DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts alumna (BFA '26) and current College of Communication student Mariana Montero has taken home the top prize for student production from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Chicago/Midwest chapter.
Learn more about her award-winning thesis film, "The Show Must Go On" in this Q&A with Montero, who describes herself as passionate about directing and producing meaningful work.
Tell us a little about “The Show Must Go On.” What inspired you to write the story?
“The Show Must Go On” is inspired by my high school musical theater background. It offers a glimpse into the mind of a young actress in her senior year. The short film explores the uncertainties of the future at a young age as you pursue your dreams and find the courage to carry on through life and performances.
How did the School of Cinematic Arts support your filmmaking process?
I wrote “The Show Must Go On” in Kristina Thomas’s Writing the Short Film course. She really helped bring this story out of me with her feedback and guidance. The simple project began to shape into something special. Throughout this course I continued to shape the script into what would turn into a quick production turnaround in Directing the Short Film, Ambarien Alqadar's course. Ambarien truly pushed me to bring this story to life as strong portfolio piece. I continued to push the script to its full potential and began all aspects of pre-production with help of my amazing cast and crew. I am truly thankful for my professors and my cast and crew at DePaul. I couldn’t have done it without them.
After graduating with your BFA in Film & Television from SCA, you stayed at DePaul for the master's program in Public Relations and Advertising. How do you see these two programs working hand-in-hand?
The PRAD program has been an amazing experience so far. I am truly passionate about bridging storytelling into commercial and advertising work. Becoming fluent in Advertising and PR will only benefit me in the future as commercial producer and director.
Congratulations on your Crystal Pillar Award for Excellence at the Emmys! How was the ceremony?
The Chicago NATAS awards ceremony was an amazing experience! Networking with industry professionals and having a chance to attend as nominee was truly a blessing. I couldn’t be prouder of what my cast and crew and I have accomplished.
What's up next?
I am currently working on a spec advertisement and two music videos!
The complete list of Crystal Pillar Award for Excellence recipients for the College Student Production – Fiction: Short Form category include Montero, Grace Slagle, Jessica James, Sean Bennett, Nora Williams, and Jessica Van Leeuwen.