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Melinda James
Cinematographer
Melinda James is a prominent cinematographer and filmmaker known for her work in documentaries, narratives, installations, and commercials. She identifies as Black and Thai and focuses her projects on underrepresented communities, particularly women and QTBIPOC individuals. Her approach to cinematography emphasizes the importance of building connections through visual storytelling, often exploring themes of memory and memorialization in her work.12
Background and Education
Growing up in Yuba City, California, Melinda developed an interest in filmmaking at a young age after receiving a Handycam as a gift. This passion led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Documentation at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she honed her skills and aligned her work with social justice issues.24
Career Highlights
Melinda has collaborated with notable organizations such as Hulu, Netflix, Disney Channel, and Nike. Her recent projects include the narrative short film "Work," which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. She has also received recognition through various awards and grants, including the ASC Vision Mentorship program and a residency with Adobe Creative Fund.134
Artistic Philosophy
Her artistic philosophy revolves around creating immersive experiences that provoke dialogue through imagery. Melinda aims to highlight the nuances of everyday lives through her cinematography, believing that the space between images can foster meaningful communication.12
Memberships and Contributions
She is actively involved in several collectives focused on supporting female cinematographers and artists from marginalized backgrounds, including the International Collective of Female Cinematographers and The Authority Collective.4 Additionally, Melinda participates in lectures and panels aimed at promoting inclusivity in the film industry.4
Through her work, Melinda James continues to challenge conventional narratives and elevate underrepresented voices in cinema.



