Movies can be many things. For some, they provide an escape from reality; for others, they are technical marvels; and for those like Mia Naranjo and the MSJC Film Club, they are unifying. Many of the Club members are seeking a career in the film industry, and the Film Club has allowed them to do it together.
Though Mia wasn’t always President of the Film Club, originally, her friend Kaliyah was. The two met at an out-of-school film club years prior, where they wrote an unmade short film together and worked alongside other aspiring filmmakers. Kaliyah had the idea of reviving the experience the two had shared in the club and invited Mia to join it. Unfortunately, “Kaliyah had to step away for personal reasons,” leaving the spot open for Mia to take over. Now’ under her leadership, the Club is active once again.
For Mia, her love of movies came as no surprise. Growing up as an archetypal art kid, the magic and wonder created through the medium of film were destined to be a part of her life; it would only be a matter of time before she discovered them. Robert Zemeckis’ 1994 classic starring Tom Hanks in the role of the title character, Forrest Gump, would be the film to open Mia’s eyes to the art of filmmaking, “[Forrest Gump] made me realize that movies could portray emotions in a tasteful and incredible way.”
Film itself is a visual medium, and this element in particular has kept Mia fascinated with it since discovering her love for the art form. The way emotions (big or small) and larger-than-life scenarios play out continues drawing her and many others to the miracle that is the movie. She notes that movies are “also something that can bring everyone together, and I think that’s incredible.” This is true, film has a unique place within society, as it is most often shared by people. Whether watching at the theater or within the walls of your home, the experience of watching a movie is oftentimes associated with the inclusion of friends, family, or complete strangers. It’s also not unusual to decide which movie you will watch simply based on who you are seeing it with. Film is one of the most social forms of art, a reminder that movies (no matter how large the budget) are ultimately about capturing the human experience (among other things!)
Speaking on the Film Club itself, Mia remarks that it’s “so cool” members get to have the type of bond they do, “we trust each other to give feedback and to compare and contrast our ideas.” Movies are a collaborative effort, and her words reflect this, as do the words of many professionals operating within the field. Mia also adds that “everyone in the Club has a different strength, and that truly does make a difference in what we’re trying to achieve.”
The unity amongst the members of the Club is potent. They have managed to stay together and pursue their filmmaking goals even when faced with setbacks (a skill one would do well to attain if planning to break into the film industry). The MSJC Film Club is currently working on a short film titled 8 Hours; though it is unclear how far along they are on the project, it is clear the final result will be one of passion. If interested in joining the club or speaking with President Mia, make sure to visit the MSJC website to learn more.
