bio

Hailing from Kansas by way of Quito, Ecuador, Emilia Mendieta Córdova is an Ecuadorian-American Director of Photography known for her bold, emotionally resonant visual storytelling. A graduate of Vassar College and the AFI Conservatory (MFA, Cinematography), she brings a sharp visual sensibility, technical mastery, and collaborative spirit to every project. A three-time Women in Media Altitude Awards for excellent in camera and lighting semi-finalist, Emilia is a Cinematography Fellow of the inaugural 2023 WIF Artisan and Crew program and an alum of the ASC Vision Mentorship Program. Her work has screened at Palm Springs ShortFest, LALIFF, LA Shorts, UrbanWorld, BOGOSHORTS, Tallgrass Film Festival, LAIFF, Portland Film Festival, Cinequest, and the CineGear Film Series.

Emilia has lensed a wide range of narratives across genres including the LFI Inclusion Fellowship shorts HIGH BEAM and TRENDING, AGUAMADRE from Season 2 of the Walmart x Mitú Fellowhip, and LEAVING (an a98 EL Reto 2026 finalist). She has completed four feature films including Mark S. Allen’s feature directing debut AMY’S F-IT LIST and Mandy Fabian’s upcoming psychological thriller WHITE.

Emilia has shot and co-directed over sixteen award-winning music videos with Charley Young, as well as the short film AND USTED TAMBIÉN, that screened at notable festivals such as LALIFF and Salute Your Shorts. Her narrative solo directorial debut A REEL DILEMMA is due to start its festival run in the fall/winter 2026. Her commercial/branded work includes a short-form food series and PROMAX-nominated promos for ABC10 (KXTV). Additionally, Emilia is an award-winning editor collaborating on multiple projects for Inside the Set with SetDecor, Costume Confidential, and Telly Award-winning episodes of ASC Clubhouse Conversations.

Emilia also works as an educator - teaching or guest lecturing at the AFI Conservatory, USFQ, UDLA, University of New Orleans and California State University - Northridge and has mentored emerging talent through the Youth Cinema Project, Michael’s Daughter Foundation, and Sunrise Art Group. She worked at the AFI Conservatory where she helped run the 35mm Visual Essay Program and the CIW Program.

While Emilia works primarily as a Cinematographer, she is also currently one of the hosts of The ICF⁺C’s Podcast.

Emilia is multilingual (English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese), a classically-trained cellist, amateur Astrophotographer, culinary arts enthusiast, and a massive Star Wars fan. She is also a Part 107 FAA Certified Drone pilot.

Emilia is a member of the ICF⁺C (International Community of Female⁺ Cinematographers), the Chicana Directors Initiative, WIF, Women In Media, and NALIP.