Columbia University’s Girls Who Film student organization brings stories to life

A spotlight on Girls Who Film, a student organization led by Columbia and Barnard students that works to empower women through inclusive, accessible filmmaking.

Artwork by Nissa Waheed/The Barnard Bulletin

By Missy Owolabi

February 5, 2026

Girls Who Film (GWF) is a student-run filmmaking club at Columbia University that focuses on collaborative, accessible film production. Founded to challenge the competitiveness associated with filmmaking on campus, the club chooses to emphasize experimentation and community over hierarchy and prior experience. GWF’s short films have earned some accolades, such as screenings at New York Short Film Tuesdays and finalist recognition at the New York International Film Awards. 

The organization’s overarching mission centers on empowering underrepresented voices, particularly women, by involving members in every stage of the filmmaking process; together, the staff brainstorms genres, collectively writes scripts, and figures out production logistics. Membership is open to anyone interested, regardless of prior experience. Moreover, leadership roles for individual productions are determined through a community-based process in which members volunteer or are supported by the group to take on roles rather than being selected based on a traditional resume or credentials. 

Rather than separating its members by experience level, GWF encourages shared ownership of its projects. “Our members are actively involved in shaping our final film projects,” Co-President Natasha Last-Bernal (BC ’27) said. “In that way, we hope to destigmatize entering filmmaking with no experience and make it more accessible.” 

Girls Who Film began in 2023 with meetings held in the basement of one of Columbia’s fraternity houses. That improvised start continues to define the ways the group operates today. “We’re sort of scrappy with our filmmaking and how we organize ourselves,” Last-Bernal said. “That’s one of our strengths.” Since then, the club has produced several short films that cover genres from romantic drama and comedy to thriller and horror. However, even though the club is open to all students, it places a particular emphasis on promoting women as the ones controlling the camera. Lead producer Alice Xavier (BC ’27) notes how the film culture, both on campus and in the industry, remains male-dominated. “If we create a collaborative space centered on women, we can promote a culture that our members can carry with them beyond college and onto future sets,” Xavier said.

Girls Who Film aims to produce two collaborative short films each academic year and has completed production on three total so far, with a fourth underway. Meetings guide members through the full filmmaking process as a group, beginning with genre and concept brainstorming and continuing through scriptwriting, filming, and post-production. Girls Who Film meetings are structured to feel welcoming and discussion-driven, with all members encouraged to speak freely. 

Club Secretary Vaidehi Shrestha (BC ’27) pointed out that the group consistently invites input from everyone, which made her feel more included. “I feel in certain groups, I’ve always felt a little hesitant to speak out, but in this community, I’m like, let me throw this one out there,” Shrestha said. “I feel like that’s just the kind of culture this club encourages.” 

By cultivating a culture where all voices are heard, GWF encourages experimentation and creativity, which is reflected in its recent productions. “I Forgot to Laugh,” currently in post-production, is a twisted friendship satire that features the longest script the club has taken on to date. Another project, “Lone Rider,” is a darker romantic drama. Filming took place late at night, around 2 a.m., on a moving New York City subway, relying on spontaneity and trust among members. “It was chaotic,” Last-Bernal said. “But the creative energy was incredible, and everyone was really committed to making it work.” This short film was screened at New York Short Film Tuesdays and was named a finalist for the New York International Film Awards. GWF short films can be viewed on GWF’s website. 

Beyond campus, the club gained exposure in professional entertainment. In 2025, a producer from “The Kelly Clarkson Show” contacted Girls Who Film after discovering the group on Instagram. The show was looking for New York-based film production groups to participate in an episode with Emma Thompson. The show has aired two episodes featuring Girls Who Film members as of early December 2025. 

“They liked our mission of promoting female leadership in the film industry,” Xavier said. “We are in constant contact with them, still, and we hope to kind of keep that network going.” 

Like many student-led organizations, Girls Who Film faces challenges, specifically related to access to resources. Because members find it difficult to obtain equipment and filming permissions on campus, the club often turns to its own community to provide the resources they need. Many of the props have been sourced from members’ homes, they often film in members’ apartments, and they also cast members as actors. “Although we would love to have more access to resources, I think this perfectly matches the aim of this group, which is to learn to go around these things,” Shrestha said. 

At its core, Girls Who Film serves as a creative outlet as well as a social space. Many members form close friendships through long production hours and problem-solving. “In the film industry and entertainment industry, a network is really important,” Xavier said. “We hope not only to network professionally but also to have a network of friends and people we like.” 

For students interested in exploring the art of filmmaking in a collaborative environment, Girls Who Film offers a unique opportunity. “If you put in the word, your voice will be heard,” Shrestha said. “We’re looking for people to shape the club in a new way, and we’re excited to see where it goes.”