My name is Gabriela Watson Aurazo, I'm Brazilian of Peruvian descent. I hold a BA in Communications and a MFA in Film and Media Arts from Temple University, in Philadelphia, USA.

 

I am a Philadelphia-based producer, filmmaker and activist whose work focuses on black culture, especially the following topics: Afro-Latino identity, Afro-Brazilian and Afro-Peruvian issues, media, education and women. My body of work demonstrates my aim to offer a positive perspective of black people, create awareness and promote dialogue between communities of the African Diaspora.

 

Since 2008, I’ve being working professionally in Film and TV production. In 2013, I came to Philadelphia to pursue my MFA in Film and Media Arts at Temple University. I'm a 2014 Fingerlakes Environmental Film Festival (FLEFF) Fellow and a 2015 Flaherty Seminar Fellow. I was awarded a Scholarship from the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) in Atlanta, GA, in 2014 and I'm a recipient of the Deans Grant (2013, 2014) and the Completion Grant (2016) from Temple University. 

 

The first documentary that I directed Nosotros, Afroperuanos (2012, Brazil/Peru) is about the Afro-Peruvian experience. Check out my past projects here. My current project Baobab Flowers aims to discuss the similarities and bonds of black women of the African Diaspora and the impact of low quality education in the black community as a global issue, following the journeys of two high school teachers of underserved communities. Baobab Flowers was officially selected to the BlackStar Film Festival, in 2017, and its Premiere will be on August 6 at the International House, in Philadelphia.

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I consider myself blessed to be able to chase my dreams, I believe that my ancestry is a powerful energy that keeps me motivated to try to make this world a better place to live, and I hope my art inspires others to think the same.

 

 Axé!