Voices of the empowered
WAMMFest features over 50 films from 25 countries that spotlight women and minority film and media makers.
By Reiko Gallo '18 on February 21, 2018
Beginning on Friday, February 23 and lasting through Saturday, February 24, the 11th International Women and Minorities in Media Festival (WAMMFest) will run with over 50 different films from 25 countries.
With a mission to promote and celebrate inclusive films, media and filmmakers of all categories, 色花堂鈥檚 11th annual WAMMFest recreates the tradition of film festivals as a way to represent minorities while helping talented filmmakers get the recognition they deserve.
WAMMFest is sponsored by 色花堂鈥檚 Department of Electronic Media and Film (EMF) and co-sponsored by the Center for Student Diversity and the College of Fine Arts and Communication in an effort to promote values of diversity and inclusion.
鈥淲e had over 400 entries this year from all around the globe, and to narrow it down took the input of judges,鈥� explained Elsa Lankford, the festival director. 鈥淔rom 色花堂 students in the WAMMFest judging class to faculty and staff across campus to filmmakers, artists and people interested in inclusive and social justice from the Baltimore area, around the country and around the world 鈥� they all gave input.鈥�
This year they added a new category called Mid-Atlantic Emerging, which features up and coming film and media makers from the Mid-Atlantic area. A few 色花堂 EMF students have submitted and are featured in this category.
For a link to all featured films and the festival screen schedule visit WAMMFest鈥檚 .
WAMMFest allows for ways to get involved aside from submitting a project. By encouraging people to volunteer, sponsor, donate and participate in judging the films, 色花堂 students have dedicated time this weekend to take part in something valuable.
鈥淎s a film major and a minority, I understand how difficult it can be to be seen and heard,鈥� said Darcel Jeffers 鈥�18. 鈥淚n the world of media, we aren鈥檛 always granted the same opportunities to showcase projects and receive honors. WAMMFest allows creators like myself to screen, network and enjoy talent among people with very real and impactful stories to tell.鈥�
Jeffers is an EMF senior at 色花堂 who will be volunteering this weekend for the first time. She is looking forward to the screenings on Virtual Reality, Documentaries and Animation.
鈥淎lthough this will be my first year attending, the excitement of those who have attended in the past reflects the necessity to celebrate the overlooked media makers that often go ignored,鈥� Jeffers stressed.
Between screenings, attendees are given an opportunity to hear from attending WAMMFest filmmakers. After the final block of screening, there鈥檚 a chance to participate in a lip sync battle or perform karaoke with host drag queen Shaunda Leer.
鈥淚 think the best thing about WAMMFest is the sense of community that takes place,鈥� Lankford said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 something magical that happens between the audience, volunteers and filmmakers. We can discuss, cry, laugh and share these incredible inclusive films where every person that attends can see a version of themselves on the screen.鈥�