B.A., in Philosophy, California State University, Northridge
MFA, Film/Animation/Video, University of Illinois Chicago

My community building process of engagement across borders and nations, across socio-economic, racial and gender lines has helped me to refine my pedagogy.

As a diasporic filmmaker, multimedia artist, writer and philosopher, I engage the intersectionality of marginalized communities in ways that defy expectations of the dominant culture. When we, the scholars, activists and artists, put our own liberation at stake next to those who suffer from disenfranchisements, we find leadership and wisdom in the very marginalized population we seek to assist. These particular agendas are not only at the forefront of my scholarly endeavors; they are very much embedded in my overall teaching practice.

In my classrooms, I ask students to think of themselves not only as learners but encourage them to be media producers of change. I therefore stress that key to their storytelling practice is an attention to audience, message, creativity, and intent. As the instructor, I supplement the theoretical with the practical and work closely with students so that they are comfortable with filmmaking as a multifaceted technical practice and artistic mode. I also focus specifically on the craft of filmmaking, which involves a serious engagement with cinema history, film criticism, film production, and film review. I then push students to consider the possibilities of film as a medium of social change, reminding them that they are in the unique position as artists, storytellers, and critics.