# @texasmoody on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DWUZJLpkacl
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/62485966-texasmoody-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/f9358e7001.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-25T19:09:53.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** TEXAS Moody (@texasmoody) — https://gondola.cc/texasmoody

## Caption

This week’s #MoodySpotlight is Ivan Alejandro Rocha, a first-generation senior studying utexasrtf and utjschool. From Houston, Texas, Ivan’s love for film began when his mom gave him an iPhone 4 and he began taking pictures and videos that he shared with friends and family. He chose to study RTF because of its industry working professors, many of them working as directors, cinematographers, sound engineers, and constantly working on big projects outside of teaching. “I wanted to learn from those professors who are already working and continue working in their desired roles, so RTF checked all of those boxes.”

Ivan said Moody was the right place for him to get hands-on experience across digital media and the perfect way to get involved within the Austin community and the rising Texas film industry. “Moody to me is like a bright playground that is filled with lots of resources, collaboration, and room to shape who I’m becoming. And for that reason, it literally felt like home.”

Ivan serves as a texasmoody digital content intern! “The marketing and communication scene is where I get the most exposure to industry work and is an opportunity for me to use my photo/video/graphic design skills on a daily basis for an official brand. I absolutely love working for this team!”

One of Ivan’s favorite #TEXASMoody memories was working for the CNN and Variety Town Hall with Timothée Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey as a Warner Bros runner and audience member. “It was by far the coolest opportunity this year for me, and one to remember!”

Ivan is looking forward to editing and completing his undergraduate thesis film, “Forbidden Steps,” which will premiere at the RTF end of semester screenings. Ivan serves as the director of photography and film editor alongside director Valerie Chavez for this film.

“Being part of Moody is such a rush. We move fast, we work hard and we don’t wait for opportunities. We’re constantly learning, creating, and pushing ourselves to break into the industry and make ourselves proud. I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish here thus far during my undergraduate year. I hope to be a well-known hard worker and working film director!”

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 466
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- **Comments:** 46

## Tags

texasmoody, moodyspotlight

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