Blank Projections

Blank Projections is an experimental short film that takes an alternative look at the influence society has on girls. In today’s present society, there are so many ideas projected onto young women that give them conflicting ideas of how they should act, dress, portray themselves, etcetera. Although abstract, this film addresses not only the unrealistic expectations impressed upon developing girls, but also the effects that these expectations have on the psyche of those subject to them. Overtime the societal expectations of these women speed into an unachievable frenzy that simultaneously sexualizes and dehumanizes them, turning them into a faceless sexual objects. Overwhelmed by the influences these young women have no choice but to disappear, because this ideal sexualized women is nothing but a projection of society and consequently does not exist.
Notes on filming:
Coming up with a specific idea from the broad topic of women’s complexity was difficult, particularly because of the collaborative nature of this program, which involves combining everyone's ideas into a final product. Our idea changed and developed with each person's input and unique perspective until combining into a concept we felt was powerful but achievable. While creating this film we struggled to find the best images to capture our ideas of what we felt society pushed most onto young girls such as ourselves. Obtaining quality images that are royalty free was challenging but pushed us to carefully consider the importance of each image.
Credits:
Everyone worked to co­direct and co­produce this film.
Director of Photography:
Jordyn Saito has been director of photography for the past three films she has created with Hawaii Women in filmmaking, as well as playing a huge role in the screenwriting and editing process. A senior at Mid Pacific Institute Jordyn enjoys abstract and experimental films and wants to continue working on photography and filmmaking in the future. Her past MMTM film with Grace won them numerous award and mentions.
Actress:
Grace Schnetzler has worked with Hawaii Women in Filmmaking multiple times over the past few years and has had different roles in each production but prefers directing and producing. Grace attends La Pietra Hawaii School for girls where she will be a senior. She would like to continue making films, particularly ones focused on important social justice issues, an area she hopes to study in college.

Editors:
Andromeda King is a sophomore at Kalani High School. Earlier this summer she created a film with Jordyn and Grace where she was in charge of sound. She also has experience creating animated films with Hawaii Women in Filmmaking. Andromeda enjoys creating art and other creative activities.
Zoe Payne began filmmaking last year in the summer Basic Reel Camp with a short film called “Bloom.” A freshman at Punahou School, Zoe enjoys writing. She hopes to continue making films with HWIF in the future.
This short film was produced during the 2015 Summer Making Media That Matters program organized by Hawai‘i Women in Filmmaking and made possible thanks to the generosity of Hawai‘i Women’s Legal Foundation and Hawaii Camera.