StM News

St. Martin's believes that every student – from our youngest Saints to the senior class – can learn and benefit from visiting authors, illustrators, artists, and speakers. And it is especially fulfilling when a visiting speaker is an alum. Alexandra Kern ’14 spoke to students in Film Production, Photography, and Film Independent Study classes. Kern recently directed a short film, “Wild Magnolias,” about Mardi Gras Indians. The film is currently on its festival circuit, and has been screened at Oscar-qualifying festivals.

After explaining how her initial interest in photography led her to the business side of film production, Kern told students about how she is passionate about documentary filmmaking. She encouraged students to find internships, stay true to what they really have a passion for, to try all positions in the film industry, enter their work in film festivals to get seen, be true to themselves, create a mission statement, and never give up if something does not go right.

Saints asked insightful questions about how she works to create atmosphere and tone in her work and what advice would give to her high school self now that she is working in the field, and more. She also talked about the lasting impact St. Martin’s faculty have on students, noting that Leslie Gamble and Allison Thomas have been some of her greatest mentors and inspiration.