Mel Mel Sukekawa-Mooring is a trans* genderqueer mixed Japanese/White film and video maker. Their films center themes of queerness, multi-racial identity, grief, and empowerment. Beyond making their own films, Mel Mel works with youth of color with the groups Video Vanguards (Massachusetts) and ImMEDIAte Justice (Los Angeles), to engage in conversations around media literacy and activism through art and media.
Awards
2011 Best of Experimental, Five College Film & Video Festival
“Ue O Muite (I Look Up)” named Best of Experimental Category among other Hampshire, Smith, Amherst, Mt. Holyoke, and UMass Amherst submissions.
2010 First Place, UC Davis Search Party Finalist Showcase
Video projections accompanying live set performed by Xyphl chosen for first place against two other finalists.
2009 First Place, Bresee Foundation Youth Film Festival on Social Justice
Award received for “Defining the American Dream”
