Department of Fine and Performing Arts
Stacey Amon
Not What it Seemed
Thesis Statement
The theme of my short film is to bring awareness to the existence of violent imposters and make young women more vigilant in identifying abductors and predators. Not What It Seemed is a story about Carmen, a female college student who meets a new guy in town named Jalen. With the help of her friend, Carmen discovers that Jalen has not been entirely truthful. The audience follows Carmen as she goes on the journey of finding different signs that lead to figuring out what Jalen is capable of. The audience also sees Jalen’s perspective, learns the reasoning of his actions, and gets insight into what goes on in the mind of an abductor.
- Major and Concentration: VCDMA - Digital Cinema & Time Based Media
- Senior Thesis Website
My short film, entitled Not What It Seems, expresses the reality of what occurs to many young female victims. Abduction is common among females between the ages of 15 and 30. After watching a suspenseful Netflix original series and making a list of multiple story ideas, I decided this story is something I can expand on. I realized that there are little to no films out there about men targeting women that are minority-based. I challenged myself to write as if I was the victim. When writing, I had many moments where I developed writer’s block. I encouraged myself to write what I desired my audience to ultimately take-away from the film. Not only did I show the journey of a young black female victim, but I also dove into the mind of an abductor by sharing his story. I want my viewers to hear a story from his past that caused him to act a certain way. That way, they can get a glimpse of both perspectives.
As a filmmaker, I want to bring my creative mind to life. With everything I create, I want whoever watches or reads my work to receive a positive outcome. It can be a message, a lesson, or a simple connection with a character. It brings me joy to see how my work will impact and affect many people in a positive aspect.
Not What It Seemed by Stacey Amon from DFPA | Bowie State University on Vimeo.
