filmmaking awards & recognition
depaul SENIOR THESIS“SPLIT ENDS” dir. Cookie Estés
Struggling to come to terms with her abuela's dementia, Isa impulsively gets a haircut she regrets so much it might just kill her. Official selection at Chicago International’s Cineyouth and the 38th annual Chicago Latino Film Festival. Opened for a Guillermo del Toro retrospective at the Gene Siskel Film Center's Cine Latine showcase.
Director
Writer
Editor
2022
Chicago INT'L film festival“DIRTBAG” dir. Karsten Runquist
Harold has been given a bag of dirt and needs to get rid of it immediately. Shot by Nicholas Emmanuele and colored by Sam Howells. Winner of Best Comedy Short at Midwest Weirdfest and Best Short at the 2022 Chattanooga Film Festival. Official selection at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival and 2022 Athens International Film + Video Festival.
Editor
2021
Art Institute Design Competition “GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD
& IN THE MUSEUM” - 1st place
Re:Imagine24 is a night-at-the-museum design competition hosted by the Art Institute of Chicago. 100 young filmmakers were asked to create video art that emboldened teens to have an enjoyable + informative experience at a museum. Animated by Mia Margita Neumann, our film won first place and premiered on the Art Institute's website.
Director
Shooter
Editor
Starring
2016
Vimeo Weekend Challenge Highlighting cash-only taco spots around Chicago, this runner up in the Tasty Tour Vimeo Weekend Challenge was directed, shot, and edited by Cookie Estés and Regina Madanguit in less than 24 hours.
Director
Shooter
Editor
Starring
2015
“CASH ONLY” - runner up