Speakers from across the University community recently took to the stage at Centennial Hall to deliver a series of inspiring talks as part of TEDxUArizona: Spirit of Wonder. The School of Theatre, Film & Television was represented by Alexandra Cerna (BFA FTV ’21), who screened her short film Treasures Beneath My Tree before speaking about the sources of inspiration behind her vibrant filmmaking and photography.
Treasures Beneath My Tree, Cerna’s senior thesis short film, combines stop motion with live action in a fantastical tribute to a magical childhood. After making its debut at I Dream in Widescreen in 2021, the film went on to become a festival hit, connecting with audiences of all ages across the country and around the planet, from the Academy Award qualifying Chicago International Children’s Film Festival to San Diego Comic Con, to festivals in India, France, Switzerland and Australia, to name a few.
Throughout her work, Cerna celebrates nature and humanity in all its vibrant colors. Drawing from her Mexican and Irish American heritage, Cerna taps into the vitality of mariachi, everyday magic, and powerful women artists.
“It was truly an exhilarating experience as an artist to be on a TED stage,” Cerna reflects. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my art and speak on my life with a platform such as TED. I’ll never forget the feeling I had when I first stepped onto the stage!”
Cerna’s talk was introduced by Director of Advancement and External Relations, Kerryn Negus. In consultation with faculty, Negus spearheads the school’s festivals and awards program. She works with emerging filmmakers like Cerna to develop tailored festival and marketing strategies around their films.
“From the moment I watched Treasures Beneath My Tree, I had a feeling it would go far. And it did, quite literally,” says Negus. “For me, the power of Alexandra’s filmmaking vision resides in her ability to convey onto the screen a sense of wonder, and to remind us of the power and beauty in holding on to that as we grow older.”
Cerna’s live talk was recorded and is now part of TEDx Talks on YouTube. The renowned library of talks, which celebrates locally-driven ideas and elevates them to a global stage, has 40 million subscribers.
TEDxUArizona is presented by the University of Arizona Executive Office of the President, the Office of the Provost, the Office for Research, Innovation and Impact, and University Marketing & Communications.