Student Filmmaker & Graphic Designer

KAYLA TRAN

KAYLA TRAN (SHE/HER)

I'm a student filmmaker and graphic designer currently attending the University of California, Davis. Born and raised in San Jose, California, I developed an interest in entertainment and the performing arts from a young age, growing up with a passion for film and music.Beyond academics, I produce personal projects and content for various student-led organizations, directing films and creating marketing, publicity, and graphic design projects. I recently directed a feature-length documentary about Formula Racing at UC Davis (FRUCD), which premiered online on October 19th.Outside of work, I enjoy going to the cinema, playing the piano, watching sports, and staying educated about the world. You'll always find me looking for ways to be out and about, reaching and achieving my goals one day at a time.

FILMOGRAPHY

FILMS (FEATURES, SHORTS, ETC.)

SHORT-FORM CONTENT

COMING SOON

COMISSIONED WORK

COMING SOON

Beyond the Podium: A Formula Racing at UC Davis Documentary (dir. Kayla Tran)

Formula Racing at UC Davis (FRUCD) heads into another season of
competing in the annual Formula SAE Electric competition in
Brooklyn, Michigan. The team must try to build their fastest and
most innovative car yet, but to do so, they must test their own limits,
facing new challenges in designing and manufacturing a car unique
to FRUCD’s history and legacy.Film Credits: Director, Producer, Writer, Editor, Camera OperatorThe film officially released online on October 19th, 2025.

Video

Summer of Discovery (2025), dir. Kayla Tran

A Davis Filmmaking Society (DFS) production about an ambitious high school senior who spends a summer deciding what to study at university by experimenting with different activities. The short film premiered at the 2025 DFS Film Fest.Film Credits: Director, Producer, Co-Writer, Co-Editor

Video

Don't Hold Back (2024), dir. Ryan Elliott AuYeung

A Davis Filmmaking Society (DFS) production about a friendship fallout between two student writers. The film premiered at the 10th annual DFS Film Fest at UC Davis.Film Credits: Assistant Director, Co-Producer, Co-Writer, Co-Editor

Video

GRAPHIC DESIGN

GRAPHIC DESIGN: PERSONAL WORK

GRAPHIC DESIGN:
ASUCD CREATIVE MEDIA

I design print and digital graphics for various clients and units of the Associated Students of UC Davis (ASUCD), including Aggie Studios, the Bike Barn, the Unitrans “Moo-vin’ Moo-seum” art installation, and the Elections Committee. Projects and assignments range from Instagram posts, physical flyers, business cards, stickers, etc.

GRAPHIC DESIGN:
DAVIS FILMMAKING SOCIETY

Throughout the 2024-25 academic year at UC Davis, I designed numerous graphics as the associate publicist of the Davis Filmmaking Society (DFS), a student-led filmmaking organization. Graphic design projects included a brand marketing campaign for the 2025 DFS Film Fest, Instagram posts, and merchandise.

GRAPHIC DESIGN:
FORMULA RACING AT UC DAVIS

As a current business team member of Formula Racing at UC Davis (FRUCD), I collaborate with colleagues to design graphics for social media. I have also taken responsibility for designing Instagram carousel posts featured on the team's Instagram account.For Beyond the Podium: A Formula Racing at UC Davis Documentary, I designed the official flyer (featuring commissioned artwork by Thanh Nguyen), Instagram posts, and merchandise to promote the film.

GRAPHIC DESIGN:
THE CALIFORNIA AGGIE

During the 2024-25 academic year at UC Davis, I designed and illustrated numerous graphics for The California Aggie, the university's student-led newspaper. Graphics appeared in The Aggie's print and digital issues, accompanying student journalists' articles on topics like sports, cinema, music, nationwide issues, local news, and school updates.

FRAMES & STILLS