Representation in film doesn’t start in Hollywood, it starts in classrooms, labs, and student screenings like this. For the female filmmakers here at BYU, this event is more than a showcase— it’s a statement.
Behind every frame of a film is a storyteller, and tonight at a Female Filmmakers showcase “Ladies Night”, the creative works of BYU’s bright filmmakers were put on display.
The event was co-hosted by The Women and Film student Association and featured 4 films both directed by women and featuring women that had not been showcased yet.
Audrey Koval, President of BYU Women in film, is in charge of creating events like this one that inspire education and connection for the women in the film program.
“Just knowing that as little, and tiny as I might feel my voice can be big which is really gratifying.” Audrey Koval, BYU Women in Film President, film student.
“Getting access to the stories of so many different women was very empowering for me to be able to watch and experience and learn from other women,” said Emi Edwards, producer and director of featured film Specialty Subs.
The panel following the films fostered a discussion of the unique highs and lows of paving the way in a creative industry as females.
“There really is something unique that the female experience can bring to the table when you are making something creative,” said Edwards.
“I will have to create a career I probably haven’t seen before, or just understanding that I will have different problems one day when I do become a mother,” said Koval.
The message of the featured films made it clear that women are not just stepping behind the lens, they are redefining what we see through it.
"Even if there are some things that I have had to fight for in the program or the business in general, the relationships I have with the women around me are so strong that I wouldn't give it up for anything."