Diane Russo Cheng (she/her) is an award - winning director and photographer.
Originally from New Jersey, Diane takes inspiration from her roots - combining the foundation of her loud Italian American upbringing and queer identity to tell complex and thoughtful stories.
Diane began her career as a photo assistant in the fashion industry. When social media pivoted to video, she took an interest in connecting fashion with storytelling. She's created work in fashion for British Vogue, Document Journal, and V Magazine. Her early fashion films went on to gain several festival awards, including Milan, Australia, and A Shaded View in Paris. From there, her filmmaking style caught the attention of commercial brands, and she has woven her identity into work with Nike, Under Armour, and Glossier. Her work has made the top 10 list at Berlin Commercial, and is celebrated by SHOOTS New Directors Showcase, among others.
In her personal work, Diane is committed to making socially conscious driven projects that amplify narratives around self identified women and her LGBTQ+ family. Diane was a finalist for The 2020 Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program with her screenplay REIGN, which went on to take second place at 2021 Slamdance, and Nashville screenplay competition. Her short film Wally Wenda is a comedic adventure set at sea that celebrates the glories of period blood. Wally Wenda had its premiere at Palm Springs Shortfest 2020 and is currently making people gasp and laugh in the festival circuit.
Awards
Best Documentary - Milan Fashion Film Festival 2021Best Fashion Film - Amsterdam Fashion Film Festival 2020
Best Art Direction - A Shaded View Of Fashion Festival 2018
Best Independent Film - Australia Fashion Film Awards 2018
Screenplay Finalist
Tribeca Chanel Through Her Lens 2020
Slamdance 2021
Nashville 2021