Beyond The Lens: A filmmaking project for MTAC-Teentix

This is a short film I created through Teentix’s Teen Artists of Color Cohort, where I was mentored by UJ Mangune in the Performing Arts Group. The film starts with me doing a self-tape audition. The monologue depicts an extremely social character, engaging in lively conversation, the complete opposite of who I am. The audio of the monologue continues, with me being myself, doing casual, introverted activities. The solidarity embodies the difference within myself and the social demand of being an artist. This is a direct contrast with the highly extroverted monologue that I usually audition for as an actor. Through this short, I hope to show that everyone isn’t as they seem, and it’s okay to be slightly introverted. However, inevitably, we have to break out of our shells and navigate through the uncomfortable. I’ve learned the importance of having my voice heard, and this film was a stepping stone in sharing my story. I continue to learn and grow through the themes in this film and assume leadership within my community. The voices overlapping the video signify my inner thoughts, opinions, and critiques as I grow, releasing myself from my inner shell.

Rowan served as cinematographer and editor for a short film created at the Northwest Film Forum on August 18th, 2022. The film focused on the daily life of a person exploring their gender identity.

The project team included:

Saya – Actor

Rowan—Cinematographer and Editor

Jay – Sound and Light Director

Valentine – Director and Editor

Rowan’s responsibilities included operating the camera, framing and capturing scenes, managing lighting in coordination with the sound and light director, and editing the footage into a final cut. The work required close collaboration with the director and other crew members to ensure that the visual storytelling aligned with the narrative and thematic goals of the project.