John Valadez

John Valadez is a renowned filmmaker and upcoming tenured Professor of Documentary Film and Social Change at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Over the past two decades, he has produced award-winning documentary films broadcast on PBS, CNN, and international platforms, focusing on themes of race, power, and social justice. His work has been exhibited at prestigious institutions such as MoMA and the National Gallery of Art.

• Peabody Award
• Two National Emmy Nominations

Valadez's films, including AMERICAN EXILE (2021) and THE LONGORIA AFFAIR, have driven national policy changes and highlighted systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. His research interests center on documentary storytelling as a tool for social critique and advocacy.

His MFA thesis film AMERICAN EXILE (2021) exposed the deportation of U.S. military veterans, prompting President Biden to reverse the policy. Valadez has testified at Congressional Briefings in Washington, DC, amplifying the impact of his work beyond cinema.