Hello! My name is Yerim, and I’m a Communications Intern at the University of Utah Asia Campus.
This March, UAC celebrated Pride Week, a meaningful initiative aimed at fostering awareness, respect, and community on campus. Among the many engaging events held during the week, one that stood out to me personally was a special lecture on storytelling in film by award-winning cinematographer Savannah Bloch.
As a Film and Media Arts (FMA) student, I found this event especially inspiring—and I’d love to share the experience with you.
Exploring Inclusive Storytelling in Film
The lecture was hosted by FMA professor Ashton Avila, who warmly introduced Savannah Bloch and her creative achievements in film and media. The atmosphere was casual yet engaging, with burgers and candy provided for attendees, encouraging open conversation and connection.
Bloch’s session focused on how film can serve as a powerful platform for amplifying underrepresented voices and telling authentic stories. She shared one of her music videos that explores themes of identity and belonging, followed by a breakdown of the creative and technical decisions behind the project.
Who Is Savannah Bloch?
Savannah Bloch is a seasoned filmmaker with over a decade of experience in directing, cinematography, and producing. A graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, she currently teaches 16mm cinematography in USC’s MFA program.
Her directorial debut, And Then There Was Eve, won the Jury Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival. She has worked on over fifty mini-documentaries for Hearst Digital Media, produced fifteen music videos with over 100 million views, and contributed to more than 300 educational videos for global audiences—including work in the medical field.
One of the most powerful messages from the lecture was that great filmmaking isn’t about expensive equipment—it’s about vision. Bloch emphasized that having a strong creative direction and a genuine purpose is what makes a story impactful.
This message really resonated with me and other students, especially those pursuing film and media as a career path. It was a reminder that passion and perspective are just as important as technical skill.
The lecture wrapped up with an interactive Q&A session, where students asked about Bloch’s personal journey, challenges in representing different communities in media, and tips for aspiring filmmakers.
Her answers were thoughtful and honest, offering encouragement and real-world insight for students hoping to one day tell meaningful stories of their own.
Attending this event was truly memorable. As someone studying Film and Media Arts, I felt encouraged by Bloch’s reflections on how storytelling can help create a more inclusive and connected world.
Events like this are a valuable part of campus life—not only for learning technical skills, but also for growing as creators and global citizens.
Stay tuned for more campus updates—I’ll be back soon with more stories!
– Written by Yerim Jung, Spring 2025 Communications Intern at Marketing & Communication Center, University of Utah Asia Campus (Reviewed & edited by Yoonji Kim, Senior Communications specialist, University of Utah Asia Campus)
