Donna: The Art of a Cineaste

by Chloe Ramirez

Semesters later, students and professors alike still bring to light the amazing work done by Donna Rey, a Visual Communication student from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. On her semester abroad at iCLA, she was able to come up with a beautiful collection of videos and photos for the world to see, and they do not disappoint.

Donna took the time to meet with the students of iCLA in order to take their photos and videos. She admits that she started the whole project in order to pass the time.

I was always in my room for the first few weeks. But since I already love taking photos and videos, I said, why not start with my classmates? But the ultimate goal of my project was to get to know more people. I wanted to reach out to others. I am an only child, I keep to a close set of friends, and it was my first time in a foreign country. Meeting people through my passion was amazing.”

It was all very natural, the whole process. Donna wanted to exhibit authenticity and truth, and she in turn admits that much was learned from the whole project. The experiences were so unique because they were all such different people. Different personalities and attitudes sprout from each photoshoot, proving the diversity in and liberal air of iCLA.

Of course, just as in many projects, hardships occur.

There was a time in November when I’d conduct three photoshoots in a day, before, in between, and after class. It was difficult to shoot, but these were all minor setbacks. The feeling is really different when you know you can make someone happy with what you can do, and so I don’t mind the setbacks at all. It’s very fulfilling as a photographer, if I can call myself that.”

All in all, she admits that her little stint in iCLA was life-changing in a way, because she grew not just as a person, but also as an artist.

I used to be so dependent on friends, but here in iCLA, and after conducting the shoot, I was able to become more independent, mature, and responsible. Plus, I gained so many friends in the process.”

You can check out her videos here: