My Story
My name is Jalen Carter. I grew up in Hawthorne, California, and the Los Angeles area for my whole life. Currently, I am an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa studying English and Creative Writing as my major and Cinema as my minor.
I always try to put myself in uncomfortable situations in order to broaden my understanding of the world and the things it has to offer. Whether that’s going to school thousands of miles away from anyone I know or hiking in mountains and canyons for three weeks with little backpacking experience. I enjoy a little risk in my life.
I have always had an affinity toward film from a very young age. When I was 11 my dad and I used to make stop-motion movies on our kitchen table. Cameras and the whole filmmaking process have always really excited me. Ultimately, I plan on becoming a full-time director.
I’m choosing this field because the act of creating gives my life meaning. The idea that what I create will live way past me comforts me in some ways. The works I create are my own physical contributions to the world that I hope will uplift not only the people around me but also those I touch with my work.
Filmmaking has always been meaningful work for me. While it is time-consuming and a bit of a hassle, the final product always gives me comfort in realizing it was all worth it.