Discipline: Film/Video
Homebase: Burnaby
Languages: English, Spanish
Grant Eligibility: Eligible to apply for AIC
Originally from Mexico City, filmmaker and digital media artist Yunuen Perez Vertti moved to Vancouver 6 years ago after being based in Houston, Texas, for 15 years. Her international background is well represented in her work as a filmmaker and digital media artist. She has over 15 years of experience in the film and television industry. She has worked in various roles and projects and produced films for many public, private, and non-profit organizations. She is passionate about education through the arts and the importance of the arts as a fundamental tool for learning. She believes teaching and introducing kids to all art disciplines, as early as possible, is essential to a healthy society. Working with kids has made her look into her creative process from a different perspective, and it has helped her understand it better.
Yunuen was our artist in residence for our Film Festival. The project spanned over four months working with 225 students, from Kindergarten to Grade 7, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to create thoughtful stories through film. The residency was hugely successful as each student learned the creative process with a hands-on approach. Yunuen has proven to be a highly competent educator, and her passion for the arts is genuine and inspirational. Bonnie Ishii, Head Teacher, Music & Dance Specialist, Confederation Park
Yunuen skillfully led my young students to create their own stop motion animation stories, and through some good teamwork we were able to complete our project remotely through Zoom meetings. She was able to connect with students online and she sent materials for us to work with, making it a fun experience. As a team, clear communication and check-ins made for smooth progress. It's amazing, what we were able to do remotely. Michelle Hinatsu, Teacher at Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw School, Port Hardy
Yunuen worked with our students to introduce them to animation in film-making as a part of our class's intergenerational project. The session was engaging and fun, and we were so impressed with Yunuen's expertise and warmth with the students that we had her continue to work with our class for the duration of the project. We love Yunuen's collaborative spirit, her passion for the arts in the classroom, and her enthusiasm! Marion Collins & Tilia Prior, Teachers at Tecumseh Elementary School, Vancouver