Q&A: Cinema & Digital Arts major Hannah Bleeker

How did you end up at The Master’s University?

I didn’t initially intend to go to college, but honestly, I think I was scared of how far out of my comfort zone it was. I started realizing that to grow and serve, I would need to do hard things. I chose Master’s specifically because of the attention to the authority and infallibility of Scripture. Other colleges seemed to put other things first, and to me it seemed like TMU puts first things first. So I applied for scholarships (I wouldn't be able to be here any other way), and here I am!

Why did you choose to study cinema and digital arts?

My initial degree was a double major in comm studies & political studies. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do with my degree, but I loved telling stories, and wanted to understand people better and to be involved in the culture as an influence for Christ. Last year, I took a winterim, studies in classic film, and it got me thinking about filmmaking. Documentary filmmaking, especially freelance, is what really got my attention. Then I could experience anything and everything, understand people,  learn to tell their stories and tell them effectively for the kingdom. I’m growing and challenged every day both in my professional and personal life (I find the two intersect quite a lot when it comes to storytelling), to be a better listener, and to truly see and understand people. That’s why I’m also adding biblical counseling as my new double major. 

What was it like working on “The Descent Pt. 2”?

You know how I mentioned getting out of my comfort zone? That was “The Descent II.” I was a script supervisor, which means that I handled continuity, taking notes on everything, and giving everyone information on scenes and overall script on set. I got to work with all the departments and directors closely as a result. I didn’t know any of this until I researched and started doing the job. One of my favorite lessons on set was that good communication makes people’s jobs (and lives) better and easier. Sometimes love means communication even when it’s hard. There’s no room for ego on a film set, it runs best with collaboration and humility and that’s what I saw on set. It was incredibly professional, and I’ve realized that a film set is one of those environments where I thrive. And I want more of it.

What are you hoping to do for your career?

Like I said, documentary filmmaking is my main interest right now (especially stories about people with unique jobs and hobbies), but I’m also seriously considering mission media freelance. The stories that the media chooses (and chooses not to cover) concerns me. It weighs on me that there is more slavery and persecuted Christians in our world than ever before, and no one seems to talk about it unless they’re involved in that world. I want to encourage the church through individual biblical counseling and  excellent media. I have yet to see whether that would be my full time vocation, but I’m open to it, and right now I am pursuing excellence and experience in my field, as well as seeking to be faithful at my church and in my spiritual walk with the Lord. 

What does it look like to be a Christian in this field?

Hollywood is often considered one of the darkest places in our culture, and rightly so. The pressure on filmmakers to conform their worldview to a satanic agenda is growing every day. I would argue that this extends less to blatant sexual immorality or violence, things that even the secular audience is concerned about, and more to subtle lies. For example, that human worth is found in ourselves, that we can live an isolated life and thrive, that we can find true joy apart from Christ. This is the true satanic evil. That is why the most important quality in a Christian filmmaker is integrity. 

This isn’t to say Christian filmmakers shouldn’t engage with the secular industry. The light shines brightest in the darkest places. But that light has to shine. The media of this world is a window to the hearts of man. Stories are incredibly powerful. Movies have led movements and hold the capacity to change minds and hearts. You can’t be in this industry and expect not to be tested. You will be. But the Lord is faithful. I hope it’s clear that I'm saying the opposite of what many of my brothers and sisters in Christ might believe when it comes to entertainment. 

I believe that because secular media reveals worldview, that it is a vital and important way to engage with the world. It is a tool to help us bring a better witness to our communities. But it requires discernment. Christians don't get to turn our hearts off when we watch movies, in fact, our hearts should be awake and aware of what we are taking in. This is a high standard, but Christians are called to a high standard, and we are given the mind of Christ to help us separate the truth from lies. Christians are called to the darkest places, because we have the light of Christ.