Humans of Orlando | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Humans Of Orlando: Filmmaker Valentina Duarte

A different lense with a new perspective.

70
Humans Of Orlando: Filmmaker Valentina Duarte
https://www.pexels.com/@markusspiske?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels

Valentina Duarte is a filmmaker and student at UCF. I sat down with her to talk about her daily life and interests:

Q: Tell me a little about yourself!

I am 19 years old and from Jacksonville, Florida! I go to UCF and I am in the Film BFA program. My hobbies are writing and drawing. Beyond writing for Odyssey, I also enjoy writing short stories and poems. My drawings are mostly portraits because I think it is really fascinating how diverse humans are. I usually draw when I am feeling stressed and need to take my mind off of things. My dream is to become a film director. I am a huge fan of A24, which is the studio that made Lady Bird, Moonlight, and Ex Machina, and I would love to work with them on a film in the future.

Q: What type of videos do you produce/film?

I work on student films and they have mostly been dramas. I am currently working on an action film with a club at UCF. So far, I have been an Assistant Director, Casting Director, and Screenwriter for the films I have worked on at UCF.

Q: What got you into filming?

My whole life I knew I wanted to study something art related, but it wasn't until I saw 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' in 8th grade that I decided that I wanted to pursue filmmaking. That film truly touched my heart and I wanted to be able to make films with the same kind of impact.

Q: Who do you look up to in the creative/filming industry?

I look up to Christopher Nolan, Jordan Peele, David Fincher, Ava DuVernay, and Greta Gerwig. They are all absolutely amazing directors and I am inspired by each of them in different ways. My favorite genre of films is Psychological Thrillers and I hope to make something as intense and unique as Inception, which is my all-time favorite film. However, I also want to be able to intertwine the struggles that the Latinx community faces into the plot of the film, like what Peele did with "Get Out" and the Black community.

Q: what do you think is the importance of filming and expression?

Filmmaking is extremely important because it serves as a mirror of our society and should be used as a tool to bring attention to injustices and also to expose the public to diverse groups of people. A film can introduce someone to a topic or a culture that they may have otherwise never learned about, which can then make them more accepting of people that are different from themselves.

Q: What are your goals in 2019 for your videos?

My goal in 2019 is to start my own YouTube channel. I would like to be able to post my own short films and movie reviews.

Q: What can you say to someone that wants to get into filming?

If you want to get into filmmaking, my best advice would be to get together with people that also have that interest and see what you can all come up with. I am in a film production club at UCF and it makes it a lot easier to be able to create films! I also recommend going to school to study Film production. I have been learning a lot in my classes so far and it is been interesting to hear the experiences my professors have had while working in the industry. Also, watch as many films as you can! That is the best way to find out what kind of films you would enjoy making!

Q: How has the online platform change the way you're able to produce and be creative?

The internet has definitely made it easier for people to give their films more exposure. It has also made it easier to find a cast and crew for films. Facebook is a popular platform for this at UCF and it has become my main resource in finding out what films are being made and who is looking for acting and filmmaking experience.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

122018
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

26540
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

24882
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments