Department of Fine and Performing Arts
Des'Ree McCraw
Looking Back
Thesis Statement
Looking Back is a story about reflection. This eight-minute romantic drama takes us on a short journey into the mind of the main character, Jasmine. Jasmine has decided to put her love life on pause to focus on herself so she can make better decisions and have a healthy relationship for once. One day while hanging out with her best friend Danielle, she catches the attention of an attractive guy. Torn between her desire for love and her newfound caution towards it, Jasmine tries to ignore the undeniable attraction between her and a potential new boo. What started as a casual trip to the cafe turned into a trip down memory lane. Now, Jasmine finds herself face to face with her past, forcing her to decide whether she’s going to let it stand in the way of her future or use her lessons learned to create a better one.
- Major and Concentration: VCDMA - Digital Cinema & Time Based Media
- Senior Thesis Website
My short film Looking Back is a story about reflection and growth. This film is based on a poem that I wrote in 2018. After reflecting on my past romantic relationships, I started recognizing unhealthy patterns. I decided to break down those patterns and the role that I play in them. I was tired of repeating the same cycles and coming up short, so I wrote about my frustrations.
Almost immediately, I got the idea to create a visual for it. This moment started my journey towards becoming a filmmaker.
The purpose of this film is for people to reflect on their own love lives and see that other people go through similar situations. I want this story to give hope that there can be better in your future but you have to decide to go after it and be open to receiving it. The road to healing is not easy, but it is worth it. Looking Back is my story and the story of so many others.
Authenticity is very important to me and I believe that the best artists are vulnerable and transparent. My art is made to create space for people to feel seen and I hope that by exposing my most authentic self, it can do just that.
Looking Back by Des'Ree McCraw from DFPA | Bowie State University on Vimeo.
