The Future is Now: Black Girl Film School’s STEAM-Powered Path to Empowerment
In 2023, the Black Girl Film School (BGFS) emerged as an educational institution and a transformative force, championing a STEAM-powered approach to filmmaking for girls and young women. This innovative blend of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics is more than a curriculum — it’s a pathway to empowerment, equipping students with the tools to lead and innovate in the film and media industries.
A Dual Command: Mastering Tech Tools and Creative Expression
Harnessing Technology and Science
At BGFS, technology and science are not just subjects but integral to storytelling. Students learn to master high-tech camera equipment, understand the science behind sound and lighting, and use software to bring their creative visions to life. This technical proficiency ensures that BGFS graduates are not just participants in the film industry but are equipped to lead it.
— Jayda Imanlihen, Founder + Executive Director
Unleashing Creative Potential
Alongside technical mastery, BGFS places a strong emphasis on artistic expression. The school’s environment fosters creativity, encouraging students to explore diverse narratives and experiment with different filmmaking styles. By integrating arts into the STEAM approach, BGFS ensures its students are skilled technicians and compelling storytellers.
STEAM Education: The Key to Industry Leadership
Bridging Gaps in Film and Media
The STEAM approach is particularly crucial in an industry where Black girls and women have historically been underrepresented. By providing a comprehensive education that spans both the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking, BGFS is actively bridging the gap, preparing its students to take on roles that have traditionally been less accessible to them.
Preparing for a Diverse Range of Roles
BGFS graduates are uniquely prepared for various college majors and roles in the film industry. From cinematography and editing to writing and directing, the skills imparted through the STEAM curriculum make them versatile professionals. This versatility is critical in an industry that values multidisciplinary knowledge and the ability to adapt to evolving roles.
Empowerment Beyond the Classroom
Creating Leaders, Not Just Filmmakers
The BGFS aims to do more than teach students how to create films. It focuses on nurturing leaders capable of transforming and navigating the industry. The school’s emphasis on STEAM education ensures that its students are proficient in technical skills, creatively stimulated, and equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
A Sustainable Future in Film
With a strong foundation in both the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking, BGFS students are well-positioned to contribute to the sustainability and growth of the film and media industries. Their education arms them with the tools to not only adapt to the current landscape but also to shape its future.
Redefining the Role of Black Women in Film
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that the STEAM-powered education provided by BGFS is more than just a pathway to a career in film. It’s a means of redefining the role of Black women in the industry, positioning them as empowered leaders capable of working and leading behind the camera. BGFS’s commitment to this holistic education model sets a new standard: command of both tech tools and the creative landscape is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities for all women in film.
