and to search for opportunities to set my footing into the world of professional filmmaking.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My favorite thing here at MCAD is all the people I have met. From my amazing professors to my wonderful roommates, I feel that I have created this bond with the people here at MCAD that I will greatly appreciate and be thankful for the rest of my life.

What inspires you?

Movies! Comics! Stories! I have always wanted to create these worlds and stories and I love exploring the many different ways to express them. But importantly, the most inspirational thing to me, is are my parents and my cultural roots.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

My favorite piece I have made is the La Muerte Viva film. I choose this as my favorite because it is the film where I challenged myself to implement a part my heritage in film form. I also believe it serves as a powerful reflection of the experiences of searching for a sense of oneself. And honestly I really enjoyed creating the mask and working with my good friend for the movie.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I recently rekindled an old childhood obsession with the LEGO franchise called Bionicle. I came across a video that delved deeply into the lore and storytelling of the franchise, which triggered a flood of memories about why I genuinely enjoyed Bionicle.

Lastly, do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it!

I am frequently asked about which popular video game, comic, book or existing movie franchise I would choose to adapt into a movie or show. Initially, I was uncertain about my answer, but I always enjoyed imagining the process of writing scripts and shooting scenes for these stories. However, in this moment, I would choose the BIOSHOCK video game. This is because Bioshock offers an incredibly rich and diverse range of intriguing social and political content, and beautiful art deco aesthetics within its narrative.

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

I found a kitchen knife set, which was an absolute victory for me because I love to cook (that is whenever I find the time to cook). I still use and take very good care of that set.