Image Courtesy of Unsplash.
If you were to tell me that during my sophomore year there would be a new club in relation to film and representation in the industry, I would have been hesitant to believe you. However, this semester has changed everything with the creation of the “Underrepresented Voices in Film” club. The club was founded by Jenna Kramer ‘22, who I have the pleasure of taking a Film Studies course with this semester. We were able to conduct a non-traditional interview on a shared document to prevent any miscommunication. The following questions and responses are from this interview:
Stoever: When did you first come up with the idea for Underrepresented Voices in Film? What was your primary goal?
Kramer: I first had the idea my sophomore spring when I was doing remote classes. I was working on a feminist film and my professor at the time continually put my film down and said “he did not understand it.” I felt like he did not put an effort into understanding how the film is important to me and my values and instead made me re-write the script. It was deeply upsetting to me and I wish I had a space outside of class to talk about why it was so frustrating to people who would understand because they were going through similar situations in their film production classes.
Stoever: Could you talk about the club’s mission statement? How did it begin versus how does it look now?
Kramer: The mission statement has developed and changed since the original draft, which I am incredibly grateful for. This whole time I have wanted the club to be a collaborative effort so when members gave me feedback/ideas on how to improve the statement and make it more inclusive I made the necessary changes. My main goal for the club was to provide a space for people who suffer from identity-based discrimination to feel validated in their frustrations and emotions. I felt really lonely in my struggles and I did not want that for anyone else.
Stoever: How was the process in creating the club? What advice would you give to others who wish to make clubs of their own?
Kramer: It was more work than I expected! I suggest having a solid idea of what you want to accomplish within your club before you start the paperwork. Also, don’t do it alone! Start a club with a friend, it will elevate so much of the work and you can come up with fun ideas together!
Stoever: What would you say you’re most excited about in regards to Underrepresented Voices in Film?
Kramer: I am most excited about having a group of friends. I felt distanced from my peers during the pandemic since I spent my whole junior year remote. So to be able to meet new people and connect on an emotional level is definitely the most exciting part. Also we have some really exciting ideas for events coming up so stay tuned!
Stoever: Are there any events that you hope to do in particular with the club for this semester?
Kramer: This semester I really want to invite a local filmmaker to come speak to our members about their experience working in the film industry and how they overcame any identity-based discrimination in their process. I plan to open this to all Conn students so everyone can get the opportunity to hear from them and ask questions!
Stoever: What have you noticed about the club’s first few meetings? How does the participation and discussion tend to be?
Kramer: I am really proud of all of the members. The first meeting people really opened up and shared their deep emotions and frustrations. I went home after the first meeting and cried because I was so happy to be a part of this and be a part of everyone’s healing. When we are not battling our emotions we have really fun discussions. Recently we discussed The Duff (2015) which turned into a discussion about Bella Thorne’s controversy, true crime, etc… very diverse and engaging conversations!
Stoever: In simultaneously taking Film Studies courses, do you bring any topics of class discussion and implement them into the club’s conversations?
Kramer: Yes! I find a lot of overlap between my ‘Representing Gender’ class with Dr. Nina Martin (also our advisor for the club) and our discussions. It is really exciting to be able to broaden my education and use what I learn in class in our club discussions.
Stoever: In terms of representation and diversity in film, what are some of the topics that you’d like to discuss in Underrepresented Voices in Film? What about general issues regarding film studios and companies?
Kramer: I hope we get to discuss how poor representation in film is harmful to audience members and how seeing your identity being mis-represented on screen is deeply frustrating and upsetting. From there I would love to open the floor for members to discuss how this makes them feel. Providing a space to foster and validate people’s emotions was the #1 goal of the club so letting members speak about their experience and be heard is a major topic of discussion. Also, we talk a lot about poor casting choices and what companies/filmmakers could have done or could do better in the future.
Stoever: Have you had any feedback about the club so far? If so, could you talk about what you have heard in response?
Kramer: Yes, I have. I got feedback from a member about the mission statement. Looking back I do not understand how I was so naive in thinking the statement was as inclusive as I wanted it to be. This particular person helped me draft a new statement (which is highlighted on ConnQuest and our Instagram @underrepresentedvoicesinfilm) to be welcoming and inclusive to any future member.
Stoever: Do you have any worries about the club’s outcome? What do you hope for the overall future and success of the club?
Kramer: I always worry! If we can only have five meetings I would be satisfied. I gained a lot from sharing my frustrations and I would like to think a lot of the other members feel the same. If I can help one person feel comfortable and validated then I have accomplished all of my goals.
Stoever: Is there anything that you would like to say to the students, Film Studies department, and/or Connecticut College as a whole, either about the Underrepresented Voices or in regards to the state of film in general?
Kramer: I want to extend a welcome to anyone who is interested in joining the club. We are always looking for new members and new ideas for events! In terms of the current members of the club, thank you. I have received so many heartfelt emails about the club and so much encouragement and love from all of you. It has really touched my heart and pushed me to make this club the best it could be.
Being able to talk with Kramer about Underrepresented Voices in Film was an absolutely memorable experience. I truly admire her goals and work towards creating the club, and I am looking forward to the following meetings. I highly advise you to attend at least one meeting, as they will never disappoint. Underrepresented Voices in Film is an incredible new club, and I wish the absolute best for its future.
