Text and Images by Bella Miranda.

How does your culture impact or influence your work?

My work ethic is heavily influenced by my culture. My parents have always encouraged my brothers and I to tap into our full potential and to refrain from cutting corners when we’re feeling lazy. I’ll admit, I’ve felt disconnected from my Asian identity for most of my life since I don’t speak my native tongue or even know too much about the Philippines.

What I do know is that I’m a one-woman-show with hopes that others who are or aspire to be in my field, especially queer womxn of color, see that they have a space despite any odds being against us.

What drove you to pursue photo and film?

What led me to pursuing photography and filmmaking was the emptiness I felt when I had forced myself to chase anything else. I do think of these mediums as extensions of myself. They’re visual and can explain themselves much better than I can verbally. I’m able to connect with others and myself thanks to my art, which is something I really value.

Describe your creative process in one word.

Spontaneous.

©Bella Miranda and Sabrina Yu Double Exposure portrait on nature detail.

If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

I’d love to do something with self-reflection where we look inwards to something that has either healed or maybe still needs a bit of healing and make either a photo project or short film surrounding it.

There wouldn’t be too many rules, but I would definitely encourage participants to remain vulnerable so that it could be a cathartic process.

What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

I finally watched Turning Red (2022) and cried on the plane.

Towards the end of the film, there was an exchange between the main character and her mom that served as a mirror and it made me want to give my mom the biggest hug imaginable.

What is the most played song in your music library?

Air Forces - A COLORS SHOW by Mustafa.

How do you take your coffee?

It’s funny, I’ve definitely made coffee a part of my personality in my 20s*, but my doctor recently told me to stop drinking it. So I’ve been making matcha lattes at home with agave and almond milk.

*I used to take my coffee with brown or raw sugar and extra creamy oat milk.

To view more of Bella’s work visit her website here