At the intersection of new technology and West Coast pop influence, Filipino-American cinematographer Aja Pilapil reflects the diverse and authentic identities shaping the continually transforming Californian cultural landscape.
In 2021, Pilapil camera operated for FX’s Pride documentary series directed by Cheryl Dunye. A six-part documentary series chronicling the fight for LGBTQ civil rights in America.
In 2022, she had the privilege of filming Ms. Julia Roberts in Season 9, Episode 1 of Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr. – a series divulging the family trees of various celebrities.
Later that year, out of over 200 applicants, she was selected to participate in the American Film Institute’s Cinematography Intensive for Women. The workshop is designed for aspiring cinematographers committed to their journey toward a professional career in the industry and looking for additional training to help them advance in their education, craft and career.
In 2023 she moved beyond cinematography and returned to the nucleus of her filmmaking career through directing visually engaging music videos. Directorial credits include the dark and turbulent “If I Speak” by Philadelphia punk rock trio, Soul Glo under the legendary Los Angeles-based label Epitaph Records.
Today, Pilapil continues to partner with communities, artists and filmmakers who need technical experience in motion pictures and express their stories with style through an empathetic lens.
Filmmaker Aja PIlapil 