Ed Talavera

Ed Talavera serves as Professor and M.F.A. Graduate Program Director in the Department of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami's School of Communication. An award-winning cinematographer, his work spans narrative features, documentaries, and immersive 360 projects distributed globally via HBO, Showtime, ESPN, PBS, and other major networks, with screenings at Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, Tribeca, and Toronto film festivals.

His research focuses on:

• Advanced cinematography techniques across film formats
• Narrative and documentary visual storytelling
• Immersive media production (360 film)
• Visual communication for complex subject matter
• Interactive media design in health contexts

Recent output demonstrates innovation in narrative structures and socially relevant themes. The 2025 features "Rope Tied" and "Tropical Park" continue his exploration of visual narratives, while projects like the Clinical Trials Website apply cinematic techniques to improve medical information accessibility for patients.

His achievements include international festival recognition and a Doris Duke Foundation grant. Notable works:

• Narrative films: "Sue", "Perfect Prey", "Bridget"
• Documentaries: "One Water", "Finding Gaston", "Singular", "Naked Ambition: Bunny Yeager"
• Immersive project: "5 Stages of Drowning"
• Communication initiatives: Clinical Trials Website, Clean Gear campaign

As Graduate Program Director, Talavera mentors M.F.A. students in cinematic arts. He secured Doris Duke Foundation funding for innovative work and led student collaborations on the Clinical Trials Website project, which redesigned cancer trial interfaces using filmed interviews and explanatory animations to enhance patient understanding.