Online Community Circle April

Elaine Chu is a filmmaker and commercial director with Chinese parents who still think she’s studying for the bar exam. She hails from rural Wisconsin and is a graduate of UC Berkeley. In a past life, she taught high school history and was voted “Coolest Teacher” for three years in a row. Currently, she directs digital content for Mattel and leads indie film crews as a 1st AD. As a narrative director, her feature film “The Purgation” won praise in the horror festival circuit and was distributed by Gravitas on Redbox and VOD. Her shorts have won awards at the Austin Asian American Film Festival, Tallgrass, and Glamour Magazine’s #NewView Contest. You can watch them streaming on Shudder, Roku, and across digital platforms. To give back to her community, she mentors BIPOC filmmakers via Hollywood’s #StartWith8 program. She also enjoys playing women’s basketball as a small forward for the LA Nail Clippers.

Magdalena Albizu is a distinguished writer, director, producer, and the owner of NubianLatina Productions. Initially embarking on her career as a social worker, she sought to channel her creative aspirations, leading to a successful transition into the media industry. Since this career shift, Magdalena has continuously worked across various media platforms. She directed and produced the documentary film *NEGRITA*, which delves into the experiences of Afro-Latinas in the United States, examining the impact of their skin color within both American and Latino cultures. *NEGRITA* has garnered significant acclaim, being screened at over seven film festivals, including a sold-out showing at Lincoln Center. NubianLatina Productions is currently engaged in the production of multiple projects, further solidifying its presence in the industry.