The Digital Media Production Association (DMPA) at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a student organization that goes beyond teaching members production techniques; it provides them with the platform to make themselves known in the El Paso film community before they graduate.
Aware that, in the film industry, being proficient in camera setup, lighting and editing is not enough, the DMPA has a formed a networking and experience roadmap for their members. Gaining hands-on training and building professional connections are the primary advantages of becoming a part of their membership.
One of the initiatives taken to achieve the organization’s goal of enhancing students’ portfolios and making them marketable, is the production of two short films. Every semester, members who want to see their ideas come to life can submit a script and compete for a spot. Once chosen, the proper equipment is gathered, and the cast and crew are assembled. Participants in the project get to work through all production stages while honing vital skills like teamwork and communication.
When the short film is finished, students are given the opportunity to present their work with their films being submitted to competitions. In addition, they get the opportunity to host an on-campus screening at the Union Cinema. The showcase event serves as DMPA’s own film festival, and it is open to the UTEP community. Among those in attendance last spring was Drew Mayer-Oakes, the El Paso film commissioner. In addition to being a career-readiness project, the short films act as a forum for exhibiting UTEP talent.
Since joining DMPA in 2024, Amaris Espinoza has networked and gained experience that has helped her advance toward her dream of becoming a filmmaker.
“I’ve been able to meet a lot of producers, directors and people who actually work in the industry,” Espinoza said.
As a result of all the connections she’s made, she is now able to take various paid work opportunities outside of school.
DMPA frequently invites people working in different sectors of the film industry to its meetings where the experts share their career journey and offer students insightful advice. Elizabeth Avellan, who produced all five of the Spy Kids films, was DMPAs most recent guest speaker on Sept. 25.
For Angelica Gutierrez, president of DMPA, who devotes time to developing and strengthening the organization’s community, inner bonding is equally crucial. Aside from their meetings, members also participate in fundraisers, socials and their DMP Experience podcast.
By holding tabling events, handing out flyers, and visiting classrooms, they have also been attempting to boost campus presence and attract more students. These tactics appear to be effective, as 60 people attended their most recent meeting. Maintaining that number of active members is quite challenging, but the organization’s friendly culture has made it possible.
“New members, whenever they come up to us, they’re like, ‘Hey, it’s super easy to talk to everybody, and it seems like a really nice and friendly community,’” Gutierrez said. “That’s why they stay.”
What sets the DMPA membership experience apart is the way students are connecting via a shared passion for film while simultaneously putting themselves and their names out there.
DMPAs next meeting will be hosted on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m. For more information and upcoming events visit MineTracker.
Brisa Silva is a contributor and may be reached at [email protected]
