Julia Franco has been selected as the “Outstanding Senior” by the University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television for the 2025 spring semester.
Here’s a summary of Assistant Professor Orquidea Morales’ nomination letter:
Julia will graduate this May with a BA in Film and Television, a minor in Studio Art, and a 4.00 GPA. She is an exceptionally brilliant and dedicated young scholar who shows extraordinary promise as an intellectual leader and citizen.
Julia has truly impressed with her deep engagement with the material, sharp insights in class, and absolutely gorgeous scholarship. She engaged with texts in the class and outside of class to make fascinating and new arguments.
Professor Cooper noted her “impressively rich, original, and well-researched paper on the domestic worker in Latin American cinema” and called her “an unassuming leader” with “brilliant ideas.” Professor Klinger added that in a large lecture course, Julia stood out in a class of 100 with her probing questions on global media impacts—raising discussions that shifted the tone of the class.
Julia was one of only 10 students selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival trip. Of her experience, Julia said, “Going to Sundance confirmed I’m on the right path … cinema is a powerful tool for social change and for giving aplatform for unheard voices to spread.” It is this advocacy and love for media that Julia brings to all the spaces she inhabits.
- Spring 2025 Graduation Convocation | May 18 | 2p | Centennial Hall
How would you describe your experience at the College of Fine Arts?
My experience at the College of Fine Arts has been one of building community and engaging critically with the world around me. Collaborating with peers, exploring diverse perspectives, and participating in meaningful debates have been some of the most enriching aspects of my time at CFA. More broadly, my time at the University of Arizona has been a journey of adaptation and self-discovery. As an immigrant student, navigating a new culture while learning to express and assert my voice has been both challenging and transformative. Through this process, I’ve grown into a version of myself that is more confident, open, and connected to the community around me and I am deeply grateful for that.
What’s your favorite memory or experience?
Some of my favorite memories have been working on film sets outside class times. I had the best time working with teams of passionate and creative people, having fun while also bringing a shared vision to life. There is something really special about the connections you make in the arts, and that is something I felt very strongly both in the film department and in the art department. Every project I worked on during my time here holds a special place in my heart, and I hope to carry that same spirit of collaboration and creativity with me wherever I go next.
What experiences of leadership were impactful?
Serving as the undergraduate representative on the search committee for the new dean of the College of Fine Arts. In this role, I’ve been gathering input from fellow students about their needs and concerns and bringing those perspectives for debate in the committee for this important hire. It’s been a meaningful opportunity to advocate for my peers and ensure student voices are part of shaping the future of the college.
How did you get involved in community service?
For most of my time here I worked at Pima Community College in roles that allowed me to support and connect with the community. As an Access Assistant I helped students with disabilities navigate the academic environment and made sure everything they needed was properly adapted to their learning. I also worked at PCC as a Writing and Spanish Tutor, supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds in developing their skills and confidence. It was meaningful work that reminded me how impactful acts of support can be, both inside and outside the classrooms.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation I hope to work as a production designer for film, bringing together my passions for 3D art and filmmaking. I’m excited about the idea of creating sets and props that help bring stories to life and shape the visual world of a film or other piece of visual media. I would also love to go to graduate school in the near future, to keep learning in an academic environment and to possibly become a professor someday. Alongside working in the film industry, I plan to continue developing my individual art practice. I have a constant urge to materialize ideas across different mediums and to engage with parts of society that I believe deserve more attention.
Spring 2025 Graduation Awards
- Aracely Rodriguez | School of Art | Outstanding Senior
- Ricardo Chavez | School of Art | Outstanding Graduate