The Korean War Legacy Foundation is honored to have partnered with Villa Maria College to bring one of our Korean War veteran interviews to life through animation. Under the leadership of Director Sierra Annunziata, Head of Story Kareem Donmore, and Animation Instructor Joe Giaradina, Villa Maria students worked tirelessly to animate Roy Aldridge’s powerful story. We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Ryan Hartnett and Professor Jeffrey Werner for their support throughout the project. This project was funded through the generous support of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of South Korea.
About the Director
Sierra Annunziata grew up in Buffalo, New York, and from a young age showed a passion for the arts. Watching her father play Final Fantasy during her childhood, she developed a love for storytelling. When her father brought out his projector and played “Spirited Away,” a Studio Ghibli film, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in animation. Sierra attended Villa Maria College to pursue a BFA in Animation.
Beginning her career, she worked as a Fellow, then progressed to become an Art Director and ultimately the Director of the short film “Honoring Sacrifice: The Story of Roy Aldridge,” made in partnership with Villa Maria College and the Korean War Legacy Foundation. As it was a student-powered production, she also served as an Adjunct Professor, overseeing the class responsible for creating the short film.