About
Delaney Thomas Colaio (he/him) is a Brooklyn-based photographer, filmmaker, and founder of Colaio Film & Photo. His approach treats the camera not as a passive observer but as an active tool for revelation. Through Colaio Film & Photo, he urges viewers to engage with the depth and complexity of the human experience. Highlighting the intersections of identity & community, his philosophy is encapsulated in the statement: "The most vital stories aren't found—they're freed."
Some moments captured throughout the years:
From 2017 to 2021, he documented children of 9/11 victims for a feature documentary, preserving over 70 interviews. He produced, directed, and shot video content for the March For Our Lives rally in New York City, reaching 250,000 attendees (2018). He also contributed as a cinematographer to the “United States of Women Summit,” capturing footage of Michelle Obama and other influential speakers (2019.) Later that year, he served as cinematographer and editor for "UT in NYC," a program led by fashion icon Iris Apfel, featuring industry leaders like Naeem Khan, Tommy Hilfiger, and Donna Karan, a bridge of high fashion icons and emerging students focusing on sustainability.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, Delaney's lens became a lifeline, chronicling Brooklyn skaters reclaiming empty streets and the resilience of Cubbyhole, the historic West Village lesbian bar. Later, in 2021, he worked as a B-camera operator and VHS shooter on "New York Skate of Mind," part of Steve Berra's documentary series for the Olympic YouTube channel.
Delaney's filmmaking continued to evolve with his co-production of "A Good Friday to Fall" (2022), a narrative short for Volcom produced by 90 Degree Collective, starring Dafny Arzu. Towards the end of the year (2024), he executive produced "Indigo Blue," a Kodak 16mm short exploring healthcare inequities, directed by Albert Pritchard. Acclaimed filmmaker Sean Baker personally selected this film alongside NEON and Kodak for a showcase of 10 films. Premiered theatrically at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
Currently (2025), Delaney is developing two significant projects:
Firstly, repurposing footage from 70+ interviews of children who lost parents in 9/11 by working to properly memorialize the archived footage for generations to connect with.
Secondly, compiling an intimate visual archive of the past 3 years alongside portraits and stories of his closest friends through different mediums (120mm and 35mm film.) The project stems from a deep-seated need to document his existence as a transgender person during a period of triumph and pain And that of his community, together creating a testament to their presence.
Starting Summer 2025, Colaio Film and Photo will launch a funding initiative for short films by transgender and queer filmmakers. This initiative underscores the commitment to amplifying diverse voices and the cinematic landscape with authentic LGBTQ+ perspectives when they matter most.