On Saturday, May 2, Zipei He ’27, who goes by Caroline, debuted her film, “He, Him, and Her” at the 15th Annual Trinity Film Festival, just one of 22 filmmakers selected for the honor. A satirical, genre-bending short that pokes fun at and subverts familiar romantic tropes — particularly the portrayal of fragile female protagonists – “He, Him, and Her” originated as Caroline’s conference project for Filmmaking & Moving Image Arts faculty member Rona Mark’s yearlong seminar, From Script to Screen. After positive feedback from her classmates on her screenplay, Caroline decided to produce the film, handling directing and editing duties as well.
An international student from Beijing, China, Caroline says she plans to make two more films during her senior year at SLC – “one being my thesis film and one for personal interest” – and to continue working in filmmaking after graduation. “I am most interested in screenwriting, directing, and color grading right now,” she says. “Sarah Lawrence has been preparing me for all of this by providing me the classes I need and want.”
Thinking back on her day at the Trinity Film Festival, Caroline reflects on how SLC’s style of education has made her more open to new experiences and new people. “Freshman me would not have expected current me to be at a film festival!” she says. “Being an international student and studying here has generally made me more adaptable, both in daily life and on film sets.”
Held annually at Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford, CT, the Trinity Film Festival describes itself as “a celebration of the best undergraduate filmmakers in the world” and provides a platform for collegiate filmmakers to premiere their short films in front of an audience of fellow students, movie industry professionals, and local cinephiles.