After dodging both trains and police arrest, senior Stephanie Phoutrides can proudly say that filming for her International Literary and Visual Studies (ILVS) senior project is thoroughly under way (and that filming on MBTA train tracks is not the best idea). Phoutrides finished writing the film in the fall, cast its actors last month and is excited by the film's progress.
"I have a great crew and an amazing cast. It makes the project so much more enjoyable," she said.
Making an entire film was not mandatory for Stephanie's minor, but she was still excited by the creative opportunity. The result? A presently untitled short film concerning a young woman who must choose between a college education and a job.
Phoutrides has long had an interest in film, though her subjects of interest have changed over time. After her childhood dabblings in short films like "Tears for Pearl," a drama about a model who is replaced by her stunt double, Stephanie realized her potential for more serious filmmaking while making a documentary for her high school's Greek dance troupe. With her Film Studies minor through the Communications and Media Studies program, Phoutrides intends to move to Los Angeles after graduation, ideally to pursue a career in directing.
A true Jumbo, Phoutrides isn't going into film for the glitz and glamor. Indeed, one of her idols is highly acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, who was responsible for "Monsoon Wedding" (2001).
"I saw her speak once and I was really inspired by her," Phoutrides said. "She takes her work very seriously and sees it as a tool for change. That's where I ideally see myself one day.
In her free time, Phoutrides enjoys watching a self-proclaimed "bizarre range of films," with titles ranging from "The Pink Panther" (1963) to ‘80s comedies.
