1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?
I wanted to create films that I wanted to see, to showcase women truthfully. When I was a teenager, I didn’t realized that film was basically overrun with males, but when I started to notice this, I realized this is why I rarely related to the female characters I saw on screen.
2) What’s a defining moment in your life?
The moment I realized that film can allow any individual to escape from reality, but also change the viewer’s opinion. I knew since I was ten, that film was my path. It was an art form that I wanted to contribute to for the rest of my life.
3) What is your biggest concern with the future?
Making sure my career doesn’t take away the things that are important to me, like my friends and family. I make films because it makes me happy, there is a drive within me and I never want to lose that happiness.
4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?
Watching my cinematography in a packed movie theatre and having my idols call me a Cinematographer. I was always afraid of calling myself a Cinematographer, because I didn’t believe I was good enough to deserve the title, even though I saw all my male peers gladly defining themselves. I no longer struggle with my title, even though many men do when I tell them it.
5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?
No matter what you do, people are going to judge you and treat you differently than your male counterparts. The one thing to remember, is to never make a decision based on their judgement; always speak and act your own truth. Remember to support your fellow filmmakers and that film has the power to invoke thought.
6) What, if anything, do you collect?
Vintage clothes!
7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?
I have my first feature this upcoming summer. I’m so nervous, but gave myself the goal to shoot one project a month till then. This month I’m shooting 4 and I hope to never stop learning and growing as a filmmaker.