Filmmaker Madeleine

It’s astounding that even though school has been switched to online classwork, I’ve been busier than ever! In response to March’s events, I’ve been relocated back to my childhood home in Dallas. Though it’s strange to be back so early, it’s been lovely experiencing spring here for the first time in several years.

Our professor for filmmaking, Coach, has put us to the task of creating films through various assignments. I’ve got to say—I really enjoy making them, and think I’ve been getting a ton out of it. The main source of my creativity during this stagnant period has been the filming and post-production process (which I think I personally enjoy the most), and it’s helped me stay positive and inspired. I hope to continue making such works that fuel the artist in me!

The videos I’ve made lately are drawn from my experiences during the pandemic, such as Viral, displaying the barren and beautiful outdoors as humanity begins shutting its doors. Cinders, a personally documented experience through my mother’s side of the family, was something I came up with through the constraints I had in the moment: since I couldn’t go out and record members of my family, I relied heavily on audio responses, archived photographs, footage captured of particular events that were graciously given to me, and stock footage I managed to find that fit the aesthetic of my grandfather’s story. Truly, I think the events of this spring have lead me to think more outside-of-the-box than I have in a long time, and I’m making the best of it!

I hope to create more films as the summer continues, and find ways in which I can keep my creativity brewing in a state of stagnation. I likewise hope that my work continues to grow and that more people will be exposed to and inspired by my work. I think that, especially now, it’s important to remember how vital the arts really are.