My Goal to Become a Film Editor as a Girl with Dyslexia by Olivia

My Goal to Become a Film Editor as a Girl with Dyslexia by Olivia - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

Since I was a young girl, the world of cinema has always held a special place in my heart.
The magic of storytelling through moving images captivated me, and as I grew older, I
discovered my passion for the art of film editing. Despite the stereotypes and challenges that
come with being a girl in this field, my goal to become a film editor burns brighter than ever.
Film editing is more than just piecing together footage; it's about crafting a narrative,
evoking emotions, and creating an immersive experience for the audience. When I tell people
this is the part of cinema I want to go into, they often ask why? Why am I picking something that
is one of the most overshadowed jobs in the film industry? The answer is simple, the editing
room has the power to transform a film into a masterpiece. It is this transformative aspect of
editing that drew me in and fueled my determination to pursue it as a career. I can remember as a
child being the only person to want to put all our “IMovies” together into a full movie or skit. I
would also feel a sense of pride in turning our awful shots into a continuous sequence and see the
look on my friend's face when we turned our vision into a reality.
As I dug deeper into the world of editing, I couldn't help but notice the gender disparity
in the industry. Female editors are vastly underrepresented, and it became clear to me that this
industry was definitely male-dominated. However, rather than let these statistics discourage me,
they instead are fueled by passion, perseverance, and a desire to break these boundaries. I am
determined to challenge the status quo and prove that gender is not a barrier to success in the
world of film editing. I choose to create my own path, driven by my love for storytelling and the
power of visual expression. I am fortunate to live in a time where the voices of women in the
film industry are being amplified, and opportunities for aspiring female editors are expanding.

Just recently Jennifer Lame won the Oscar for the best film editing for Oppenheimer. She is
someone I look up to and hope to get where she is someday.
While the road ahead may be challenging, I am determined in my pursuit of becoming a
film editor. With each project I undertake and every edit I make, I am contributing to this
movement, paving the way for future generations of girls who share my dream. Through hard
work, dedication, and a refusal to fall into stereotypes, I am determined to make my mark in the
world of cinema as a girl with a dream. And when I sit in the editor's chair, shaping stories that
resonate with audiences around the world, I will know that I have defied the odds and turned my
dream into reality.