Leaning into the Lens is a two-part research project, supported by internal college research grants (Scholarship, Research and Creative Activities Growth Grants). The project seeks to better understand the experiences of female-identifying students enrolled in film programs at the postsecondary level. The Principal Investigators are Dr. Kathleen Cummins and Maureen McKeon. Dr. Cummins is a professor in the Honours-Bachelor of Film and Television at Sheridan College. Ms. McKeon is a retired professor and former Program Coordinator of Sheridan’s Advanced TV and Film Graduate Certificate Program.  

The intent of the study is twofold.  Firstly, the study aims to provide current female-identified film students with a much-needed acknowledgment of their concerns and issues pursuing training and a career in a male-dominated field, particularly in leadership and/or key technical roles. The study also aims to provide guidance and solutions to postsecondary media arts educators who aspire to create inclusive and welcoming classrooms. 

The first part of the project consisted of raw data collection in the form of three separate surveys administered to three cohorts of female-identifying students enrolled in two different film programs at Sheridan College (2018, 2019, and 2020). The survey design and questions were approved by the college’s Research Ethics Board and the surveys were administered by Sheridan’s Research Office using Qualtrics. The survey results suggest opportunities for beneficial change in several areas of post-secondary program (admissions, curriculum, and film program culture).  

The second part of the project is a short educational documentary featuring interviews with film school alumni, media educators, film industry professionals, as well as experts in the field of pedagogy and gender. 

Ultimately, it is hoped that adjustments at the postsecondary level may result in more female-identifying people entering the creative screen industries seeking creative leadership and/or key technical roles.