Think Pieces, Help Guides, and More
Our editorial pieces are all written by female and GNC filmmakers, providing perspectives that aren’t often featured on typical film websites. From help guides, an advice column, to think pieces, these contributors each utilize media to make connections to their identities and lives in unique ways. To pitch to The Light Leaks, go to this link.
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My Take: How Erotophobia on Screen was a Catalyst for Me to Make Change
Mx. Chelsey Morgan is an Afro-Latinx, and non-binary sex educator, and media maker that explores in this personal narrative, the impact of erotophobia on screen and how damaging portrayals of sexual relationships on screen can be. As an Intimacy Coordinator for Film and TV, they provide comprehensive sexuality training to media professionals and content creators and hope to make a change on screen and in society.
On Screen: Hunter Schafer’s Impact on Queer and Trans Representation
Sophie Prettyman-Beauchamp is a genderqueer, pansexual creator who examines the impact of Hunter Schafer's influence on HBO's Euphoria both personally and in the industry. Sophie dissects the HBO storyline that covers trans and queer identity and is modeled after Schafer's own experiences.y stage of production is critical to equitable and realistic representations of our lived experiences.
On Screen: Analyzing the Male Gaze Present in ‘the Queen’s Gambit’
The Queen’s Gambit, follows Beth Harmon, a prodigious young woman who attempts to enter the male-dominated sphere of competitive chess. Critics have praised it for its cinematography but Dhara Patel explores how feminist a show can be when it’s still created in the male gaze.
The Hustle: What should I do if I don’t think my job is a good fit anymore?
In this edition of The Hustle, feminist career strategist, Cynthia Pong, answers the question “What should I do if I don’t think my job is a good fit anymore?” with real tips and an action plan that anyone can follow!
How Seeing Nonbinary Representation on Screen Allowed Me to See Myself
Anita Markoff is a freelance journalist and published poet, who is currently doing a Creative Writing MA in Scotland. They were able to view the premiere of Ashley by Jamie Crewe at the Glasglow film and it was the first time they’ve been able to see nonbinary representation by a nonbinary director.
My Take: Asian Representation Isn't Representing Me Yet
Marissa Domantay writes about her experiences as a Filipina creative and how Asian representation in Hollywood oftentimes means just one ‘type’ of Asian.
Creating Art in the Face of Censorship
Arsal Asal breaks down how her creativity survived through the production of a short film, filled with taboos, while in her home country of Turkey and its’ restrictive media.
The Second Life of Desert Hearts and the Difficulty of Telling Queer Women’s Stories
Queer films are overwhelmingly male- both behind the camera and on screen. Queer film criticism writer Ryan Coleman breaks down the historical importance of female directed and female focused Desert Hearts and its’ influence on Queer cinema.
Big Little Lies and the Complexity of Public Personas
Film writer Sophie Hayssen discusses the intricacies of Big Little Lies’s domestic abuse plot line through the lens of the Me Too movement’s ousting of public figures. With the manipulative tendencies of abusers to appear like good people, Sophie breaks down the complexity of public personas.
Merci beaucoup, Agnès
Film student, Grace Bennett writes about her love of the late Agnes Varda. Inspired to find beauty, honesty, and a story in the world around her, Grace thanks Agnes for her work and trailblazing influence for women in film.
The Hustle: Ten Things No One Tells You About Making Your First Short Film
Branded video director extraordinaire Blair Waters is used to challenges. But learning how to shoot her first short film came with it’s own unique struggles. In this edition of “The Hustle” she shares with us the 10 things to keep top of mind when shooting a short film.
My Take: How I Reclaimed My Art Post-Breakup
Writer and aspiring filmmaker, Rachel Granillo recounts how she reclaimed her art and identity post breakup.
6 Ways To Get Ahead In Your Career
Give your career a reboot with these tips on how to get ahead at work.
"Ladybird," Creativity, And The Magic Of Going Home
Filmmaker Danielle Acton recounts her own coming of age in Sacramento, the process of homecoming and her connection to “Ladybird.”
Insecure and Imperfect
Steffy Ramirez explains her deep connections to HBO’s Insecure as a WOC and Cali girl.
Taking New Steps Towards My Creative Future - How Filmmaker Ok-Hee Jeong’s Words Helped Me Figure It Out
Feeling lost in her creative life, one media studies student find comfort after a conversation with filmmaker Ok-Hee Jeong.
Paying for Experience: The Reality of Unpaid Hollywood Internships
The world of entertainment internships is treacherous and oftentimes, unpaid. We’re opening up a conversation on unpaid internships in film and media.
Special Affects: Social Responsibility In Film
Interested in human rights and film production, Lauren Cooke explains the importance of social responsibility in media.
My Take: As A Female Director, My Voice Changes Society
Writer and director, Charlotte Manning draws parallels between sexism in the film industry and society’s perception of women.
"It's Inertia": Life Lessons from YouTube
Recent grad, Tara Reid, takes the advice of a Youtube motivational coach and forgoes a traditional career path.