School of Theatre, Film & Television alum Diana Cadena (BA Film & Television, ’21) has won a Regional Emmy® for her work on the Arizona Public Media documentary John is Colorblind. She also earned a nomination for a second Emmy® for Navajo Weavers.
John is Colorblind follows five individuals using corrective glasses that allow them to see colors that they never detected before. Cadena was a videographer on the film alongside Bob Lindberg and Eryka Dellenbach. The film was produced by Cáit NíSíomón, edited by Danny Sax, with graphics from John DeSoto.
After graduating from TFTV, Diana began working at KOLD as a video journalist before moving to her current videographer position at AZPM while also working as a freelance filmmaker in the camera department. “Working as a videographer within journalism for three years has shaped the kind of filmmaker and storyteller I want to become. I love being able to share impactful, educational, and motivational stories about the community to the community,” she shares.
“The most important thing I learned during my time in the TFTV program was how to network and know how to talk about myself and my work,” reflects Diana. “This is only the start of my career, and this Emmy is a reminder that there is more work to be done. I am proud of the achievements I’ve had as a Latina woman in film and so very thankful to every kind soul who has helped me along the way.”
The awards, which honor excellence in television, were announced at a recent ceremony presented by the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.