“WOW! Congratulations! Another PINOY PRIDE in the making, not only ‘making films ‘ but foremost the talent, dedication, sacrifices and strong leadership. Mabuhay!”— commented by Orlan Racacho on Facebook.
Another notable Filipina just made history through her dedication and passion for filmmaking.
Celine Parreñas Shimizu, an award-winning filmmaker and an alumna of UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television was appointed as the new Dean.
“I remember learning to give value to my ideas and to read the work of those who came before so I could truly know how film and theater provide us the language to understand ourselves and change how we treat each other. UCLA TFT shaped me, and I possess a passionate desire to help the institution achieve even greater eminence under my leadership,” said Shimizu.
Shimizu has taken on many leadership responsibilities and achievements. She secured scholarship funds, implemented comprehensive mentorship and professional development programs for faculty, staff, and students with support from major grants, and forged strong connections between UCLA and the industry.
Beyond The Art of Filmmaking
Shimizu is also an author of The Hypersexuality of Race (2007), Straitjacket Sexualities: Unbinding Asian American Manhoods in the Movie (2012), The Proximity of Other Skins (2019), and The Movies of Racial Childhoods (2023).
Her works explore gender, sexuality, and race, especially in The Hypersexuality of Race, where she ponders why Asian/American women are often sexualized in films.
And yet, years had passed, but her stories remained timely and timeless.
Her works explore deeper and heavier themes. It’s more than just art, it educates the audience by opening our eyes to reality, especially to societal problems that we often ignore and brush under the rug.
It is no wonder why she deserves to be UCLA’s new Dean. She shares not just her talents but also her warmth, kindness, and a perspective shaped by a broader lens.