GUT-C (Give Us The Fucking Camera) is an inclusive collective for filmmakers at the University of Colorado Boulder. Members, often filmmakers themselves, work to address and combat the hetero-patriarchal norms that dominate the film industry.
In 2023, only 28% of films featured a female protagonist, and women made up 22% of all directors, writers, producers, editors, and cinematographers of the 250 top-grossing films, with an even smaller percentage accounting for women of color. Similarly, queer representation both in front and behind the camera continues to be an issue. In 2022, 27% of films with a theatrical release portrayed a queer character, the majority of which were white. GUT-C works to bring light to this issue of representation and lessen this disparity.
GUT-C was founded in 2022 by Laura Conway, an associate teaching professor and independent filmmaker, and Charlie Mccain, a recent graduate after noting vast inequalities within the film industry and issues of representation in CU Boulders film program. Sophia Davis, film student and intern at GUT-C, comments on GUT-C’s creation saying, “There was a growing resentment from minority students about the lack of representation and community in classes and on sets, with some male students creating a sort of ‘boys club’ and excluding peers form conversations and experience. ”
Sophia Davis shares what being a part of GUT-C entails, explaining, “We host movie nights, weekly meetings, visiting artist lectures, and professional workshops. We’ve hosted Ashley Connor, DP on films such as Madeline’s Madeline, Knives Out, and The Miseducation of Cameron Post. We have hosted workshops on graphic design, production design, and intimacy coordination. We also want to connect other students to each other, with a directory that shares contact information, equipment, and skill levels. Our weekly meetings are a safe place to share experiences, get guidance on projects, and offer suggestions to professors on how to make the film department more inclusive to all genders, sexualities, and identities.”
GUT-C’s exposure of inequalities within the film industry can insight positive change for film students, film enjoyers, and film cast and crew. More information about their practices and how to join is available on their Instagram.
