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Vanessa Bergonzoli, Media Studies '09
Before coming to The New School, Vanessa worked in communications, overseeing projects in radio, theater education, contemporary arts, and film production. She traveled to Chile, France, and Mexico producing work for artists and filmmakers. Vanessa had enough experience to know she wanted to create her own work, but she didn't know where to start. That's when she discovered The New School.
Support from faculty and students in the Media Studies program and access to production equipment and facilities allowed Vanessa to develop work that is multidisciplinary. Last year, Vanessa worked for Academy Award winner Cynthia Wade as the course assistant in Intro to Documentary Filmmaking. Vanessa subsequently shot her own documentary, Ready or Not?, which explores the idea of the first woman or first black man as President.
Vanessa was also mentored by conflict journalist Phillip Robertson. Her work with him influenced her photo essay project documenting a New York City teenager detained by the FBI on suspicions of being a potential suicide bomber.
Vanessa plans to continue her work once she graduates and to collaborate on projects with individuals equally passionate about producing media and art worldwide.