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Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Official newspaper of The University of Texas at Austin

The Daily Texan

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor

Minza is an English senior from Cypress, TX. She is the associate life and arts editor and has been on the Texan since her freshman year. Aside from reporting and editing, you can find her reading short story collections or watching a 90-minute movie.

All content by Minza Mirza
Life&Arts associate retires serving as a right-hand man 

Life&Arts associate retires serving as a right-hand man 

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor  December 5, 2024

Second-in-command, I get the job done — when Amelia tells me to. I love my lot at the Texan, my peculiar, pleasant lot.  The Life&Arts department spews out a love for life, culture and people....

Austin-based writer and star of ‘Patsy’ Yola Jean Lu discusses short film, Austin Film Festival

Austin-based writer and star of ‘Patsy’ Yola Jean Lu discusses short film, Austin Film Festival

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor November 3, 2024

In 2022, Austin-based writer, comedian and actor Yola Jean Lu partook in an Austin Film Festival (AFF) writing retreat where screenwriters hunkered down and dedicated time to their craft. Little did Lu...

RTF alumnus showcases his thesis film ‘Do Not Disturb’ at Austin Film Festival

RTF alumnus showcases his thesis film ‘Do Not Disturb’ at Austin Film Festival

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor November 3, 2024

In 2023, Hugo Ortiz Clemens’ short film “Brenda” won first place at the Texas Union Film Festival. This year, he showcased his undergraduate thesis film “Do Not Disturb” at Austin Film Festival...

Live from the Texan, it’s a ‘Saturday Night’ review

Live from the Texan, it’s a ‘Saturday Night’ review

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor October 15, 2024

The debut of  “Saturday Night Live” pushed the stakes of live television. Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” does not let viewers forget those words — mainly because nearly every character in...

Tyler, the Creator performs during Weekend 1 of the Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 3, 2023.

Tyler, the Creator honors all his eras with high energy, humor at ACL

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor October 7, 2024

Tyler, the Creator returned to ACL after headlining the festival in 2021 where he delivered a sub-par performance, struggling as he caught his breath and scrambling on a small stage. This year, he one-upped...

The Austin Parks foundation is attempting to bring sustainability to this years ACL through recycling. Their tent is within the festival grounds on October 5, 2024.

Austin Parks Foundation brings sustainability to ACL

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor October 6, 2024

When Rebekah James heard about Austin City Council’s plan to add parking garages to Zilker Park, she felt unsettled. For her, these parking garages meant litter and pollution overrunning one of Austin’s...

Festival friendship: long-time friends celebrate tradition at ACL

Festival friendship: long-time friends celebrate tradition at ACL

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor October 5, 2024

Long-time friends Pam Griffin and Shelly Hefferton did not speak for months before this October. As the two went on about their lives, one little detail stayed tucked away in the backs of their minds,...

Hook 'Em walks down Bevo Blvd. during the parade held before kickoff for the Texas football game vs. Colorado State on Aug. 31, 2024.

Tailgating tradition Bevo Blvd evokes nostalgia among Texas football fans, provides free fun before home game

Amelia Engstrom and Minza Mirza September 2, 2024

In the late 70s, Sherry Millington and her roommate’s tailgating tradition involved a station wagon, ice chests full of beers and camaraderie. Now, returning to UT for the first football game of the...

Student organizations to join based on your college

Student organizations to join based on your college

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor August 22, 2024

On a large campus with a variety of disciplines, worrying about acclimating in college intensifies first day jitters. To alleviate those jitters, The Daily Texan paired a few colleges with fun and useful...

4 short stories to read this summer while braving the Texas heat

4 short stories to read this summer while braving the Texas heat

Minza Mirza, Associate Life&Arts Editor June 10, 2024

Whether out on a beach chair and absorbing sweet kisses from the sun or sitting underneath a vent to embrace the air conditioning, one’s mind can’t help but wander during summer break. As contemplation...

Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ delivers punches to gut, heart

Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ delivers punches to gut, heart

Minza Mirza, Life&Arts Desk Editor April 9, 2024

Coming off of stellar performances in A24’s “The Green Knight,” and Wes Anderson’s Oscar-winning short “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” Dev Patel graces the screen, this time as both an...

Films by Texas filmmakers to look out for during SXSW

Films by Texas filmmakers to look out for during SXSW

Minza Mirza, Life and Arts Desk Editor March 7, 2024

Content warning: mention of sexual assault. As the Lone Star State sets to put on its annual festival of various media, the mass of talent can drown out the works of Texas filmmakers. To highlight the...

International films to watch this winter

International films to watch this winter

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter November 29, 2023

Content Warning: This article contains descriptions of movies with graphic footage   Whether it’s the Texas sun still scorching or the glistening snow covering the bustling streets, this time...

Students share nostalgic songs, reflect on their past

Students share nostalgic songs, reflect on their past

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter November 16, 2023

As the year comes to a close, a sense of reflection washes over students. One may turn to songs where they stored their most sentimental memories in the strums and hums to reminisce. To celebrate the spirit...

Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” tells harrowing story with tender elegance, stunning visuals

Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” tells harrowing story with tender elegance, stunning visuals

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter November 12, 2023

Content warning: this article mentions grooming. Based on the 1985 memoir “Elvis and Me,” Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” follows the courtship, marriage and eventual divorce between Priscilla...

Four local food pantries alleviating food insecurity

Four local food pantries alleviating food insecurity

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter November 10, 2023

Food insecurity and financial instability can feel isolating and impact one’s overall well-being. With the giving season coming up, many may wish to offer their time and services to organizations dedicated...

Members of the public and students walk around the biannual UT Austin advance print studio pop up gallery on Nov. 8th, 2023. Senior Blakeley Beel said "Print making is fun because you get explore a bunch of different techniques such as linograph, lithograph, monoprints, and you can kind of go crazy and combine all of them together and you can keep adding different things even if you hang a piece and you decided you want to do more with it."

Co-curators discuss rewarding display of themed printmaking exhibition

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter November 8, 2023

Murmurs of awe bounce off the gallery’s walls in response to the talents of advanced printmaking students. As whispers reverberate, the sentiments of the artists echo throughout the gallery, coloring...

Native American-owned businesses to check out this Native American Heritage Month

Native American-owned businesses to check out this Native American Heritage Month

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter November 1, 2023

Nestled in the busy streets of Austin or residing a few keyboard clicks away, Native American-owned businesses bring forth an array of products to customers. These businesses range from makeup brands to...

Audience members before The Hourglass episode screening at We Luv Video on Oct. 23, 2023.

TSTV program The Hourglass showcases student films, fosters creative freedom

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter October 25, 2023

Chatter and rustling of popcorn bags cease as a voice calls out “Where is Baxter Bones?” Curiosity falls over attendants until someone finally enters the We Luv Video theater, carrying a zip-tied body...

Haunting tunes perfect for halloween festivities

Haunting tunes perfect for halloween festivities

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter October 23, 2023

Skeletons rise from the depths of one’s garage, witch hats topple down from the tops of storage units and thumbs sift through collections of music to find the perfect eerie tunes. Whether decorating...

Five horror movies set in academic institutions for Friday the 13th

Five horror movies set in academic institutions for Friday the 13th

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter October 9, 2023

As Friday the 13th approaches, many can’t help but reach for their remotes to put on a good horror movie. To help celebrate the occasion, The Daily Texan compiled a list of five horror movies set at...

Sufjan Stevens delivers immersed emotions in Javelin

Sufjan Stevens delivers immersed emotions in Javelin

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter October 8, 2023

A genre-shape-shifter, Sufjan Stevens dabbles in an array of sounds ranging from techno in The Ascension to the alternative folksy tunes of Carrie & Lowell. Stevens presented a fusion of his talents...

Five acclaimed writers who studied at UT, fostering talent

Five acclaimed writers who studied at UT, fostering talent

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter October 3, 2023

Becoming a writer consists of vulnerability and devotion to literature, a spirit fostered in the various writing programs offered at UT. Several esteemed writers have passed through these programs and...

ACL 2023 headliners playlist

ACL 2023 headliners playlist

Minza Mirza and Tyler Pullum October 3, 2023

This year’s ACL lineup consists of a wide-ranging group of artists from genres such as alternative folk to electronic R&B. The eclectic nature of ACL can seem exciting yet daunting. Which stage deserves...

Four short horror stories to read in preparation for Halloween

Four short horror stories to read in preparation for Halloween

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter October 3, 2023

Flashlights click, sinister smiles paint mouths and grim voices take turns telling chilling tales this time of year. Each story competes with the next to receive the shrillest screams or the widest gaping...

Co-curators Mathew McIntyre and Quinn In on the opening day of the "Queer Sublime" exhibit at the Visual Arts Center on Sept. 22, 2023.

‘Queer Sublime’ curators discuss amplifying student artistic expression on campus

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter September 26, 2023

June Chau found himself locked in the constricting “white cube” — the white walls commonly associated with museums, promoting neutrality and often negating identity. By including his work in the...

People watch as "like a breath of fresh water” by Jacqueline Kiyomi inflates and deflates as part of The Visual Arts Center’s Opening Reception for Fall 2023 Exhibitions on September 25, 2023.

VAC showcases five new exhibits at opening reception, exemplifying talent at UT

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter September 26, 2023

Soft murmurs, slow pacing and wide eyes surrounded every corner of the Visual Arts Center (VAC). Nearly each surface of the space glimmered with dedication, housing an identity and telling a story. This...

Five immersive books perfect for avid autumn readers

Five immersive books perfect for avid autumn readers

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter September 25, 2023

As fall begins, some think about traditions such as pumpkin carving and jumping into heaps of leaves. For others, the start of the season encourages another activity: traveling through literary landscapes...

Obras literarias para leer este 'Mes de la Herencia Hispana'

Obras literarias para leer este ‘Mes de la Herencia Hispana’

Minza Mirza and Judith Matehuala September 18, 2023

El ‘Mes de la Herencia Hispana’ comenzó el 15 de septiembre, sirviendo como una celebración de las culturas e identidades dentro de las comunidades hispanas y latinx. Varios autores presentan sus...

The Daily Texan’s playlist to welcome autumn

The Daily Texan’s playlist to welcome autumn

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter September 17, 2023

Welcoming brisk autumn winds feel easier than ever after enduring one of Texas’ hottest summers yet. In preparation for the comeback of sweaters, hot drinks and comfortable walks, The Daily Texan curated...

Literary works to read this Hispanic Heritage Month 

Literary works to read this Hispanic Heritage Month 

Minza Mirza , Senior Life&Arts Reporter  September 14, 2023

Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, serving as a celebration of the cultures and identities within the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Many authors present their identities and cultures within literary...

A24 films to look forward to this year

A24 films to look forward to this year

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter September 5, 2023

On May 2, the Writers Guild of America went on strike in hopes of raising wages for their members. On July 14, the American actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA also went on strike, calling out production companies...

On-campus exhibits to visit this fall

On-campus exhibits to visit this fall

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter September 5, 2023

With transportation costs and admission fees, finding access to art and cultural exhibitions can prove pricey. Luckily, UT holds countless free artistic showcases at campus museums and cultural centers....

5 varying student publications to submit to

5 varying student publications to submit to

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter August 27, 2023

Publishing one’s written work can appear daunting and seemingly impossible for undergraduate students. Luckily, UT possesses a wide range of student-run publications taking submissions from Longhorns...

RTF senior Lorena Chiles on the Moody bridge on Aug. 23, 2023.

Student filmmaker reflects on award-winning short film

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter August 24, 2023

From screenwriting and cinematography summer camps at UT in high school to becoming a decorated student filmmaker, Lorena Chiles’ long standing relationship with the UT film community holds a special...

Movies to watch when transitioning from high school to college

Movies to watch when transitioning from high school to college

Minza Mirza, Senior Life&Arts Reporter August 20, 2023

The start of the fall semester reveals what some choose to bury and what others wilfully ease into: transition. College students undergoing this transition range from all walks of life but share the desire...

Plants easy for college students to maintain, give back to Earth

Plants easy for college students to maintain, give back to Earth

Minza Mirza, General Life&Arts Reporter April 18, 2023

Amidst the season of flowers flourishing in the sun, National Gardening Month and Earth Day emphasize incorporating greenery and plant-life into one’s daily life to improve oneself and the Earth. However,...

Jewish students discuss community, faith, observing Passover at UT

Jewish students discuss community, faith, observing Passover at UT

Minza Mirza, General Life&Arts Reporter April 12, 2023

As Emily Kolach and Bindi Kaplan found themselves sharing childhood memories and familial traditions with their Jewish peers on campus, they simultaneously fortified new connections and adopted new customs.  For...

Coming-of-age films to watch during graduation season

Coming-of-age films to watch during graduation season

Minza Mirza, General Life&Arts Reporter April 3, 2023

With graduation season approaching, the post-collegiate chaos of finding belonging in the world looms near for many students. To combat this feeling, The Daily Texan compiled a list of coming-of-age films,...

The Daily Texan’s list of poetry to welcome spring

The Daily Texan’s list of poetry to welcome spring

Minza Mirza, General Life&Arts Reporter March 29, 2023

Striking scenery of green leaves dancing in the wind marks the start of a limbo between winter and summer. With the last few weeks of the spring semester approaching, change swallows campus at every turn.  In...

Students share favorite Iftar foods, reflect on community this Ramadan

Students share favorite Iftar foods, reflect on community this Ramadan

Minza Mirza, General Life&Arts Reporter March 21, 2023

As students prepare for the Islamic month of fasting, distant aromas from their family’s kitchens slip into their senses before iftar, the meal Muslims with which break their fasts. The Daily Texan sat...

Polymath Creative Collective art gallery showcases student art, gives back to community

Polymath Creative Collective art gallery showcases student art, gives back to community

Minza Mirza, General Life&Arts Reporter March 7, 2023

With steady hands, Ren Daley gathers her apparatus for the procedure. The neuroscience sophomore wields the needle carefully against her subject, stopping every now and then to ensure absolute precision....

Behind the scenes with the Texas Union Film Festival winners

Behind the scenes with the Texas Union Film Festival winners

Minza Mirza, General Life & Arts Reporter February 27, 2023

Last Thursday, students showcased their short films at the 14th annual Texas Union Film Festival hosted by UT Showtime. The Daily Texan sat down with the winners and discussed their award-winning work.  1st...

5 films by Black directors to celebrate Black History Month

5 films by Black directors to celebrate Black History Month

Minza Mirza, General Life&Arts Reporter February 24, 2023

In telling stories about Black experiences across a wide range of time periods and historical contexts, Black directors cultivate thought-provoking and impactful messages reflected in their projects. To...

Literary works about love authored by UT students

Literary works about love authored by UT students

Minza Mirza, General Life & Arts Reporter February 12, 2023

With Valentine's Day approaching, the topic of love increases in relevance around campus. Navigating what it means to love someone can appear daunting and full of complexities, especially during college....

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