Photo by: Daniela Murillo

 

Ana María Ariza is an award-winning investigative journalist, photojournalist, documentary filmmaker, specializing in human rights, migration crises, ex-combatants, and Indigenous communities. She is dedicated to producing impactful stories that amplify underrepresented voices. With extensive field experience in Latin America and the US, she has built strong sources among migrants, policymakers, and law enforcement. 

Ariza studied T.V. & Radio Production at Miami-Dade College, earning a Best Final Project nomination, and later obtained a Journalism degree from New York University (NYU). She also holds photography certifications from Zona Cinco and Los Andes University.

Ana María directed and produced “Caminantes: Human Stories That Cross Borders,” which was nominated at prestigious festivals such as the Barcelona Human Rights Film Festival 2022, McMinnville Short Film Festival 2023, Madrid Film Awards (MADFA) 2023, LA Latinx Film Festival 2023, and won Best Editing of a Documentary at the Madrid International Film Festival 2023.

 

She excels both on and off camera, having collaborated with major clients like Paramount Pictures, MTV, The New York Post, Nike+, Netflix, Discovery Channel, Directv, the US government, and the International Organization for Migration.

Throughout her career, Ariza has interviewed prominent figures including John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Catalina Sandino, Mike Newell, Scott Steindorff, Nicolas Cage, Tracy Morgan, Bill Nighy, Zach Galifianakis, Samuel Torres, Chris Botti, Leonardo Amuedo, and Eddy Herrera.