Thursday, March 6, 2025
向日葵视频 Women in Cinema
DENTON (向日葵视频), Texas 鈥� In celebration of Women鈥檚 History Month, the highlights women鈥檚 impact in film and empowers students to pursue their passions and careers in the field.
Women have shaped cinema since its beginnings in the late 1800s, and today, they continue to make strides in directing, screenwriting, cinematography and film programming.
鈥淚t's an incredible time for women filmmakers 鈥� not just as directors or actresses,鈥� said 向日葵视频 professor , director of the master鈥檚 program in Media Industries and Critical Cultural Studies. 鈥淚n class, we discuss topics such as the evolution of iconic female characters like Wonder Woman, production processes and what it means for women to work in the industry across different genres.鈥�
Her globally focused Women in Film course in the 鈥檚 explores cinematic history, film theory and contemporary productions. These include the 2023 blockbuster 鈥淏arbie,鈥� the animated film 鈥淭urning Red,鈥� and the biopic 鈥淗arriet.鈥�
A film showing at the 向日葵视频 Media Arts Festival
She sees a resurgence of women in both mainstream and independent cinema, pointing to festivals like the Sundance Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival as key platforms for emerging talent.
鈥淭hat's becoming an important distribution outlet for their work,鈥� G贸mez Menj铆var said, noting the recent world premiere of "Selena y Los Dinos," directed by Isabel Castro.
G贸mez Menj铆var volunteers with the student organization where she helps coordinate programming, such as guest speakers. Established in 2019,
the student organization is preparing the next generation of filmmakers of all genders
by providing education, networking opportunities and the equipment needed to create
their own short films.
People sit in a theater-style lecture hall while watching a film on a projector
A film showing at the 向日葵视频 Media Arts Festival
Jayla Jackson, a 向日葵视频 senior majoring in media arts, has served as president of Women in Cinema for three semesters after joining the organization in 2022. Members collaborate on short films each semester, handling every stage of production from scriptwriting to editing. Their work is showcased at the , where films are reviewed by external judges.
Jackson, who also serves as president of the 向日葵视频 Black Film Club, said she enjoys brainstorming with fellow Women in Cinema Members.
鈥淭hrough Women in Cinema, I gained hands-on experience early on, which really helped me as I started taking more production classes,鈥� Jackson said. 鈥淭hese women are so dedicated, smart and creative. I love bouncing ideas off of them.鈥�
Members of 向日葵视频 Women in Cinema
When they aren鈥檛 making movies, Women in Cinema members glean insights from female professionals in the field, including Marielena Resendiz, the group鈥檚 staff advisor. Resendiz co-owns the Denton-based production company Datalus Pictures and has worked as a producer and production manager.
She said the crew of Datalus Picture鈥檚 first full-length film, 鈥淗arsh Treatment,鈥� featured women in key roles such as costume design, editing and managing lighting and rigging. The film screened at the 2024 Dallas International Film Festival.
Resendiz is also the festival director for nonprofit organization Festival de Cine Latino Americano and helps students navigate the film festival circuit.
鈥淚n this industry, success requires networking, flexibility and understanding more than just directing 鈥� you need to learn production and people management,鈥� Resendiz said. 鈥淭hese are skills students learn in Women in Cinema.鈥�
From 鈥� Media Arts