Available to hire
Hi, I’m Vega Darling, an independent documentary filmmaker and educator based in Oakland. My work dives deep into queer and trans histories, feminist punk culture, and the transformative power of media for social change. I’m passionate about community-driven storytelling and strive to create work that fosters radical empathy and inclusivity.
With an MFA in Social Documentation from UC Santa Cruz, I’ve spent over a decade engaging in grassroots organizing, teaching film production, and exploring socially engaged documentary practices. I love supporting students and communities in telling their stories and envisioning a just cultural future.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Independent Filmmaker at Self-employed
January 1, 2013 - June 30, 2025Worked as an independent documentary filmmaker coordinating video crews for independent films, live streaming events, conferences, and special projects worldwide. Managed budgets, schedules, and deliverables. Edited videos using Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro. Key projects include the commission of short documentary 'GRRRL' for Alien She and feature-length film 'Vulveeta' where served as Music Supervisor and Associate Producer.
Music Supervisor - Associate Producer at Vulveeta (film)
July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2025Curated music and handled music licensing for the feature-length queer, POC, riot grrrl mockumentary. Managed specialty casting and acted as expert subject consultant. The film won Audience Pick Best Narrative Feature at Frameline Film Festival 46.
Teaching Assistant at University of California, Santa Cruz
September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2024Postgraduate Teaching Assistant for the Film and Digital Media Department. Prepared lesson plans, taught weekly discussion sections, and graded assignments for classes including American Film 1930-1960, International Film to 1960, Documentary Horror, and Introduction to Film Studies. Employed multiple teaching modalities to support undergraduate student learning.
United Auto Workers Union Archivist Research Fellow at University of California Labor Centers
June 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023Collaborated on archival documentation for the historic 2022 academic workers’ strike across University of California campuses. Curated archival materials, oral histories, and digital artifacts.
Programs and Partnership Manager at The Atlanta Pride Committee, Inc.
June 1, 2017 - November 30, 2017Managed year-round programming and operations of Atlanta Pride festival with over 300,000 attendees. Supported fundraising through Small Business Partnership program management. Facilitated strategic relationships and communications, including social media and event volunteer coordination.
Intern at Newport Beach Film Festival
September 1, 2013 - June 30, 2015Assisted in community sponsor development and festival operations for an annual event hosting 65,000 attendees.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - MFA at University of California, Santa Cruz
January 1, 2022 - June 30, 2024Bachelor of Arts - B.A. at University of California, Irvine
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016Bachelor of Arts - B.A. at University of California, Irvine
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2016Qualifications
QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning (CITL) Pedagogy Mentor Fellowship
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013United Auto Workers Union Graduate Student Researcher Fellowship
June 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023Kenneth Corday Film and Digital Media GROW Grant
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013Florence French Fellowship
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013Social Documentation Fellowship
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
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