Ava Dell'Orfano is a senior BFA student in the Digital Media and Design program at the University of Connecticut. She is concentrating in digital film/video production, complemented by a minor in communication, and hopes to carry on in the world of film and photography after graduation. Ava was raised in Durham, CT, and is currently based in Storrs.
She has been actively involved in numerous independent projects, showcasing her proficiency in film editing, videography, and film writing. Ava has had the privilege of working on the crew of several student films during her time at UConn, but her passions lie in directing and producing. In turn, she has written, directed, and produced her own short films, including Whispers in the Asylum and Vivisect. Her Senior BFA Capstone project, Jenny, is currently in development.
As a filmmaker, Ava has found her home in the horror genre. She first found her footing in all things scary as a creative in high school and she has since used her time in university to further hone her passion for the genre. Ava has found it particularly gratifying to explore horror as a vessel for woman-led stories and showcasing complex female characters and portraying aspects of the female experience.
Beyond film, Ava has discovered a passion for motion graphics and animation, a skill she has used in professional and personal settings, lending her talents to clients and her independent film projects. Additionally, Ava's time behind a camera extends to photography. Her work ranges from art photography, to portraiture, to performances, and more.
Ava's journey extends beyond the digital realm, with an long history in theater, as cast, crew, and production team. As a stage director, she has had the privilege of directing a production of The Mad Ones in 2024 and Spring Awakening in 2025. Both of these productions were selected as Page to Stage Production's Best Production of their respective seasons.
As Ava continues to explore her journey as a creative, she hopes to expand the scope of her projects, eventually venturing into the world of feature producing and directing.