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PJ Raval is an award-winning filmmaker and Associate Professor in the Department of Radio-Television-Film at the Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin. His distinctive filmmaking practice is deeply influenced by his upbringing as a first-generation Filipino American in a conservative small town in California's central valley. Raval's work often centers on marginalized identities and underrepresented cultures, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. He has been recognized as one of IndieWIRE's '25 LGBT Filmmakers to Watch' and is a noted Guggenheim Fellow. His documentary 'CALL GANDA' reveals the tragic story of Jennifer Laude, a local transgender woman in the Philippines, and premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. Raval's films have garnered multiple awards and nominations, including for documentary excellence at various film festivals. His acclaimed body of work not only illuminates crucial social issues but also strives to create a platform for marginalized voices. Raval's contribution to film and media extends beyond individual projects; he actively collaborates with performers and engages in thought-provoking creative endeavors throughout the arts community.
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