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TIME FLIES

A poetic, coming-of-age exploration of growing up—the fleeting moments of childhood past, present academic and social pressures, and future uncertainties, told through the eyes and experiences of the director.

  • Ethan Baker
    Director
  • Ethan Baker
    Writer
  • Affan Haque
    Producer
  • Maxim Miao
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Autobiography, Coming-of-Age
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.44
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - American University SOC
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Ethan Baker

Ethan Baker is a documentary filmmaker, multimedia journalist, and pianist. He is currently pursuing an MA in Film and Media Production at American University, building on a BS in Communication and New Media from Shepherd University, where he concentrated in digital filmmaking and minored in journalism.

Ethan is the Multimedia Content Student Assistant for University Advancement, producing video content for American University. Previously, he served as the festival and documentary program manager for Anacostia Youth Media, a D.C. organization empowering middle and high school students through filmmaking. During undergrad, he worked as a multimedia journalist for The Picket, Shepherd University’s news organization, and as a Label Assistant and Video Editor at NexGen Music, a record label and project studio in Shepherdstown, WV.

Ethan’s documentary work delves into special interest and biographical topics, exploring the intersection of race, class, and generations with art and pop culture. Motivated by changemaking, he aspires to write, direct, and edit impact-driven films that inspire diverse audiences and mobilize communities.

His recent projects include “TIME FLIES,” a poetic, coming-of-age reflection of his own life, which was awarded Honorable Mention at the Paris Film Awards, and Vegans of Color, following a D.C.-based meetup group of plant-based minorities, which garnered nearly 10,000 views within its first week of publication. He is currently developing his capstone documentary, Mind and Muscle, an exploration of male mental health and resilience among Gen Z.

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Director Statement

As a filmmaker, my goal is to connect with and positively impact diverse audiences, not by claiming a unique vision or experience, but by documenting and reflecting on life in a way that educates, inspires, and moves people. I see my role as one who captures the nuances of the human experience to foster understanding and empathy.

This particular project pushed me beyond the boundaries of my previous biographical work. It required me to delve deeper into my own experiences, to be more introspective, and vulnerable. Through this process, I sought to understand not only who I was in the past and who I am now but also who I aspire to be in the future. This self-exploration was both a challenge and an opportunity for growth, and I gained a greater sense of self through this process.