Assistant professor Jocelyn B. Millana’s short film, Dojo Girl is an official selection of Moonfaze Feminist Film Journal for October 2018. The film will be featured both in the journal and online social media platforms for the entire month.
Dojo Girl tells the story of Yumi, the teenage daughter of a Japanese karate sensei. Yumi struggles not only with the loss of her mother, but being bullied and labeled the derogatory name ‘Dojo Girl’ given by her predominantly white peer group.
Yumi is half-Caucasian and Japanese, an aspect of the character that was particularly important to Millana.
Says Millana, “As a producer and director, I utilize the platform of filmmaking to articulate my mission to showcase stories of people who are underrepresented in the mainstream American media, particularly Asian Americans. I am an advocate for equity and diversity as an educator and filmmaker both inside the classroom and on the silver screen.”
Millana credits the College of Arts and Letters (COAL) for giving her this opportunity to produce, direct, and edit a short film.
“COAL granted me the funds to tell the story of Yumi,” Millana says.
Dojo Girl has seen success in a number of festivals and has been an official selection of the following:
- Women’s Only Entertainment Film Festival – March 2018
- Bentonville Film Festival – May 2018
- Lady Filmmakers Festival – September 2018
- Moonfaze Feminist Film Journal – October 2018