At Cornish College of the Arts, the journey of an artist is shaped by collaboration, exploration, and a deep commitment to storytelling. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with 2022 Cornish Film Graduate Daymien Bunao about their experience as a filmmaker, their time at Cornish, and the impact of interdisciplinary learning on their craft.

Discovering Cornish and the Power of Connection

“I always knew I wanted to be a filmmaker,” Bunao shared. However, they were also immersed in theater, dance, speech team, and broadcasting during high school. When the Director of Admissions at Cornish visited their school, they introduced them to the college as a place where visual and performing arts coexisted. That sealed the deal—Cornish was the only school that allowed them to pursue multiple disciplines while honing their skills as a filmmaker.

“When I first came to Cornish, I was the biggest extrovert on the planet,” Bunao laughed. They made it a point to talk to everyone, turning casual conversations into meaningful collaborations. Their closest creative partners—lighting designers, sound designers, editors, musicians, and actors—all came from these early connections. More than just an education, Cornish provided them with a network of artists who continue to be a part of their filmmaking journey.

“A lot of people told me film school was a waste of time, but that wasn’t true at all,” Bunao explained. “The biggest thing I gained at Cornish was my network.” The interdisciplinary nature of the program helped them see filmmaking as a collaborative process. Without Cornish, they wouldn’t have the same confidence, network, or team they rely on today.

Reflecting on their favorite memories, Bunao smiled. “Before the pandemic, Cornish had such a vibrant energy. You’d be sitting in the cafeteria and all of a sudden there’s karaoke happening. We had talent shows in the dorms, and house shows in the U District. I even won the 2018 talent show!” They laughed about their victorious moment at a 2018 talent show, a memory that still brings them joy. Contrary to the stereotype that art school lacks a classic college experience, they insist Cornish has its own brand of excitement and community.

The Impact of Interdisciplinary Learning

At first, they struggled to see the relevance of making cardboard sculptures or studying color theory as a film student. How could building physical models or analyzing the nuances of color palettes contribute to storytelling through a lens? However, as they advanced in their program, they began to connect the dots—those seemingly unrelated lessons had a profound impact on their understanding of film as a visual and immersive medium.

Learning about sculpture helped them grasp the importance of spatial awareness and depth, skills that translated seamlessly into set design and shot composition. Studying color theory deepened their appreciation for how hues evoke emotion and create visual harmony on screen. Even movement exercises in unrelated disciplines, like dance or theater, influenced their approach to directing actors and blocking scenes with intentionality.

That interdisciplinary foundation fundamentally changed their approach to storytelling. They came to understand that filmmaking is not just about capturing images—it’s about constructing meaning through every element within the frame. As a director, they don’t need to be an expert in every discipline, but having a broad understanding of various artistic principles allows them to communicate more effectively with their creative team and refine their vision. Ultimately, the fusion of these different art forms enables them to craft more dynamic, visually compelling, and emotionally resonant films.

Finding Success After Graduation & Staying Connected Through the Alumni Network

“After graduating, I started working as an Admissions Counselor, which meant a lot of travel,” Bunao said. “I used that time to write, and last summer, I challenged myself to create three short films.”

Their projects showcase a range of storytelling and genre exploration:

• Strawberry Jam – A coming-of-age story about a girl coming out to her best friend.
• 48-Hour Film Project Entry – A surrealist short about a woman using silence to escape an abusive relationship, which won awards for Best Original Score and Best Use of Dialogue.
• Sci-Fi Short – A film about a character whose mundane life is disrupted by beings from a 1960s black-and-white sci-fi TV show.

Throughout their journey, Bunao has remained closely connected to the Cornish alumni network. As a student, they actively sought feedback from alumni, recognizing the value of an outside perspective. Now, as an alum, they pay it forward by collaborating with senior students on their thesis projects through their film production company. To them, alumni connections are not just a resource but an essential part of continued growth beyond graduation.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Film Festivals

Currently, they are submitting their films to festivals like the Seattle International Film Festival, Northwest Film Forum’s Local Sightings, and the Museum of Pop Culture’s Sci-Fi Fest. They hope their work finds an audience and inspires others, but if nothing else, creating these films was an important step in their artistic growth. To learn more about Daymien follow them on IG @daymi3nb

Advice for Cornish Students

Their biggest advice to current and incoming students? You get as much out of this program as you put in. Some students treat assignments as mere tasks, while others see them as opportunities to create something meaningful. Those who fully embrace their work as art—not just schoolwork—are the ones who thrive. Don’t just complete projects; make films, tell stories, and create something real.

Cornish fosters not just artists, but lifelong collaborators and storytellers. The interdisciplinary learning and creative community provide a strong foundation for success. If you’re interested in developing your skills as a filmmaker, explore the Cornish Film and Media program. Visit Cornish College of the Arts to learn more.