About Me
Hi, I'm Sariyyah Hurt, a cinematography major at Arts High School, where I’m learning how to turn emotions into visuals through both academic rigor and creative practice. I’m a high-achieving student, currently performing strongly across my classes while maintaining a disciplined, academically driven approach to my work. As a filmmaker, I’m inspired by the spaces I move through, the people around me, and the music that shapes my world. My films are rooted in coming-of-age stories that explore the truth of growing up Black with sensitivity and honesty. I don’t confine myself to one genre and enjoy experimenting with different styles and forms of drama. Whether I’m directing, editing, or just vibing with an idea, I’m always chasing that one scene that says what words can’t. I’m aiming for a Grammy, Oscar, and Emmy, not just for the win, but to open doors for voices like mine to be heard and felt.
Achievements
My achievements reflect both my dedication to filmmaking and my commitment to growth within the industry. I have developed and expanded my own production studio, V8N Productions, where I actively create, produce, and refine original work. One of my most significant achievements is receiving an award at my school's film festival, which reflects my dedication to filmmaking and validates the countless hours I spent honing my craft, mastering storytelling, and exploring film production. This recognition motivated me to aim higher in my filmmaking journey and seek new opportunities for growth. Additionally, participating in the Record High program with seven talented peers under the mentorship of Mark Collins, Vice President of Artist Relations at the Prudential Center, transformed my understanding of professional filmmaking, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. I've also submitted my films and screenplays to multiple film festivals, including the Kent Film Festival and the Montclair Screenwriting Film Festival, and I plan to apply to the All-American High School Film Festival as I continue to build my portfolio. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable insight into storytelling, production processes, and the professional expectations of the film industry, further strengthening my passion for creating compelling and meaningful work.
Strengths
I've always had a passion for storytelling, which has driven me to excel in developing innovative concepts for television shows and films. My creative ideas come to life through collaboration with others in the industry, bringing unique visions to the screen. Alongside conceptual work, I have strong videography skills that help capture the essence of each project effectively. My experience comes from working on various film sets, including my father’s projects, providing hands-on opportunities to hone technical skills and understand the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Each project pushes me to expand my creativity, and I thrive as part of a team dedicated to bringing captivating stories to life.
Goals
On my journey toward becoming a director and crafting narratives that genuinely connect with audiences, I plan to continue my education at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where I hope to study Film and Media Studies and further develop my skills in storytelling, screenwriting, and cinematography. Alongside my film education, I intend to pursue a major in business to better understand how the film industry operates beyond the creative process. Gaining knowledge in business is essential to my growth as a filmmaker, as it will strengthen my ability to communicate, lead, and successfully distribute my work. I also hope to gain hands-on industry experience through internships, including opportunities with studios such as A24. To further expand my film production company, V8N Productions, I aim to create a space that fosters collaboration, innovation, and diverse voices, bringing unique and meaningful stories to life.
