Film Nerd Moment is a video series by the Light Leaks that dives into film theory, terminology, history, and pop culture through a feminist lens. Created and researched by Mercedes Gonzales Bazan, this series is meant to share film school topics in a digestible manner for a social media audience.
Mercedes (she/her) is a writer and researcher, with a background in media studies. Mercedes holds a masters from NYU in Media, Culture, and Communication and a bachelor’s from the University of New Mexico in both English & Communication. Her research interests center around representation and identity within popular culture, specifically film, television, and internet trends.
Her past work includes hosting the Meet Cute podcast The Rom-Com Room, being an editorial fellow for Women & Hollywood, and assisting with the Call Your Girlfriend podcast.
You can find her on all social platforms at @mercedesgb11 or through her website mercedessgb.com
Episode 1
In Ep 1, Mercedes dives into the Bechdel Test rules, its origins as a comic by Alison Bechdel, and its relevancy years later.
Suggested Reading
Episode 2
In Ep 2, Mercedes discusses the Male Gaze as introduced by Laura Mulvey, common definitions, and the way that the gaze impacts how we connect to characters on screen.
Suggested Reading
Episode 3
In Ep 3, Mercedes talks about Cathy Yan’s Birds of Prey and the way that Harley Quinn’s character transforms through a female director.
About Mercedes Gonzales Bazan
Episode 4
In Ep 4, Mercedes explains the Scully Effect, a trend that showed the X-Files increased the amount of women in STEM through Dana Scully.