HER(E).

What got you into filmmaking?

 

I am in my third year at the University of Exeter, and over my time here I have increasingly discovered my desire and my need to work within the film industry. Much of this love of film has evolved throughout my life, as I was fortunate to have parents who would sit me down and make sure I watched classics, the gritty British films, the stylised Tarantino, and the wackiest films possible. Since coming to university I continued and added to this education, taking part in many film modules, widening my interests and adding depth to my knowledge. This relationship with film acted as a large inspiration for my own filmmaking, as I distinctly remember watching a film in my first year, thinking this would be a cool job, I’d like to do that job, that’s the job I’ll do. My decisions went in that order, and I haven’t looked back.

 

Generally, how important are Devon & Cornwall to you in your filmmaking/film inspirations?

 

Although Devon and Cornwall have never acted as a particular inspiration for my work, I must admit that without being in this setting, I would not have had the opportunity to create “Sunday”. Exeter has a thriving filmmaking community, constantly looking for new filmmakers to teach, support, and help, and I will be forever grateful that I stumbled across this creative group.

 

How did the idea for "Sunday" come about?

 

“Sunday” began as a way of using time limitations to benefit rather than hinder the film, resulting in the original idea of portraying twelve hours in twelve minutes, on a Sunday. As well as this, I had always been told to write what you know, and so, writing about a family seemed to be a logical step. As the project developed and inevitably changed, the focus shifted from the film’s use of time to the merging of the natural and bizarre, incorporating some gothic fun into an otherwise gentle piece. Hopefully the audience will agree!

 

How important is it to you that females get a voice in filmmaking? Do you think females in the film industry are doing enough to get their voices heard?

 

It seems that females in film has become an increasingly talked about topic in the past few months, as Jennifer Lawrence addressed the wage gap, multiple actresses discussed the lack of strong female characters, and multiple social media outlets are challenging the inequality in the film industry. To me, it appears rather logical to have talented female filmmakers, who can offer new perspectives, originality, and a breath of the fresh air to the film industry, making sure that film maintains its status as a wonderful art form rather than tired out by the same narratives, stars, and sexism. Having female voices heard in the film industry is essential, and sadly, appears to be more of a fight than it should. But as long as women continue to speak the truth and create incredible films, their voices will become the new music that everyone wants to listen to. It’s only a matter of time.