Renowned Filipino-American documentary filmmaker Ramona Diaz has established herself as a prominent figure in the film industry, with a feature-length filmography that has garnered widespread recognition and accolades at esteemed international film festivals.
Her extensive body of work includes the critically acclaimed film Imelda, released in 2004, which explored the life and legacy of former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos.
In 2011, Diaz released The Learning, a documentary that shed light on the lives of young students in the Philippines and their struggles to access quality education.
Diaz's subsequent film, Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey, premiered in 2012 and followed the story of Arnel Pineda, the lead vocalist of the iconic rock band Journey, as he navigated his journey from poverty to stardom.
In 2017, Diaz released Motherland, a documentary that delved into the lives of Filipino women and their experiences in the Philippines and abroad.
Diaz's latest film, A Thousand Cuts, was released in 2020 and chronicles the struggles of journalist Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, as she fights for press freedom and truth in the face of growing authoritarianism in the Philippines.
Noteworthy recognition was bestowed upon Motherland, a documentary of great importance, as it took home an esteemed award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, a prestigious event that showcases the most innovative and thought-provoking films from around the world.
Furthermore, Motherland made its international debut at the 67th Berlin International Film Festival, a premier platform that brings together industry professionals, critics, and audiences to celebrate the art of filmmaking.
This groundbreaking documentary, a testament to the power of storytelling, received numerous nominations for its outstanding work, including an Independent Spirit Award, a Peabody Award, and a Gaward Urian Award from the Filipino Film Critics, a prestigious organization that honors excellence in the Filipino film industry.
As a result, Motherland's impact was felt far and wide, solidifying its position as a landmark documentary that has left a lasting impression on the world of filmmaking.
Ramona's impressive career has been marked by significant financial support from a diverse range of prestigious organizations, including the Institute of Television Writers (ITVS),the Sundance Film Festival, the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM),the Tribeca Film Festival, the Catapult Film Fund, the Chicken & Egg Pictures organization, the MacArthur Foundation, the International Documentary Association (IDA),Cinereach, and Creative Capital, among numerous other esteemed entities.
In addition to her notable achievements in the film industry, Ramona has also had the distinction of serving as a film envoy for the American Film Showcase, a collaborative program between the United States Department of State and the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. This initiative aims to introduce American films to a global audience, fostering greater cultural understanding and exchange between nations.
Ramona, a renowned expert in her field, has had the opportunity to share her extensive knowledge and skills with aspiring filmmakers through master classes and production workshops held in various locations around the world.
Ramona, a talented individual, has recently been bestowed the esteemed honor of a U.S. Artist Fellowship, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to her craft. Furthermore, she has acquired a graduate degree from the prestigious Emerson College, a renowned institution for the arts, and has also earned a Master's degree from the esteemed Stanford University, a leading research institution.
