To The Next Class of DeKAs

Written by sadie swayze

“Before joining DKA or knowing anything about DKA, I was a very anti-fraternity or any Greek life type of person because I thought of what I saw in the movies. I didn't think it would be the right kind of place for a queer trans guy such as myself but DKA is so much more than what you see on TV. I never felt unwelcome or out of place because of my identity. Sure I like to have fun but what I wanted was community and that's exactly what I got.

A great group of people who are all passionate about creativity and professionalism: it's like a big friend group of people who are looking out for you and want to see you succeed. In this industry that lots of us are pursuing connections do matter and these are some of the best connections you can make (in my incredibly biased opinion).” - Sadie Swayze (Executive Secretary & Cinejounral Editor in Cheif)

PNM Hotline Contact: @sadieswaggy on Instagram

"DKA was the first time I felt like I was apart of a community at Emerson. Being apart of this community has helped me embrace my creativity and increase my set knowledge. I've been able to meet so many incredibly talented people that I hope to work with in the future. The recruitment process can be intimidating but the members have a way of making you feel welcomed. Looking back I am so proud of how far I've come.

From a shy little freshman to a productive slightly less introverted junior I have grown so much throughout my time not only at Emerson but in DKA. I will forever be glad that I joined this community :)” - Jasmine Bonds (Recruitment & Programming Chair)

PNM Hotline Contact: Phone # (Available in Instagram bio link)

“My favorite part of DKA is fostering connections on both a personal and industry level for years to come.”- Baine Avent (Alumni Relations & Industry Education)

PNM Hotline Contact: Phone #

“Before joining DKA, I was in a place and mindset where I wasn't fully in on the "fraternity" scene at Emerson. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into because having to meet brand-new people is tough. I felt weird and unsure, but throughout the semester as you slowly get to know everyone, you grow to be friends, and you learn that DKA is not like the stereotypical fraternity. You realize how DKA is there to help you grow within yourself and creatively.

Going through the Associate Education process, you guys will have so much awesome things to learn. It's not just meetings learning about the history (while of course there is that) it's so much more than that from organizing and participating in activities, watching fun movies, and hanging out with new friends. Going into the Fall 2023 semester will be my first semester as an active member, but my favorite part from being in DKA so far has been the people I've been able to meet, connect, and grow with. Of course, doing all of that and gaining new friends takes time, and that's ok. Please don't worry if you feel out-of-place at first because that is so normal and ok to feel that way. I was in your position too! Literally at any of the future DKA activities, come up and talk to me and mention Twin Peaks or The Room or sports, and we'll get that conversation rolling.” -Will Curtis (Cinema Literacy & AEO)

PNM Hotline Contact: Phone #

“To all potential new DKA members: First off, I am really excited to meet all of you :) Recruitment is one of my personal favorite times of the year, because it brings back all of the excitement and nerves I had during my recruitment season! Joining my first semester freshman year was the best thing I did, because it provided me with a foundation of support and friends that everyone really needs in that first semester/year. It opened up so many doors to student organizations, crew roles, career/industry advice, and so much more!

My biggest piece of advice I would have given myself when I was a PNM is just to have fun! The process can be daunting and exhausting, especially if you’re introverted like me, but I promise you, DKA members want to get to know you and grow our community :) Good luck!” - Lucile Lyon (Public Relations Chair & Recruitment)

PNM Hotline Contact: @lovelucyliz on Instagram

“DKA is an amazing community of collaborators that I’ve learned a ton from. Some of my best friends have been made here, and I know these friendships will continue from the bonds we have made. The recruitment process isn’t easy, but always be yourself and always strive to learn from those around you. Who knows? They may end up producing your film someday (thanks Jasmine <3). I learned that networking can be more than just asking for favors. Instead, make connections with your fellow DeKAs. We’re all here to support each other.”- Alexa Roberts (ELA Fall 2023)

DKA Members: Booked and Busy

Written by Sadie SwAyze

For all those wondering what our members have been up to, here is your official update! As always, we are all booked and busy!

Grant Morris was hired to be the new General Manager of Emerson Independent Video! He was joined on the board by two other DKA members, Fallon Heelan and Kai Okai-Brown. Fallon is the Deputy General Manager and runs EIV’s development program. Kai is the Marketing Director and runs all official EIV social media pages. EIV is the largest student-run production organization in the United States. Emerson students are able to gain experience on field sets, as well as in-studio. Several DKA members are executive producers on several EIV shows and films last spring, including The Box Score, Boylston Report, The Crickets,  and I Love You, Special.

Riley Dewey was in her second semester of being President of Stand Up in the Park! It is Emerson’s largest stand-up comedy group and they do shows every Friday in the Boston Common. Riley also wrote, directed, and produced an independent music film, Battleground State. Several other DeKAs, including Cate Foy (Producer), Elizabeth Fuire (Casting Director), and Bobby Wu (Director of Photography), worked on the project. It premiered in April at a screening on campus.

Fallon Heelan was the Content Executive Producer of the EVVY Awards and plans to return next year! The EVVY’s is the nation’s largest student-run, multi-camera, live awards show. It is modeled after professional awards shows like the Emmys and Oscars. Throughout the year, Emerson students submit their work and it is sent to local and national professional judges. Students working on the EVVY Awards can gain valuable experience in many different fields, whether it’s creative, logistical, or technical. Many DeKAs worked on the EVVY Awards this year with Lily Sexton directing!

Our former President, Baine Avent, was hired to be the director of the FPS Spring Narrative: Episode 51: The Dead Road, Pt. 2. The script was written by fellow DeKA, Maeve Huttner. The story follows a high school teenager, Tina, discovering the dangers of obsession while on a search for the bizarre lost episode of her favorite cult 70s sitcom. It was filmed in late February and is currently in post-production! Jasmine Bonds and Gabbi Hughes executive produced the film and Grant Morris was the director of photography.

We also had two DeKas executive producing an Emerson Channel show! Founded in 1999, Emerson Channel is an award-winning television that is professionally managed and student-run. Our former Vice President, Cate Foy, joined the executive producing team with Sandro Rios on the show, Hit Point Hall, in its second season. Logan Steenbergen executive produced the show in the fall and has since graduated after spending their spring semester in ELA.

Hit Point Hall

 Several DeKAs worked on the BA thesis films last spring. Our former Treasurer, John Carrigan, filmed his BA thesis film, Growing Greed, in early February. The film follows a greedy college student who must decide whether or not to fake a negative COVID test for $1000. Former Cinematic Affairs Chair, Alexa Roberts filmed her BA film, Red Dot Special, in late February. It follows a middle school girl as she experiences her first period in the form of a literal monster. Jasmine Bonds was the logistics EP on the film.

Cate Foy is currently preparing to film her BFA thesis, She Sees Ghosts, in the summer. She Sees Ghosts follows an emotionally distant, Diana, as she moves to a new city and struggles to let go of the (literal) ghost from her past. Maddie Kennedy completed her BFA thesis, Ocean’s Rose. It’s a documentary about the life and legacy of conservationist and dive master Ben Rose. 

We welcomed a wonderful new class: Sarah Boutelle (2026), Jessi Cassullo (2024), Will Curtis (2024), Lindsay Decker (2024), Ethan Kroes (2024), Gabriel Landeros (2024), Imani Njau (2023), Leila Parker (2024), Avi Scheinberg (2025), Win Scott (2026), Sadie Swayze (2025), Lexica Taylor (2026), Martin Tran (2026), and Amanda Winters (2024).

We are also saying goodbye to many amazing members this semester who are graduating: John Carrigan, Lily Sexton, Maeve Huttner, Tyler Campbell, Ben Peterson, Kolbie Jones, Dylan Scott, Grace Fitzgerald, Abby Matzke, Imani Njau, Trinity Jackson, Michael Hospodarsky, Lela Schroder, Logan Steenbergen, Kevin Desnoyers, Maddie Kennedy, Amanda Lazar, and Ian Jonassen.

Big Little Reveal Spring 2023

As you can see, our Rho chapter members are extremely active members of the Emerson Community. Thanks to the community the Rho chapter has provided all of us, we work together on many different projects!

Spring 2023 Associate Class (Missing Will Curtis)

DKA, BACK IN ACTION!

Written By Philip W. Popken

Hello readers, missed Cinajournal? It’s been a minute. I’m Philip W. Popken, Current visual media arts senior and Delta Kappa Alpha RHO member.  As my time with DKA RHO chapter is coming to an end I thought it could be nice to take a look back at my experience. You may look at this as my DKA swan song if you’d like. So HIT IT! 

Let’s take it from the start. I first heard about DKA on the set of Survivor Boston Season 6. Shout out to Lily Noyd / Quinn Chao for selling me on coming out for recruitment for the following semester. (After all recruitment is 24/7) With their encouragement, I went out and luckily received a bid. I joined DKA in Spring of 2020. (I bet you can see where this story’s going ;) Before the unforeseen lifechanging global event, my time with DKA was a positive switch that I needed to my experience at Emerson. Starting by creating a lot of great relationships with my fellow DeKA’s. Having met my best friend / (later down the line) Big (Lily Sexton) and becoming close with numerous members from my associate class (you know who you are). It’s funny looking back on that time since in reality it was only a month. However we made good use of that one month, as if we knew what was to become of the rest of that year. As an associate member we were weeks away from becoming active. Three days after returning from spring break we were all sent back home. My class was so close to our goal & yet so far away (literally all over the country). However through the pandemic my associate class was able to stay strong, connected and in good spirits. We all were able to complete the requirements in order to become actives. Though our celebratory zoom might had not been in my fantasy for us, it was a moment of it reflection. That even if we are apart we did it together. 

Members of Spring 2020 New Class after a bonding experience. (February, 2020)

Haus of Shambles at Big / Little Reveal (February, 2020)

On a personal note in Fall of 2020 I decided to take a gap year. Since I had made this choice,  I wasn’t allow to attend the official crossing ceremony for my class until I reenrolled. Making me a neophyte until I decided to return. Maybe another DeKA will write on that time period but sadly that will be the neophyte year in this story since I wasn’t an active member just yet and am un able to tell that tale.

I returned to Emerson in Fall of 2021, after a summer of moving back to Boston and being able to reconnect with some of my fellow DeKA’s. I was excited to finally get to reconnect with this community and collaborate in order to continue the greatness. In early September at our first in person chapter, (The first to happen in person since March 2020). It was finally time for me to have my crossing ceremony. The crossing ceremony was an event I was looking forward to back when I joined DKA. As the event is a celebration of a full class finally being official members of the chapter. Truly apart of the community before them. In all honesty, the community I had before me wasn’t one I fully recognized since I had been away for a year and things had changed. However that no longer mattered. Even though it wasn’t the moment I had fantasized, the feeling of community was still there. It wasn’t about the glory, it was about the experience as it is on itself. It was finally official, I was finally a full member and it didn’t need all the bells and whistles to feel special since it was special on its own. I was lucky. Not only to finally have been given my DKA letters but to have been the first to be crossed in person since 2019. Jokingly at the end of the chapter I was asked if I wanted a picture of myself since I’m “technically” in my own class. I opted out and instead insisted to get a group picture to celebrate that we are finally together again. Together and ready to get back in action!

The First Chapter Meeting of Fall 2021 / First meeting in person since Covid (September, 2021)

Now this semester hasn’t been a cakewalk. With a majority of us having to navigate the future of DKA back to how it ran before in a post pandemic Emerson. It’s been full of trial and error but it’s been one that none of us have given up on. As a community we have worked extremely hard this semester and I can only think that our hard work will continue in years to come. Here is a look back on the Fall 2021 Semester! Our Recruitment Team (George Long and I) ran a successful in person recruitment and welcomed twenty-one new members into our fraternity. Our Associate Education team (Tiana Oliveras, Thomas Coughlin, Dylan Scott & Kresha Sewani) guided each of them to greatness and to become active members. Chapter has been run smoothly thanks to our President, Vice President and Secretary (Ben Peterson, Neal Woodall & Karungi Tibbs) who continue to keep spirits high and DeKA in check of our goals! Our alumni relations chair (Daniel Agmon) lead great Q&A’s with past RHO chapter DeKA’s who are currently working on Film / Television sets. Marketing Chair (Michael Ngigi) ran our social media this semester and organized a new chapter photo! (See Below) Our sunshine chair (Tyler Campbell) lead a fall watch along of Over the Garden Wall. Our retreat chairs (Jaden Esse & Marc Fitch) planned a celebratory weekend welcoming our new class while getting to connect more with our current one. Ben Peterson also ran The Green Production Crash Course which focused on how to become more environmentally friendly while on film sets. While the cinematic affairs department (Madison Kennedy, Evariste Gindrey and I) created The DeKA Film Festival which showcased members short films and celebrated all the projects we have worked on. Finally our philanthropy chair (Cate Foy) planned a card making activity for children in hospitals and a candy drive were proceeds will be donated to SeriousFun Children’s Network. All of that plus many more happened this semester, thanks to all the hard work our community has put in! I’m excited to hear how we continue to make it happen! As elections just finished for our roles in Spring 2022 and we have every position filled, its truly telling on how this is only just the start of us coming back!

Celebrating our Fall 2021Bid Night in Style! (September, 2021)

Some members of the Spring 2020 Class at The Last Meeting of our Fall 2021 Semester (December, 2021)

As our most recent class are now official DeKAs and I look around at the remaining members, I know Delta Kappa Alpha future is going to be great. DKA RHO chapter is a new era, with a great team to lead us into it. This is the end of my time with this chapter (though membership is lifelong). As I am leaving the Boston campus for next semester, I’m excited to continue as DKA’s LA Culture Chair and Editor & Chief of CinaJournal, so don’t miss me too much cause you’ll be hearing from me soon again. However for Boston the sun is setting. While our time might have been short, I got exactly what I needed out of DKA and I’m so thankful for that. It was an experience (Listen to Janelle Monáe’s What an Experience to catch the vibe). One I’m very lucky to have had. Thank you to everyone who played a part in my time with Delta Kappa Alpha (There is too many of you to name drop, so just text me & I’ll confirm or deny if you did). I’m excited to continue our siblinghood outside of chapter. Pretty soon I’ll be traveling to LA with a number of my DKA Siblings. It just go to show that this one location isn’t where are stories end but just start. Tiana Oliveras wrote it perfectly in a note to me stating, “This is the end of a chapter and the start of a new one :)“ 

As for the DKA RHO chapter, We’re finally Back in Action!

Yours in Kappa,

Philip W. Popken 

(PS. Shout out to Hugh Stoddard for letting me not pay dues! / Sorry to all future RHO DeKA’s that the award no longer exist because of me!)

A B-Side Photo from our new Chapter Picture (November, 2021)

And the Selfie Prospective from that B-Side (November, 2021)

 

A Farewell & Thank You to our President

An Ode to Grandpa Spence

Written by Vice President, Gabe Shapera

“Viva la revolución!”

This may as well be Spencer’s catchphrase. Of course, Spencer says many iconic and quotable phrases on a daily basis, however, I believe the above quote perfectly encapsulates all that is Spencer Wright  (although I have never heard him say that specifically).

In almost everything he does, Spencer never fails to go against the grain, to fight against the status quo, and to stand up for what he wants and believes is right. The earliest, and possibly silliest, example of this is the first time I met Spencer. It was at “Collab Night” during DKA recruitment my first semester at Emerson (Fall 2017). I found myself in an Ansin elevator heading up to room 503 standing awkwardly next to an older Emersonian (looking back I am imagining him in his DKA letters however that was impossible at the time). In an attempt to put myself out there and make a new friend, I asked this kid his name (Spencer), his year (Sophomore), and if he had been to the Info Sessions or Speed Dating, to which he so nonchalantly replied no. I asked him why not, and he said something to the effect of, “I wasn’t really planning on rushing, but I wasn’t doing anything so I decided may as well.” 

This had a big impact on me. Not only because at the time I thought you had to go to all of the events to get in, but because his attitude was so vastly different to mine. Spencer got into DKA that semester, and I the next. From that point on, he has been one of my closest friends, although we became much closer after summer of 2019, when he claims he became “cool.” Since then, Spencer has been like an older brother to me (with all the good and bad that comes with siblings). I have had the privilege of watching Spencer’s impact on this campus, and at times, be a part of it. In the interest of gassing him up more than he needs, let's talk about a few…

As an RA and a supervisor at the visitors center, Spencer has helped new and prospective students navigate Emerson successfully. He has been an advocate for students and student workers at times when it seemed there were none. As a host of the Evvy’s gala, he worked his way to “Emceleb” status and prepared an entire freshman class for the culture of Emerson. I have had the great pleasure of having a front row seat to all of this, and taking part in his goals to make DKA a more welcoming, professional, and familial place. And we absolutely can not forget the short time when he was in an acapella group! Although Spencer has been involved in many aspects of the Emerson community, I can say without a doubt, that he is most proud of his time in DKA. Spencer’s love for this org, and each and every member in it, has supported us for a while now, and will continue to after he graduates. 

Through all of these investments of his time, passion, and energy, he has become a friend and mentor for many at Emerson. It is for this reason that I know next semester, I will not be the only one thinking in times of trouble, “What would Spencer do?”

The answer might just be: start a revolution!

Although Spencer often jokes about it, I have no doubt in my mind that after all the COVID-19 shenanigans calm down, he will be leading the charge!

Thank you Spencer for all that you have done, I can not wait to see what you do next.

In Delta, Kappa, and Alpha, 

Gabe

DKA Update!! (EVVYs, Recruitment & Many "Thank you's")

Hello everyone! It’s been a whirlwind of a semester over here at the Rho chapter, as I’m sure it’s been everywhere around the world. We hope everyone is staying safe and staying inside during these unusual times. Thank you to all the first responders and essential workers keeping the world together right now. 

SO, a quite unprecedented time in history has not stopped DKA from continuing! I want to give a quick rundown of our semester so far and highlight the amazing work our DeKAs have been doing.

TODAY! We had 23 DeKAs nominated for EVVY awards!! For the first time in DKA history, DKA as an org was nominated in the “Outstanding Blog” category for none other than this Cinejournal right here! A major congratulations to all our talented members for their hard work. We are so happy and proud of you. A full list of all the nominations will be at the bottom of this post.

Now, taking us allllll the way back to February…we kicked off the semester with an award-winning Oscars party thrown by our culture chairs, Fernando Pelaez and Fiona Torrese. The event was sponsored by A24 at Emerson and we packed the Lion’s Den. We also all screamed when Parasite won best picture… ugh take us back to that moment. Our social chairs, Destiny Pineda and Francis DeLeon also made our very own DeKA Minecraft server... one of our biggest accomplishments to date. 

We had 22 new beautiful members join our family! Our recruitment chairs Antonieta Bocxe and Lily Sexton absolutely crushed this recruitment cycle. The theme of recruitment was “Make a Statement with DKA”, Tee and Lily planned events like speed dating, an ice cream social and a movie trivia night. The process seemed seamless and we cannot thank them enough for the professional, curious and creative new family they brought in. We can’t wait to see how this new class will make their statement with DKA!

Later in February, on the day of loooove~ we had a candygram fundraiser! This event has quickly become a Valentine’s day tradition. Thanks to Lily Noyd, our fundraising chair who made it all happen and helped spread lots of smiles in the process! Our community service chairs Fernando Barros and Lily Sexton also set up multiple trips to the Ronald McDonald house and we put our cooking skills to the test-- we have to say, Claire from the BA test kitchen would definitely be proud. 

Thank you to our Associate Education team (Fernando Barros, Hannah Mittermeier, Emily Turner, and Jules Garunkstis) who helped guide our new 22 associates to members! Even though the circumstances were unusual and the associates learned through online TROT and an online national exam(!), the AE stood by their side and helped to the best of their abilities. They also crafted some great new big/little pairings and we can’t wait to see how all the lines grow! 

Our showrunners, Joe Johnson and Somari Davis have done a great job workshopping scripts and ideas with their screenwriter’s circle. We have a few up and coming showrunner events (including a Zoom with Howard J. Morris, the executive producer of Grace & Frankie) that we are sooo looking forward to. Speaking of Zoom (!) our sunshine chairs, Sabrina Oliveria and Fiona Torrese have been setting up Zoom “office hours” where DeKAs can come talk about whatever is on their mind during this weird time to destress. We are so lucky to have family like them we can talk to about whatever we need to. 

To our chairs who planned events that didn’t get to follow through: we all know it would’ve been amazing and we thank you for your hard work regardless. Dan Reilly and Antonio Vega-Torres were planning a retreat that we know would have been one for the books! Destiny Pineda and Francis DeLeon organized a white carnation where we all would’ve danced the night away!! And Ben Cantle and Max Broszkowski planned a DKA production like no other. While we are all obviously disappointed these events couldn’t take place, we are so lucky to have a family that cared so much about them in the first place. And hey! This means we only come back bigger and better next semester!

To our executive council, Sam Stenson, Rosana Pena, Emily Cristobal, Jonah Higaonna, Ryan Forsyth, Alex Hahn, Gabe Shapera and Spencer Wright… Thank you for keeping the spirit of DKA alive. Even if we are all in our homes now and not in the chapter room, we still feel the same sense of stability and family as we do in Boston. Our Zoom chapter meetings have been fun, professional and a definite highlight of my week. It’s weird how you don’t realize how much you’ll miss something until it’s taken away from you because of a global pandemic--- (I joke, but I’m also being serious-- love you guys). 

Tonight we have our new officer elections and as I am graduating soon, this is most likely the last Cinejournal post I’ll write (It’s Quinn by the way). When I joined DKA as a wee little journalism major I wasn’t sure how I’d fit in with a group of extremely talented filmmakers. The Cinejournal has been such a nice intersection between film and journalism. DKA is an org where anyone can be anything (see: Troy Bolton’s graduation speech from HSM3 to get the full vibe of where this is going). I truly don’t know where I’d be without the friends and experiences this org has given me. All I know is that I simply cannot wait until the day I’m the person that gets to give a DeKA a job. Until then, stay curious, creative and humble (those were always my favorite jewels…) and remember, membership is lifelong!

Yours in Kappa,

Quinn

^That first picture is me in quarantine after I wrote this post<3 Love you all.

EVVY Nominations

Daniel Agmon- Outstanding Supporting Performer for the Screen

Daniella Baltazar- Outstanding Narrative Television Series

Anthony Biancanello- Outstanding Writing for Television

Claire Carvounis- Outstanding Non-fiction prose, Outstanding Podcast (x2)

Quinn Chao- Outstanding TV personality, Outstanding Television Reporter, Outstanding Blog (CINEJOURNAL!)

Somari Davis- Outstanding Special Production

Jaden Esse- Outstanding Short Film, Outstanding Lead Performer for the Screen

Jacob Falberg- Outstanding Variety Television Series, Writing for Television

Ben French- Outstanding Sound Design for Screen

Erin Hattamer- Outstanding Stand up Comedian

Peter Klausner- Outstanding Cinematic Achievement

Julia Laverdiere- Outstanding Single Camera Direction

Kaylee Mattoon - Outstanding Lead Performer for the Screen

Tyler Mashkoori- Outstanding Sound Design for Screen, Outstanding Cinematography

Lily Noyd- Outstanding Makeup Artistry

Daniellea Roberge- Outstanding Makeup Artistry 

Claire Rossi- Outstanding Music Video, Editing for Non-Fiction

Lela Schroder- Outstanding Production Design for Studio Television

Carl Stewart- Outstanding Narrative Television Series, Outstanding Print advertisement, Outstanding Cinematography 

Tay Thai- Outstanding Documentary

Charlie Welling- Outstanding Variety Television Series 

Spencer Wright- Outstanding Podcast (x2), Outstanding Blog (CINEJOURNAL!)

A Farewell & Thank You to our President

An Ode to Josh Bacon

Written by Vice President, Spencer Wright

IMG_8165.jpg

One of Jacob Falberg’s favorite movies is Spy Kids. Anyone who vaguely knows Jacob probably knows this, and it's certainly become a well-accepted fact that Jacob loves entertaining movies, no matter the bad rap some of them might get.

I learned that Jacob loves Spy Kids when he and I first interacted at Blue Chip in Spring 2017. We sat next to each other, crammed into a Tufte classroom with at least 50 other potential DeKAs, as we all ate PF Chang’s. Of course, I was nervous, and felt extremely awkward in the atmosphere. But then Jacob began talking about Spy Kids. It was silly, earnest, and significantly helped lessen my awkwardness. Our conversation didn’t go on very long, (the mingling is real), and neither of us got a bid that semester. 

Of course, it was a bummer not getting in, but I was proud of myself for even putting myself out there enough to consider going out for DKA. The second time I rushed, it was a last-minute, snap decision. I had had a difficult summer in between Spring and Fall of 2017, and I wasn’t sure if I still felt a strong connection to DKA; I wasn’t sure it- or FSL in general- was something I wanted to be a part of. But the night of Game Night- the final non-invite event of Recruitment- I got inspired to go back out for it, and I spontaneously went to the event. It was a snap decision, but some part of me knew that there was something special about this org, and I pushed past my lack of assuredness and my nerves.

That ‘some part of me’, as you probably guessed, was first President Sammi Mustari. Kidding!!- though she was also instrumental to my wanting to be a part of DKA. But, no, the ‘some part of me’ that gave me a sense of comfort, that gave me the connection to feel confident enough to go back out for the org, was Jacob Falberg. The lovable, warm Jacob Falberg who was willing to talk to an extremely nervous and probably sweaty mess like me about Spy Kids at my first Blue Chip is without a doubt a significant part of the reason I’m in DKA today.

Something we’ve talked a lot about recently in DKA is that this org- this family- is about the people you meet. Seeing DeKAs doing great things is what makes people want to join us during Recruitment, makes people want to learn with us during new member ed, makes people want to watch movies together and make short films and the list goes on. Jacob Falberg is the epitome of this belief. His upholding of every DKA value in everything he does, the outward passion he has for DKA, and the genuine love he has for each member of this family, inspires me every day. It has been my greatest honor to work alongside him, to learn from him, to feel supported by him, and to watch him grow into the incredible professional we all have the pleasure of calling family. 

Doing the work that Jacob has done and continues to do isn’t easy- though he certainly makes it look like it is. But as Carmen Cortez once said, “Spy work, that's easy. Keeping a family together, that's difficult. And that's the mission worth fighting for.” Thank you, Jacob, for taking on this mission and leading it with ease. We love you, I love you, and we are so thankful. Let’s watch Spy Kids 3-D soon?

In Delta, Kappa, and Alpha,

Spencer


DKA Hosts One Minute Film Festival

Courtesy of Greyson Acquaviva / Berkeley Beacon

Courtesy of Greyson Acquaviva / Berkeley Beacon

This past month, DKA production chairs, Kristie Mitchell and Sam Stenson, have been busy at work putting together Emerson’s first ever One Minute Film Festival. We are so happy to say Kristie and Sam’s dedication really paid off and One Minute Film Fest was a success. 

Usually Emerson puts on a 48 hour film fest each semester where groups of students put together short films in only two days. However, the 48 hour was postponed this semester indefinitely and Kristie and Sam were eager to still give students a fun chance to create. 

For the one minute film fest, students were given a quote as a prompt for their films and a weekend to put it all together. Each team had to pay a small entry fee and all profits went towards SeriousFun Children’s Network. Kristie and Sam held a screening at the end for all to watch the entries. Guest judges included members from other Emerson organizations like EIV and Flawless Brown. While the decision was hard, ultimately a first place winner was chosen. The first ever winner of the One Minute Film Fest went to team “Minute to Win It” for their clever take on the quote, “And then I decided I was a lemon for a couple of weeks.”

We are so proud of Kristie and Sam for their dedication to DKA and the Emerson community. They started something special from the ground up that we can’t wait to see the fest continue to grow...but it was not an easy task. I asked Kristie and Sam to speak a little bit about their time creating and executing this event. Here’s what they said:
How did the One Minute Film Fest come about? Kristie: Me and Sam really wanted to host an event aside from the narrative and we came across the idea for a 10 second film fest and just pushed it to 1 minute.  Sam: We both missed the 48 hour film fest and knew other people felt the same way, so we wanted to set up an event that catered to the same interests.

How did the One Minute Film Fest differ from the typical 48 hour? Kristie: It’s a little more challenging I think, trying to make a film that’s actually fun to watch that’s only a minute long is hard. It’s also for a good cause so you can’t go wrong with that. Sam: The difference between the 1 min and the 48 is that while there was a time limit on the 48, the 1 minute film fest forces the competitors to look at writing and storytelling differently. They have to think about how to convey a complete thought in a short amount of time, it's creatively challenging and rewarding. 

Did you have a favorite entry? Kristie: the winner of the film was my favorite for sure, Minute to Win It was the team name, and it will be posted online soon! Sam: I really liked the entry "sticks and stones" by the team Bike Parade Productions. It's completely visual and up for interpretation, but it clearly stemmed from the prompt and was full of emotion

What’s something you learned from this experience? Kristie: I learned so much from it. It’s always easier to buy baked goods than to make them, events like this take a lot of prep work, and our student body is so talented. Sam: There's a strong drive to create throughout the Emerson film program, and that tapping into that to create events can strengthen the community and give them an outlet. We hope the fest has a strong future in DKA, that the next production chairs can build on and improve the idea semester to semester and draw more people to it.

We can’t wait to see the future of the One Minute Film Fest at Emerson. Thank you to everyone who participated and dedicated their time and creativity. And an even bigger thank you to Kristie and Sam for executing your vision so beautifully. We are so lucky to have you as part of our family!

Daniella Roberge Assistant Key Hair and Makeup artist for EVVY's

For the second year in a row, member Daniella Roberge is the Assistant Key Hair and Makeup artist for the EVVY Awards.

"Emerson's OSCARS", The EVVY Awards is like no other college production in the country. Modeled after professional shows such as the Emmys and the Oscars, the EVVY Awards has become the largest multi-camera, live switch event any school has to offer. This award winning show has become nationally recognized with a first place award at The National Association of College Broadcasters awards and has received two national Telly Awards.

Throught the year, student work can be submitted in a wide variety of categories, creating a very competitive environment right here on campus. These submissions are then sent out to local and national professional judges in their respective field to ensure a fair and experience judging process.

The EVVY Awards is not only an award show, it is also a student run organization which provides an adequate learning experience for hundreds of Emerson Students. Throughout the year, students can be reassured that they will be taught by using hands-on experience, how to succeed in the professional world. No matter what age, or major, The EVVY Awards will have something for you.