Erika Valenciana: Chicana Filmmaker In Chicago & Beyond | Bio & Films
What does it take to capture the heart and soul of a city, to tell stories that resonate with audiences, and to champion voices often unheard? Erika Valenciana, a Latina filmmaker hailing from Chicago, is doing just that, one frame at a time.
From the bustling streets of Chicago to the prestigious Festival de Cannes, Valenciana's lens has been focused on narratives that explore complex social issues, celebrate cultural identity, and illuminate the human experience. Her work transcends mere filmmaking; it's a form of activism, a testament to the power of storytelling to connect, educate, and inspire. With a BA in Film & Video from Columbia College Chicago, Valenciana has honed her craft, creating a body of work that is both impactful and deeply personal.
Valenciana's journey in the world of cinema is marked by a dedication to her craft and a passion for amplifying the voices of her community. Her films, including "Punk Show in Chicago," "Broken Flight," and "La Mitad del Mundo," demonstrate her versatility as a filmmaker, tackling diverse subjects with sensitivity and skill. Whether documenting the vibrant punk scene of her hometown or exploring themes of displacement and identity, Valenciana approaches each project with a commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity.
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| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Erika Valenciana |
| Occupation | Filmmaker, Printmaker, Teaching Artist |
| Nationality | Latina, Chicana |
| City of Residence | Chicago, Illinois; Currently lives in Houston, TX |
| Education | Film & Video BA, Columbia College Chicago |
| Notable Works | "Punk Show in Chicago," "Broken Flight," "La Mitad del Mundo," "Athina" |
| Film Festival Screenings | Festival de Cannes (for "Athina"), Chicago International Film Festival (for "Broken Flight" and "Punk Show in Chicago") |
| Awards/Recognition | Winner of the Pitch at the 9th edition of Industry Days at the Chicago International Film Festival (for "Punk Show in Chicago") |
| Teaching Experience | Teaching Artist for Urban Gateways, The Center for Community Arts Partnerships, Street Level, Changing Worlds, Marwen |
| Collaborators | Mitchell Wenkus (Producer, Cinematographer, Collaborator) |
| Supported By | Tribeca Film Institute, Kartemquin Films, Stowe Story Labs, Cine Qua Non Lab, Chicagos Department of Cultural Affairs, Illinois Arts Council, Puffin Foundation, Allied Media Conference, DC |
| LinkedIn Profile | View Erika Valenciana's Profile |
The Chicago International Film Festival has recognized her talent and vision. "The Punk Show in Chicago," a comedy co-written and directed by Valenciana, secured victory at the 9th edition of Industry Days. This film, produced by Anuradha Rana and executive produced by Christina Shaver, tells the story of Alicia, a shy Chicana punk teen, and her spirited Filipina best friend, Belen, as they embark on a journey to Chicago. This recognition highlights Valenciana's ability to blend humor and heart, creating stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
Another notable work in her filmography is "Broken Flight," a documentary short co-directed and produced by Valenciana and Mitchell Wenkus. This film, part of the "City & State Shorts Series," sheds light on the efforts of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors as they collaborate with the Field Museum and the Willowbrook Wildlife Center. "Broken Flight" underscores Valenciana's commitment to documenting important social issues and her dedication to creating films that inform and engage.
Valenciana's contributions extend beyond the screen. She is an educator and a teaching artist, working with organizations like Urban Gateways, The Center for Community Arts Partnerships, Street Level, Changing Worlds, and Marwen. Through her teaching, she empowers the next generation of filmmakers and artists, sharing her knowledge and passion for storytelling.
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Her film "Athina," a short film on teenage pregnancy, was screened at the prestigious Festival de Cannes, demonstrating her global impact and the universal appeal of her storytelling. This achievement speaks volumes about her ability to create compelling narratives that captivate audiences on an international scale.
Valenciana's work has garnered support from esteemed institutions such as the Tribeca Film Institute, Kartemquin Films, and the Illinois Arts Council, underscoring the significance of her contributions to the film industry and the positive impact of her storytelling.
The collaborative nature of her projects is also evident. She often partners with individuals like Mitchell Wenkus, who serves as a producer and cinematographer on several of her films, demonstrating her ability to foster creative partnerships and bring diverse talents together.
Valenciana's presence extends to various platforms, including Facebook and LinkedIn, where she connects with other filmmakers, artists, and community members. Through these platforms, she shares her work, engages in discussions about film, and promotes her projects.
Valencianas films often touch upon themes of identity, community, and social justice, reflecting her commitment to telling stories that matter. Her work reflects her deep connection to her Chicana heritage and her dedication to representing the experiences of marginalized communities. She is a storyteller, printmaker, and teaching artist who received a film and video degree from Columbia College Chicago.
The film "Broken Flight" is a compelling example of her documentary work. It follows the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors and their collaboration with the Field Museum and Willowbrook Wildlife Center, shedding light on the important issue of bird conservation in an urban environment.
Valenciana's connection to Chicago is also evident in her personal life. While her current residence is listed as Houston, TX, her work and achievements are deeply rooted in the Chicago artistic and cultural landscape.
The future holds even more promise for Erika Valenciana as she continues to create films, educate, and inspire. Her dedication to storytelling, her commitment to social issues, and her artistic vision make her a vital voice in contemporary cinema.
Valenciana's ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and artistry, combined with her dedication to community, ensures that her films will continue to be celebrated and discussed for years to come.
The film "Broken Flight" is a powerful example of Valenciana's ability to tell compelling stories. This documentary short, co-directed and produced by Valenciana and Mitchell Wenkus, forms part of the city & state shorts series. It focuses on the work of the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, showing how they collaborate with the Field Museum and Willowbrook Wildlife Center.
Mitchell Wenkus and Ben Nissen contributed original music. The music recording and mixing was handled by Chris Otepka, Adam Tisdale, and Steven Wilson.
"The Punk Show in Chicago" is a comedy that tells the story of Alicia, a shy Chicana punk teen, and her brash Filipina best friend Belen, who travel to Chicago. It was written and directed by Erika Valenciana, produced by Anuradha Rana, and executive produced by Christina Shaver.
Erika Valenciana's work is more than just filmmaking; it is a reflection of her identity and a commitment to giving voice to the stories that matter. As an award-winning Chicana filmmaker from Chicago, she has dedicated her career to creating films that resonate with audiences, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the richness of her community. With a film & video BA from Columbia College Chicago, she has directed and collaborated on several social issue documentaries.
Valenciana's impact also extends to education. She works as a teaching artist for various organizations in Chicago, including Urban Gateways, The Center for Community Arts Partnerships, Street Level, Changing Worlds, and Marwen. Her dedication to education and her ability to connect with students make her a vital mentor for the next generation of filmmakers.
Her portfolio showcases her commitment to the film industry and her ability to engage with different narratives. Her work has been supported by Tribeca Film Institute, Kartemquin Films, Stowe Story Labs, Cine Qua Non Lab, Chicagos Department of Cultural Affairs, Illinois Arts Council, Puffin Foundation, Allied Media Conference.
Beyond her films, Valenciana actively participates in film festivals and community events, connecting with audiences and sharing her insights and experiences. Her work underscores her dedication to fostering dialogues and promoting social justice through the art of filmmaking.
The upcoming film festival circuit and community events will certainly be exciting for her audience. She is a graduate of the film & video program at Columbia College Chicago. She has been invited as special guest in many events.
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