"Story can Change the World" is the slogan of Washington West Film Festival, where I worked as a production coordinator every fall for seven years. I loved that the festival donated its entire box office to different charities each year and aimed to select films that would leave the audiences feeling optimistic and inspired. However, I ultimately left the festival because in my last year there, the director hired several people who refused to program queer films (among others); they called LGBTQ films divisive and "not family-friendly." As a queer person, I had to leave. Still, the motto stuck with me even as the new management ignored it; it is my responsibility as a storyteller to create stories that leave a positive impact, no matter how small. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I love writing science fiction for both adult and young audiences. I love science fiction because it is inclusive in every sense: it can be comedic or dramatic, it can be based on reality or entirely imagined, it can be challenging or comforting-- I love the broad scope of the genre. Iconic, classic Sci-fi example, Star Trek was THE pioneer in inclusive television, and to me, that's the attitude that the genre needs. I personally aim to create content with a positive impact on the queer community (emphasis on the trans community within it), Deaf community, poly community, and women around the world. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ I'm currently working to improve my skills in writing for animation. My alma mater, George Mason University, did not offer any programs in animation, so in the two years since I graduated, I've tried to teach myself the nuances of writing for animation. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Still reading? Wow, I guess you're looking for some personal details (In a biography? Groundbreaking.) I'm a 23-year-old woman from Washington DC, born and raised. I live in a cozy apartment with my girlfriend, her book collection, and my vintage glass collection. I graduated top of my class at GMU with a BA in screenwriting, and minors in professional writing and American Sign Language. I recently interned with management company Circle of Confusion, where I enjoyed writing coverage on a small mountain of scripts. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more about me, check out this page on my website! https://www.hannahharmison.com/personal-statement