Two Queensborough Students Among ‘Rising Queens’
Sharing her voice through film has been a lifelong passion for Queensborough student Monique Simpson. Growing up in Jamaica, she immersed herself in acting and producing and produced her first film in high school.
When it was time to consider college, Monique said Queensborough was her first choice.
“I wanted to be a part of the film program,” Monique added. “Being at Queensborough and having these amazing professors, I was able to find my passion.”
Fellow student Angelique York found a similar path. Initially drawn to acting, her time at Queensborough helped her uncover a deeper love for filmmaking.
Now, their talents are being recognized on a much larger stage.
Angelique and Monique are among six emerging filmmakers, or “Rising Queens,“ whose work was compiled into a silent film reel showcased at the Queens Museum during the launch event for Queens Rising. In its fourth year, Queens Rising is a month-long celebration in June that highlights arts and cultural events throughout Queens. The students’ work was selected by the Queens World Film Festival after encouragement from Professor Eileen White of the Communications, Theatre, and Media Production Department.
The students say working on their film, A Small Voice, was an amazing experience, but being recognized as emerging artists is beyond what they thought they would achieve so early in their career.
“It is really great that I am here because I know that other people are supporting me, my professors are here, and it is great to be in this festival because it shows I am a filmmaker,” said Angelique York.
Both Monique and Angelique will graduate from Queensborough in May and plan to pursue their bachelor’s degrees in Film at Brooklyn College. For them, this experience has been both validating and inspiring.
“This opportunity has really opened doors for us,” Monique said. “Especially the networking, and this was an amazing opportunity, and we will make the best of it.”
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