filmmaking
![Dana White](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/White-HeaderOAC.jpg?VersionId=eEDInNOJKFKECQ9UYykM5h.IexmbWR8V&itok=y_Jv1MI8)
In America, conversations about grief and loss are often avoided, and in art, tend to be sugarcoated, or even “corny.”
Kent State Assistant Professor and independent filmmaker Dana White is changing that narrative through her work, and was recently recognized by the Ohio Arts Council.
![Dana White and Chris Knoblock](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/ChrisDanaMain.jpg?VersionId=VyySZg8b16rMR1nCk2.Jqxy3TGdwusNS&h=4a7d1ed4&itok=d5aFAsr6)
![Female Filmmakers Initiative at Festival](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/article/FFI-Festival_0.jpg?VersionId=bUpTXvSBTFtwHBDl6XdbzL1qdyJ8bCB_&h=e6f36a9c&itok=cAUF8s7w)
As they prepare for careers as directors, writers and cinematographers in an industry that’s dominated by men, female filmmakers at Kent State University empower and support one another through the Female Filmmaker's Initiative (FFI).
![Student films violinist](https://www-s3-live.kent.edu/s3fs-root/s3fs-public/styles/1_5_2_thumbnail/public/page/FFI111.jpg?VersionId=9kx07ukS_KlJMQ12ktsWeHgLhFMfK484&h=e6f36a9c&itok=FnCOqfPm)
Award-winning independent filmmaker and assistant professor, Dana White created the student group the Female Filmmaker's Initiative (FFI) to prepare female filmmakers for careers as directors, writers and cinematographers in an industry that’s dominated by men.