Industry Advice and Media Analysis Articles
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.
On Screen: Watching Encanto as a Colombian American
Filmmaker and TLL founder, Kim Hoyos shares how she felt watching Disney’s Encanto as a Colombian American. As a daughter of immigrants and a creator, she writes about the film’s authentic moments and thoughts on the animation industry’s potential for diversity.
Hey ‘You’: My Chronic Illness Is Not A Plot Device
The chart-breaking Netflix hit You has been the center of many discussions. But writer and filmmaker Brynna Arens brings light to the show’s harmful portrayals of living with chronic illness. As a fan of the show, she shares a unique POV on disability representation.
On Screen: What Does ‘Promising Young Woman’ Really Promise?
Sophie Hayssen explores ‘Promising Young Woman’ through the lens of justice for victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse and where the film connected and disconnected with these real-world issues.
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.
On Screen: Why Tami Taylor is a Fan Favorite on Friday Night Lights
Think you can’t find a feminist icon in a soapy teen drama? Think again- Friday Night Light’s Tami Taylor is a fan favorite for that very reason. Read Sophie Hayssen’s debrief on Tami’s influence.
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.
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.
My Take: Mentorship has Changed the Way I View Collaboration
Mentorship can be tricky to find, and even trickier to keep up. Alexa Jordan shares how her relationship with filmmaker Catherine Filloux grew into a creative partnership as well. Incredible things happen when women help each other.
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.
How I Make Multinational Filmmaking Work
Anya Steiner is a Chicago based filmmaker who, through the internet has been able to meet, collaborate with, and become friends with other women in film across the US and internationally. She’s now crowdfunding for a project called “Rational Creatures”.
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.
Ways To Stay Creative When The World Feels Heavy
The Light Leaks founder, Kim Hoyos, shares some of her tips to stay creative through mental fog.
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.