Ruby Que
PMA and Comparative Literature major
What are some highlights of your involvement in PMA?
There's nothing I love more than working in film—from my sophomore year in documentary filmmaking to producing a currently unfinished project this semester, I've always enjoyed learning from and growing with my peers in the high-stress but exciting environment that is a film set. I am also thankful for the opportunity to work for three editions of the Centrally Isolated Film Festival; I felt so inspired by the wonderful work other student filmmakers are putting out, and I can't wait to collaborate with some of them in the near future. Although I consider myself more of a film person, directing in the 10-Minute Play Festival last year was one of the fondest memories I had of PMA. All three of my actors were such delightful people to work with, and it was extremely rewarding to be in the same room with the audience and hear their laughter.
What are your favorite memories of PMA?
I had this crazy idea of an installation project for the longest time and was finally able to bring it to life with the support of the Advanced Film and Video Projects class last fall. I am beyond grateful that everyone in the department was willing to offer me their expertise and support—Joey Moro, who generously gave me a crash course in projection design and aimed the main projector through the tiniest window for me; Fritz Bernstein and Randy Hendrickson, who helped build the set, and Steven Blasberg, who dismantled it; Lisa Boquist, who lent me some beautiful blue fabric; and Warren Cross for the speakers and sound tips. It wouldn't have been possible without all of you and you're the reason why I am hoping to work more with installation in grad school. I remember walking out of Schwartz after taking down the installation in the dead of winter, and I didn't feel at all exhausted for having lost so much sleep; instead, the world seemed full of possibilities, and I felt hopeful, invincible.
Thank-Yous
My advisor, Sabine Haenni, has been everything for me and my work—closest friend, harshest critic, and most zealous advocate—and I owe her the world for that. Thank you to Jeff Palmer for understanding how hard it is to be a person of color in this industry and showing me how to tell stories that matter. To Joey Moro for believing in me and tolerating my whims even when it seemed impossible. To Jumay Chu for her warm presence and the introduction to a new medium. To Amy Villarejo and Austin Bunn, whose doors are always open to me. To my closest friends Adam and Adam, both of whom I met and have spent so much time with in this building, for making me laugh and being there when I cry.
Parting Words
I want to thank the staff at the Schwartz, especially everyone in the scene shop and the costume shop—you keep this building running.
