Tessa Smith is a multi-disciplinary artist and writer living in Iowa. They are particularly interested in time-based installation media, short-form experimental filmmaking, photography, and writing. Throughout their academic career, they served as writer-director for multiple short experimental films, created audio and video installation pieces, and produced several long-form research and analytical essays. They studied Italian cinema in Rome, Italy, during the Spring of 2023, where they were awarded Best Documentary. In the Fall of 2024, they participated in an undergraduate teaching practicum under Associate Professor Paula Amad, Ph.D. Tessa received their Bachelor of Arts in Cinema from The University of Iowa in December 2024.