Island Pacific Academy student, Eduardo Cua III ʻ25, is embarking on a transformative journey this summer after being accepted into the University of Southern California’s (USC) esteemed Cinematic Arts Summer Program. Cua, a rising senior, has captured the opportunity to refine his filmmaking skills at one of the top-rated film schools in the world, marking a significant milestone in his promising future as a filmmaker.
For Cua, the journey to USC began with a mix of uncertainty and exploration.
“For a long time, I was a bit unsure of my future after high school. It was unclear if I should go to college at all, and even if I did go, I didn’t have any idea about what I’d major in,” he shared.
His initial interests lay in computer science, but his passion for building a YouTube presence diverted his focus. A pivotal family trip to California last November and a tour of a prestigious film program ignited a new direction. Encouraged by his father, Cua applied to the USC summer program with the help of IPA English teacher, Owen Williams. His application, featuring a character description he meticulously crafted, led to his acceptance into the program. Since then, his YouTube content has shifted towards short cinematic films, showcasing his evolving talents and dedication.
Cua’s YouTube channel, a venture he’s nurtured for over three years, has been a cornerstone of his cinematic journey. What started as gaming content for a small audience of under 1,000 subscribers transformed with the advent of virtual reality content, catapulting his following to nearly 20,000. This leap fueled his ambition to create and direct short films, connecting him with like-minded peers globally and inspiring his audience to pursue their creative dreams.
“Today, I often receive comments from audience members who’ve been inspired to run their own YouTube channels, and I can’t help but think back to my original inspirations, who did the same for me,” Cua shared.
The upcoming summer program excites Cua for its practical exposure to real-world filmmaking challenges.
“In the virtual world, cameras are much more basic than their real-world counterparts. The virtual tools I use are very accessible, but far from the complexity of the real-world. Right now, I have little experience with any real film camera because I’ve gotten used to the ease of virtual production,” Cua explained.
He eagerly anticipates learning about camera operation and the nuances and challenges of real-world film production, skills he plans to incorporate into his future projects.
One of Cua’s proudest achievements is a two-part action film he produced last year. Although the project faced delays, the experience taught him the value of patience and meticulousness in filmmaking. The final product stands as a testament to his commitment and creativity.
“It took a few extra months, but the final product is a twelve-minute short film that I’m very proud of. In my eyes, the story isn’t the most creative, but the action is excellent and engaging,” he shared.” Now, I’m writing the script for a more original story set in the same world.”
IPA’s diverse and inclusive environment has significantly shaped Cua’s storytelling perspective.
“I’ve learned that everyone has a story to tell, so when I’m writing a script or brainstorming ideas for a project, I’m able to lean on people and not be afraid of our differences,” he noted.
This inclusivity has enriched his narratives, making them more engaging and authentic.
Cua credits his English teachers, Davinia Lau and Owen Williams, for their unwavering support and encouragement. Their guidance helped hone his writing skills and bolstered his confidence, essential factors in his successful application to the USC program.
Looking ahead, Cua aspires to attend USC’s School of Cinematic Arts post-graduation, furthering his education and passion for filmmaking. Inspired by films like Wonder, Cua aims to create impactful stories that promote empathy and kindness, reflecting the values taught at IPA. His dream is to continue making films with the same passion he brings to his YouTube content, transforming his love for storytelling into a lifelong career.
Cua’s acceptance into the USC Cinematic Arts Summer Program is a significant step towards his goal of becoming a filmmaker. With his dedication, creativity, and the skills he will gain this summer, he is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of cinema. Congratulations, Eduardo!
