Major: Film Studies
Minor: Screenwriting
Faculty Shout-out by Professor Pedro Doreste Rodríguez:
“I’ve had Sam a student in four of my classes already—Intro to Film, History of Film, New Latin American Cinema, and Latinx Film Cultures. I often teach Latin American film to students of different cultural backgrounds who may not share my affinity for the material. In this regard, Sam is an exception. He displays a quiet, yet insatiable curiosity for Latin American and Latinx culture. Not only does he display a striking knowledge of Spanish-language cinemas—which he seems to have fostered independently—he has also taken Spanish courses simply to dive deeper into this film canon. I’ve grown to admire Sam’s evident self-motivation, his genuine interest in learning about cultures other than his own, and his timely sense of humor in the classroom.”
Faculty Shout-out by Professor Bill Vincent:
“Sam took Introduction and Avanced Screenwriting from me and also took an independent study in which he wrote a pilot for a TV series. All of his work was outstanding, and he was a major asset to the classes, always ready to critique his fellow students’ work intelligently and constructively. “
How would you describe your time as an English or Film Studies major at MSU?
I had a great time and had some of my best experiences here. Met new people and made a lot of friends who helped me with schoolwork and individual projects, I was able to travel to London for school and was supported everyday by the faculty.
Which classes, instructors, or experiences particularly stand out for you and why? How did they prepare you for the next phase of your life?
All of the classes and instructors in the department helped me grow as a person and academically. Film in London was one of my best experiences with how I was able to learn and participate a different culture and see part of the world. Dr. Pedro Doreste and Dr. Ellen McCallum helped with my academic writing while also giving me different perspectives to work on with film analysis. Dr. Kuhu Tanvir assignments allowed me to find historical context on films and how politics and audiences shaped/received them. Prof. William Vincent and Prof. Margo Sawaya gave me more experience and strong feedback with filmmaking and screenwriting which helped my work immensely and strengthened my enjoyment for filmmaking. I also enjoyed my time helping out in the digital storytelling capstone where I met new people and got more hands-on experience on a film set.
What advice would you give future English or Film Studies majors, based on your experiences in the department?
My advice would be to come in with an open mind and be willing to learn and experience anything and everything. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and speak up when you have an idea. The community is inviting and if they do that, they will have an amazing time.
What coursework-related projects were/are you working on this year, and what interests or excites you about them? (capstone courses, honors thesis, independent studies, etc.)
This year my work was mainly writing essays on film theories and screenplays. The screenplays excited me because I was able to create new themes, explore in different genres, and that engaged with others. The essays interested me because I was able to apply concepts that I have learned and use them to further my understanding as well as getting me to ask more and stronger questions that inspired new ideas for film analysis and filmmaking.
What are your hopes and aspirations, post-graduation?
My hopes would be to work in the film industry to where I can apply my skills and knowledge gained from my time at MSU and bring people the same enjoyment that the cinema has brought me.