Michael X. Flores, a celebrated film editor and Professor at DePaul University, has been officially inducted into the prestigious American Cinema Editors (ACE). This honor recognizes Flores’s outstanding contributions to the art and craft of film editing, making him one of the few ACE members based in the Midwest.
Flores’s career began at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he earned an MFA in Cinema-Television Production. During his time at USC, he received numerous accolades, including the John Frankenheimer Directing Scholarship for merit in directing, the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Entertainment Scholarship, and selection as a fellow for Film Independent’s Project Involve — a program dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. Under the mentorship of acclaimed editor Kate Amend, ACE, Flores honed his editorial voice and refined his storytelling approach.
Early in his career, Flores worked as an assistant editor on acclaimed documentaries such as Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child (2010), which premiered at Sundance, and First Position (2011), showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival.
As an editor, his credits include Nick Broomfield’s Sarah Palin: You Betcha! (2011), premiering at TIFF, and Justice for My Sister (2012), which won Best Documentary at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
In 2016, Flores edited the Netflix feature The Most Hated Woman in America (2017), directed by Tommy O’Haver and starring Oscar-winner Melissa Leo, premiering at SXSW. The same year, he also contributed to Love Means Zero (2017), which premiered at TIFF and aired on Showtime.
Most recently, Flores worked on HBO’s Last Stop Larrimah (2023), a gripping true-crime documentary from Duplass Brothers Productions that premiered at SXSW, and The Biggest Little Farm Series, a doc series for Nat Geo and Disney+ that set to premiere in 2025.
In addition to his accomplishments as an editor, Flores is also an Associate Professor at DePaul University, where he teaches courses in editing. His role at DePaul is particularly noteworthy as the university was recently recognized as the 11th best film school in the US by the Hollywood Reporter, reflecting DePaul’s rising profile and the impact of dedicated educators like Flores.
Beyond his classes, Flores also contributes to DePaul’s mission by participating in the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) + DePaul program in documentary filmmaking, where he mentors local youth, and the Big Shoulders International Student Film Festival, which brings together student filmmakers from around the world. These programs and Flores’s dedication to both students and community outreach enhance DePaul’s impact in the world of film education, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for future filmmakers.
Flores’s induction into ACE is a testament to his artistry and dedication, as well as his commitment to fostering new voices in film. Through his work at DePaul University and his involvement in community programs, Flores continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers who, under his guidance, are learning to bring their unique perspectives to the screen.
Through his editorial achievements, academic leadership, and commitment to fostering emerging talent, Flores is leaving an indelible mark on the film industry and inspiring diverse voices to share their stories on the global stage.
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