Ariana Padilla-Rogers: A Screenwriter Crafting Authentic Narratives
"Everyone is very open-minded, so there's a lot of freedom to try new things," says Ariana Padilla-Rogers, a senior Screenwriting major at UArts from Neptune, NJ, as she reflects on the artistic milieu of Philadelphia, the city she currently calls home. Ariana's journey is an intricate tapestry woven from diverse threads — she is a blend of Puerto Rican, African American, and Austrian heritage, with an infectious personality and a penchant for comedy.
Ariana Padilla-Rogers
The Catalyst of Storytelling
As a teenager, Ariana was known for her encyclopedic knowledge of shows and films. But a high school epiphany, catalyzed by an internet search, nudged her towards her true calling: screenwriting. "I didn't know exactly how, but I knew that was what I wanted to do. In the act of learning and doing, I absolutely fell in love with the craft," she recalls.
It was a moment of representation that further crystallized her purpose. She stumbled upon an episode of "Everything's Gonna be Okay," where a character discovered he had autism, an experience she deeply related to. "I remember watching that episode and feeling so seen," Ariana notes. “Seeing that storyline really changed how I felt about my own position as a writer and what I wanted to say with my work. I think it would be super cool to use my writing to be a voice for people like me and for other underrepresented groups who haven't had a chance to have their stories told in the media. And to make it funny of course, I'm very into comedy at the moment."
Like any artist, Ariana faces her own set of challenges, primarily the fear of vulnerability. "I definitely struggle sometimes with the idea of putting myself out there," she confesses. But she also acknowledges the transformative power of these challenges. "As unfun as they are, I think how you choose to work through a challenge in any area of life teaches you what you're capable of and where your strengths are. I’m coming to understand that the joy I feel when I make something I’m proud of completely outweighs the nerves or any other setbacks that I’ve had."
The City of Philadelphia & inclusion as a way of Life
The city of Philadelphia, with its myriad neighborhoods and unique film scene, has enabled Ariana's creativity. "It's really hard to be bored here," she declares, emphasizing how the city's dynamic atmosphere complements her creative rhythms.
Ariana's approach to DEIA is deeply personal. She credits her diverse upbringing for shaping her perspective. "Growing up, my house was like a melting pot. I was raised by people of all different backgrounds and life experiences, and I learned so much from each of them," she states. This lived experience flows naturally into her professional life, imbuing her narratives with a richness that mirrors the diversity of her own world.
The Horizon Ahead
As for the future, Ariana is brimming with excitement. "I want to get involved in the TV and film world any way I can, I'm honestly open to everything! I just want to keep growing," she beams.
Ariana's artistic expression can be encapsulated in three words: honest, bubbly, and offbeat. As she navigates the complex terrains of storytelling, identity, and representation, one thing is clear: her narrative demands to be told, not just for her but for all those who find pieces of themselves in her words.
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Photos by Stephen Cirino