Opinion | Creating Chapman’s Black Film Society

Madison Welborn, sophomore film production major 

In October 2020, I set out to create a space where people in the Black community could discuss what it’s like to be Black, meet other individuals with a shared love of film and help each other to navigate their way through the film industry.

 I noticed the University of Southern California, the University of California, Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University  and plenty of other film schools had clubs dedicated to this same purpose, and I thought it was unfortunate Chapman — one of the top five film schools in the country — didn’t have one. 

So, I decided to do it myself. My goal was to  provide an opportunity to Black students on campus looking for a club similar to those offered at other institutions.

Canadian actor and director Jesse Collins leads a masterclass with members of Chapman University’s Black Film Society. Photo courtesy of Madison Welborn

Three months later, my ambitions were finally realized; the Chapman University Black Film Society, of which I am currently president,became an official club in January 2021.  

The club’s main goal has always been to promote arts and artists representative of  Blackness and Black culture. Our club is open to ALL ethnicities, because — after the events of racism that took place in 2020 — it is crucial all ethnicities start coming together to make a difference. 

For those who don’t identify as Black, the club is a resource for learning more about Black culture and the Black experience. 

Our club hosts master classes, screenings, workshops and discussions of  stereotypes within the film industry’s Black community. Many of these conversations touch on what it is like entering a predominantly white field, and how Black people can prepare themselves to enter the film industry as their best selves. 

Members of Black Film Society are excited for the increased networking opportunities made possible through the transition back to in-person classes. We look forward to collaborating with other on-campus organizations and hosting our upcoming elections when we return from Thanksgiving break.

If you want more information about how to join our club, check us out on social media: you can follow our club’s Instagram page (@chapmanuniversitybfs), look on Engage or email me at mwelborn@chapman.edu for more information or any questions and concerns.