dellaram vreeland

Observing and analysing the human condition has forever been a favourite pastime for Diana Páez.

Born in Mexico and raised in Colombia, the Latin American filmmaker says her work allows her to learn from the world, to understand varying perspectives, and to embrace change.

“I love capturing reality, exploring, observing, and having the ability to shape and build stories for various purposes,” Diana says. “I adore the diversity of it all. It gives me the opportunity to witness and understand different realities I might not have encountered otherwise.

“Having a camera with me as a tool helps me to start that exploration in a unique way which leads to connections and conversations.”

Currently based in Ballarat on Wadawurrung Country, most of Diana’s work takes on a documentary style, asking the audience to reflect deeply on matters of the world in the hope that our collective understanding, empathy and learning might be strengthened.

Her most recent work – titled Nuestras Voces – is the first of its kind in Australia, and aims to increase people’s understanding of the migrant and refugee experiences, as seen through the eyes of Spanish speaking communities who arrived between the 60s and 80s.

Nuestras Voces was selected for the Palace Cinemas Spanish Film Festival last year with numerous sold-out sessions and was awarded two international awards.

With a focus on promoting social harmony and connection, the film explores themes related to refugee settlement, challenges faced by refugees, and the transformative power of education.

“I appreciate that my work allows me to move, meet people with similar or contrasting interests, and serve as a channel to communicate stories and depict realities,” Diana says.

“Humans connect through stories; we are, in essence, stories, and we love stories. Film engages our senses, offering a visual and auditory experience that can transport us to different places.

“I hope (Nuestras Voces) continues to touch lives and serves as a reflection of humanity in many ways. As we explore the journeys of these migrants, I hope that viewers can resonate with the hardships and resilience they’ve demonstrated, and that the film inspires audiences to embrace their own voices, identities, and the power they possess by simply being themselves.”

Moving from Melbourne to Ballarat three years ago, Diana says she loves the camaraderie and kindness that exists in her new hometown.

She says she has been excited to witness the city’s evolution over the past few years, with more migrants making the move, and the cultural and economic landscape further enriching as a result.

“People from various parts of the world and diverse cultures offer unique ways of perceiving daily life situations and challenges, along with different approaches to addressing them,” she says. “Migrants often bring a level of resilience that can be beneficial for society’s development in various industries.

“Multiculturalism in regional communities can introduce new ways of living that may not have been considered previously.”

Diana’s desire to effect change through her craft is empowering, and her yearning to celebrate our innate oneness an inspiration. It is women like her, who are promoting the spiritual principles of love, open-mindedness and connection, that allow for our regional communities to advance and our neighbourhoods to thrive.

“I’ve always had the desire that what I create can make a positive contribution,” she says. “Living in Australia has exposed me to many different realities and cultures.

“Through my craft, I aim to highlight the uniqueness of each person, organisation, and culture, emphasising their inherent value. By celebrating these differences, I hope to show that embracing diversity can make us stronger.

“Empathy is not just about walking in someone’s shoes, it’s also about being curious and open-minded. I aspire to create content that people can resonate with and relate to.”

Discover how Diana is further promoting diversity and oneness through her work, and get tickets to see her film here: @diana.paezl

Words: Dellaram Vreeland
Feature Image: Supplied