Kean film association: A creative Space for student filmmakers I Published December 12

By: Layah Lopes
The Kean Film Association, a newly established club on campus, has had its first semester at
Kean, drawing a positive turnout of students.

President Helen Guardado, a senior Film major, proudly shares her passion for the club and its
mission.

She shares that the idea emerged when she realized her daily routine of school, work, and
home was becoming monotonous. She soon realized she wanted something more exciting.

Guardado, passionate about film, initially sought a club centered around the subject. However,
what she came across was more of a social club where students gathered to discuss past and
present movies, but what Guardado envisioned was something more hands-on.

She craved an environment where students could actively create their own films and where
creativity could be shared and produced.

When she found that such a space didn’t exist at Kean, Guardado took it upon herself to make
the vision a reality.

Soon after, she teamed up with a group of students she had bonded with through Keantv, and
together, they built a community for like-minded individuals passionate about filmmaking.

With diverse majors, Guardado believes the space has attracted creative and talented people.

“It’s a place to build bonds and create with fellow students! As a student filmmaker with no
budget it’s good to start somewhere,” says Guardado.

She hopes the club will continue to thrive, and she desires that those who follow in her footsteps
be as dedicated to keeping the club’s momentum going.

Currently, the E-board is working hard, seeking an open room where they can have the space to
formulate ideas and film.

Vice president Armani Reynoso, a senior film Major, shares his optimism for the club’s growth.
He believes the club has the potential for even greater success with various creative minds
involved.

Reynoso commends Guardado’s leadership, noting how her passion and commitment have kept
the club moving forward.

“She’s gone through a couple of different hurdles to make sure we’ve been able to stay afloat
and while doing so makes everyone in the club feel heard as much as possible, which just helps
set a positive mindset for our members,” says Reynoso.

He expressed gratitude for having such a strong leader, where ideas can be freely exchanged
and open communication is encouraged.

The supervisor, Professor Kathleen Rugh, shared her thoughts on how film projects become
much more manageable when students collaborate, building momentum.

She emphasized that the E-board excels in communication and organizational skills, noting that
the group functioned more as a team than a traditional hierarchy.

She highlighted Guardado’s role in the club, praising her investment and dedication to keeping
things organized and running smoothly.

She described Guardado as not only communicative but also calm and positive in her
demeanor, with the ability to take initiative.

Rugh expressed that she hopes more people will come and stay involved, especially different
majors, encouraging a weave student collaboration.

“It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment; stop by meetings or the student film screenings.”
Says Rugh.

Current Member Milo Andreola also reflects positively on his experience with the club.
He expressed his excitement about the club, explaining that he had had the opportunity to
make new friends and learn from others.

Andreola explained that he would be interested in continuing his involvement in the club and
even envisions joining the executive Board to help carry the club’s legacy forward.

“I want to put as much as I can into the club because I really like the community that’s been
established by the current E-board,” says Andreola.

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