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Melissa (left) and her actress (right)

Where are you from and what brought you here to the David Lynch MA?

I’m from Washington, DC and my love of David Lynch  and photography brought me to the David Lynch MFA in film. I love film. I love images. I adore storytelling. I like the MA program and the practice of TM meditation. I went to the famous arts high school: Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC where I received professional arts training and various internships that help shape my drive. Then I got my Bachelors of Arts in Photography from Columbia College Chicago. After college I went to work for the Department of Energy as a house photographer for two years where I developed my confidence in photojournalism photography. While working I’ve also managed to go to India for three weeks to further my travel and portrait photography. Upon moving to Los Angeles I started a relationship with the American Film Institute (AFI) and have been a volunteer event photographer for American Film Institute for three years.

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How are you liking the MA program?

I like the MA program because the guest speakers and guest teachers were knowledgable. The information from these teachers is very helpful to my filmmaking progress. The connections I make in the MA program, with classmates, MIU students and people of fairfield make it a nice atmosphere.

What is your MA thesis film about?

My MA thesis film, “A Sage’s Pathway” is about a woman, Stephanie, who goes on a spiritual journey through her childhood. Stephanie runs into someone from her past. She learns that in order to fully live life she must speak her truth.

What does your future hold?

In the future I plan on making more films while continuing my travel and nature photography. I will be finishing up my UCLA’s Cinematography certificate program in Los Angeles this summer after I graduate from MIU.