WFA members share love of cinema

by Emma Froese

The Washburn Filmmakers Association has become a creative space for mass media students.

Senior Rachel Janzen discussed how WFA has created many opportunities and connections for her.

“You get to meet a lot of people in film and you get to make those connections that really help you in future projects when you need to crew up,” said Janzen.

Not only does WFA create projects for the students to work on throughout the semester, such as shooting a recreation of the popular dance scene from the show “Wednesday,” but it also have guest speakers come and share their experience in the film industry and answer any questions the students may have.

“Anna Elizabeth James was someone that I was really excited about who came to speak. She told us about her experience directing a big-budget movie and discussed some of the behind-the-scenes work that she was a part of. It was very interesting because most of us have only worked on short films,” said Janzen.

Jess Seidel, the president of WFA, transferred to Washburn in the Spring of 2022, and she said she has seen growth in the organization.

“The students this year seem to be more invested in the growth and overall quality of WFA,” said Seidel.

Aside from shooting small scenes during meetings, WFA also plans events that allow the students who are a part of the organization to bond and grow closer.

“We’ve done a couple watch parties of past students’ works, as well as game nights where we do trivia,” said Seidel.

Most people like movies and film, but the students in WFA are passionate about the process.

“What I love about WFA is that everyone can get together in this united love of cinema and make films. Everybody is really supportive of everyone’s creative endeavors, and we really function as a community,” said Seidel.