Culture War

The project began on January 6th, 2023, as an inevitable response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointment of six conservative leaders to NCF’s Board of Trustees, marking a shift in leadership at the small, progressive public school.

As a student at Ringling College of Art and Design, a partner college nearby, I have been connected with the NCF community since my first year. The schools' partnership allows students to take classes on both campuses without additional cost, fostering cooperation and collaboration.

Upon hearing the news of the appointments, I was horrified and immediately began documenting the situation through photography. As events escalated, the project evolved into my Senior thesis, a short documentary focusing on the students' perspectives. My personal relationships with many students, coupled with my status as a registered student at NCF during my last semester, allowed me to be present on campus and build friendships based on mutual trust and respect. This approach offers the audience an intimate and passionate view of the significant changes affecting their lives in such a short period.

Since the new trustees took over, the College has seen its president fired, the diversity and inclusion center abolished, the gender studies program dissolved, and student activists prosecuted. This film explores these struggles, crafting a portrait of today’s political climate and its direct impact on students in higher education.

After wrapping production in Sarasota, I traveled to Massachusetts to meet Libby Harrity, one of the student activists forced to leave NCF. This experience provided deeper insights into the challenges faced by those who felt they had no choice but to leave Florida.

Culture War aims to raise awareness about the fight for educational freedom in Florida and across the United States. Please reach out if you would like to join our fight!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about our film.