Nearing the end of her sophomore year at Western Kentucky University, Ella Bryant wraps up production on her short film, Floral Dress. Floral Dress is a film that demonstrates the skewed societal expectations of womanhood and the impact of issues such as abortion on women in bible-belted areas of America. This short film is representative of Ella’s core beliefs as a woman’s rights advocate, and of the art she wants to create. Ella’s passion for filmmaking and advocacy are both huge parts of her. “That’s why I make films, to make films that are informative, that touch people, that move people, and motivate people to make changes in their lives”, Ella says.

The art of filmmaking is no easy task, requiring long hours of work and planning. Filmmaking has its fair share of frustrations and conflicts, especially for women who want to make a career for themselves in this male dominated industry. “It’s definitely not something that’s kind of innately easy or given” Ella says. Even though the major has its challenges, such as certain filmmaking gear such as work boots and gloves not being available in women’s sizes, Ella stays passionate about her work through her dedication to telling stories and through WKU’s film programs efforts to lessen the gap for women going into the industry.

Through all the frustrations and difficulties of creating these films, Ella’s work pays off immensely as Floral Dress has caught the attention of Planned Parenthood, who want to potentially buy the film. In just her sophomore year, Ella has made huge strides in her craft of filmmaking, and her advocacy work to promote social change and promote empathy in those who get to experience her art. .