Representation

 Tuesday, February 27th, 2024

Representation

In today’s modern world, the representation of women in media and storytelling is more crucial than ever, and my opening film aims to offer a poignant exploration of the challenges many women face. Through the lens of its protagonist, a young girl navigating the complexities of work, relationships, and personal safety, the film sheds light on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence. By juxtaposing the protagonist’s fear of the unknown with her haunting flashback of domestic abuse, the film underscores the harsh realities that women often endure in their everyday lives. This portrayal serves as a stark reminder of the need for society to address and dismantle the systemic inequalities and injustices that continue to oppress and endanger women. 

When it comes to the media industries, particularly the film business, women have historically been a minority. Since I am a woman myself, I thought it was crucial that the primary character be a female with few male parallels. Even though many drama films hinge on a romance of some kind, I want to emphasize the thriller element of the genre I chose and develop a conflict that keeps the attention on the female protagonist, who is a crucial character in films.

Furthermore, the film highlights the resilience and strength inherent in women as they confront adversity and strive for autonomy and empowerment. Despite the protagonist’s initial fear and vulnerability, she ultimately finds the courage to confront her past trauma and take control of her own narrative. This narrative arc reflects the resilience and agency of women in the face of adversity, offering a powerful message of hope. In today’s world, where women continue to fight for equality and recognition, this opening film serves as a powerful testament to the importance of amplifying women’s voices and experiences in media and storytelling.

A crucial element in bringing this narrative to fruition is the portrayal of my characters as minorities. Our primary focus centers on a young waitress—a Latina girl—who toils long hours at a diner, striving to escape her abusive boyfriend, who idles away his days at home. It is paramount to showcase women of color not only in cinema but also within the stereotypical landscape of the industry. She emerges as an exceedingly ambitious individual, challenging numerous stereotypes that minorities encounter daily. Additionally, the cinematographer himself, Carson Broderick, belongs to a minority group, being African American. African American men are seldom depicted as photographers, particularly at the higher ranks of the profession, underscoring the significance of introducing this character. As members of minority communities, we strongly believe in the imperative of seeing more individuals like ourselves on screen, portrayed as characters who defy conventional norms.