Emilia Mendieta Cordova

Hailing from Wichita, Kansas by the way of Quito, Ecuador, Emilia Mendieta Córdova is an Ecuadorian-American Cinematographer with a passion for bold visual storytelling. She has a B.A. from Vassar College and an MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute (AFI) Conservatory. In 2022 Emilia was named one of the Semi-Finalists for the Zeiss + Women in Media Altitude Awards for excellence in camera and lighting. Emilia has shot numerous award-winning films including the Afro-futuristic sci-fi short CODE_SWITCH (currently available to watch on American Airlines’ In-Flight Entertainment) and three feature films: TO THE NEW GIRL, HOTEL REFINEMENT, and Mark S. Allen’s upcoming directorial debut AMY’S F**K-IT LIST. On the commercial side, she has shot over 10 award-winning music video collaborations with Charley Young, and has produced, directed, and shot a short-form food show and PROMAX-nominated promos for ABC10 (KXTV). Emilia has taught cinematography and audiovisual production at USFQ (Universidad San Francisco de Quito) and UDLA (Universidad de las Américas). She also previously worked at the AFI Conservatory where she helped run the 35mm Visual Essay Program and the Cinematography Intensive for Women Program. Emilia has taught workshops as a guest lecturer at the University of New Orleans and the AFI Conservatory. Emilia is multilingual (English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese), a classically-trained cellist, amateur Astrophotographer, culinary arts enthusiast, and a massive Star Wars fan. She is also a Part 107 FAA Certified Drone pilot. Emilia is a member of the ICFC (International Collective of Female Cinematographers), the Chicana Directors Initiative, Women In Media, SPORAS Collective, and Ecuador-based El Viaje Films. You can also find her on Free The Work.