There are many students who are exploring their options before making that final decision to declare their major and then you have others who are declared and ready to go. Terri Zitong Diao, an undergraduate student, was part of the latter group, however, she has decided to switch her majors a few weeks into starting her first semester. 

 

Terri first came to the United States in the Fall of 2019 from Guangzhou, China, a region located in the south, to the University of Utah as a Utah Global student. She came to the university to study Chemistry, however, out of curiousity, Terri explored other programs offered and found the Film and Media Arts (FMA) program. Terri recalls her interest in film after taking elective film courses in highschool that allowed her to learn about the history and film making process. After looking into the FMA program she decided to switch majors a few weeks into starting her first semester. 

 

After a few years into the program, Terri also picked up learning Italian and participated in two Learning Abroad experiences to Verona, Italy in the summer of 2022, one for the Italian language and the other in FilmMaking. As part of the program, Terri had the opportunity to learn from skilled and internationally-trained-filmmakers exploring documentaries filmmaking while getting a more in-depth understanding of the Italian language. Terri decided to film a documentary that, "observes and discovers how kindness, trust, genuineness form, reflect and act in the human-horse relationship in hopes of offering a new mutualistic healing perspective surrounding the horse culture". 

 

 

Terri, now in her fourth year, confirmed that she will be continuing into her fifth year this coming Fall 2023. Many international students prefer to complete their program within the traditional four-year or less, however, Terri explained that it is true but she decided to not follow the status-quo because she values her time at the university. For example, she would like to get involved as much as she can within her emphasis, film production and taking advantage of free programs like Adobe which is highly utilized in her program. Lastly, she wants to continue building relationships with her professors and close mentors. For example, Terri is closely working with the ALSO Sisters, Galician Filmmakers and professors at the University of Utah's Film and Media Arts department, assisting Terri thoughout the entire filmmaking process and providing insight into the industry.

 

Photo Credit: Sera Serratos

 

 

Terri is currently in the post-production phase for her upcoming film, "JamAIs vu", and explains that:

 

"the phrase 'jamais vu' comes from the French language, meaning 'never seen'. It also refers to the phenomenon of going through a situation that one recognizes yet finds novel and unfamiliar. The story of jamAIs vu is in a futuristic context to challenge the expectations of technology as an almighty-health healing machine. That said, we are particularly interested in the drawing attention to the human experience and what makes life really worth living: human connection, belonging and art expressions". 

 

 

The film will be showcased at the  Film and Media Arts Department Spring Showcase  on Sunday May 07, 2023 from 6-8 PM (MST) and will be judged by professional filmmakers for a chance to be considered for many awards including the Distribution Award which will assist in funding for film festival submissions. The event will be a great way to network with other filmmakers and students in the program. 

 

 

Photo Credit: Sera Serratos

 

Before Terri goes back to finishing up Post-Production, her advice for future and current students is that sometimes you will find or come upon something that will spark interest, take the leap and explore it further. For students interested in the Film and Media Arts Program, review the program outline and see what classes are offered, establish a relationship with other students in the program which includes joining the Film Production Club and meet with an Academic Advisor early! Filmmaking overall is team based, you will need to establish a lot of relationships which means meeting new people, with that said, open up and not lock yourself away, understandably it can be hard as an international student but its important to step out of your comfort zone and you will work with amazing faculty and fellow students which will be impactful for your future.