Débora Rocha

I have known Débora Rocha for the past three years as she has been a student of mine in several courses at the University of Denver. She has been an exceptional student. Most recently she received our Film Studies and Production Outstanding Student Award given annually to a student whom faculty deem as the best student in the major.

Dr. Sheila E. Schroeder

Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies at University of Denver

I have known Debora for two years and enjoyed having her in multiple classes. In those years I watched Debora grow from a good student to the “go to creative person” for scripts and story consulting. Indeed, Debora was awarded our “Outstanding Student in Film Production and Studies” distinction in 2023, and was one of the few students who produced her own work outside of class.

Joseph V. Brown

Associate Professor & Master of Arts and the Master of Fine Arts at University of Denver

She pitched her film, Party Quest, in front of three filmmaking professionals including Alexa Junge who, among other credits, wrote for Friends, The West Wing and Gracie and Frankie. That film, which she wrote, directed and produced, has screened in numerous national and international film festivals from Korea to Japan to Italy. It has received multiple awards including Best Young Director by the Fox International Film Festival, and Best Student Comedy Short and Best Sound Mixing at IndieX Film Fest.

Dr. Sheila E. Schroeder

Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies at University of Denver

I can personally attest to the fact that Debora is an “ideas person,” and also a “technical person.” She is a proficient editor (Adobe Premiere), camera operator (I trained her on Sony and Canon cameras), and she is familiar with grip and lighting equipment (from the old school tungsten ARRI lights to newer LED fixtures). Debora is also adept at audio recording, as is evidenced by her recent documentary, “Behind the Beat,” a film about bass music in Denver.

Joseph V. Brown

Associate Professor & Master of Arts and the Master of Fine Arts at University of Denver

Within in her major she has learned and executed many skills including screenwriting, producing, directing, editing, leadership and cinematography. Furthermore, as an employee of the department in our equipment check out area, she tracked equipment, operated an on-line check out system and interfaced with students on gear rentals at times showing them how to operate complex equipment.

Dr. Sheila E. Schroeder

Professor & Director of Undergraduate Studies at University of Denver