Josias Ortiz

2025 Media Arts Scholarship Recipient

Josias, a passionate filmmaker from Woodbridge, New Jersey, has nurtured his love for storytelling since childhood. From acting in homemade music videos with his sister to exploring camera work with his mother’s phone, his early creative experiments laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of filmmaking. As he grew older, he began creating his own films, eventually launching a YouTube channel that sparked his interest in editing and pushed him to develop new technical skills.

Currently a student in the Digital Film program at East Brunswick Magnet School, Josias has spent the past three years creating short films across genres, gaining hands-on experience through school projects and collaborations with peers. He has also participated in multiple summer film programs, most recently at Northwestern University, which further expanded his knowledge and practical experience in the field. His work now includes freelance projects as a director, editor, videographer, and photographer.

With support from the Anthony Quinn Foundation, Josias will attend Huntington University's Film and Television Production Academy this summer. This opportunity will allow him to refine his craft in a professional environment and prepare for a future in directing, acting, editing, writing, and animating—continuing his mission to bring compelling stories to life through film.