Blog posting written by Erica Moriarty, Documentary Studies and Production ’16, FLEFF Intern, Houston, Texas 

“Stories are at the core of understanding people.”

Liz Miller’s words during the Transmedia Workshop stuck with me during the entire week of FLEFF. Now more than a week later, I find myself still reflecting on her words. In fact, she defined my entire festival experience in such a simple sentence.

During the festival, I met more filmmakers and scholars than I ever could have met on my own. I spoke with people working on projects in China, Indonesia, Korea and more. I watched films from around the world. Most importantly, I learned so many people’s stories.

For something that I had no clue what to expect going into it, I’m certain that FLEFF and the stories I heard will soon define my first year of college. After Liz’s presentation and the sessions with other guests, I now know why I chose to do FLEFF. I know why I chose my major of Documentary Studies. I even know why I’m going into a career where so many people keep saying, “You won’t make any money.”

The reason why is bigger than just a pretty film on a big screen. It’s not about money or prestige. It’s about hearing people’s stories and sharing them for others to hear as well. It’s about understanding and creating change where it needs to be created.