FSU Film Brings Sisters Together Through Storytelling
BY: PAIGE ROBERTS | PUBLISHED: |
Siblings Lauren and Julia Kim did not expect their creative paths to converge at the same university, let alone within one of the nation’s top ranked film programs. Today, both are students at Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts, where they are fostering their distinct creative voices while sharing the demands of an intensive, production-driven curriculum.
Lauren’s introduction to filmmaking began with screenwriting. She was in sixth grade when she realized films were not only something to watch but something that could be written. She remembers, “That was when movies stopped feeling distant and started feeling possible for me.” That early discovery shaped her approach to storytelling, and ultimately led her to pursue film at the collegiate level. Julia’s path began differently. A formative viewing of Avatar sparked her interest in the emotional impact of cinema and its ability to move audiences. “From that moment on, I wanted to tell stories that made people feel the same way that film made me feel, “Julia said.
Although both were creatively inclined from a young age ,their formal journeys into filmmaking developed independently. Lauren began making short films in high school, frequently casting Julia in lead roles. Julia later found her own entry point into filmmaking after Lauren had already begun film school.
When Lauren was a junior in the FSU film program and Julia received her acceptance call from FSU Film, the moment was unexpected. “I never imagined we’d end up here together in the same major,” Lauren said. The College of Motion Picture Arts is known for its small cohort size and highly selective admissions process, making the dual acceptance particularly meaningful.
Once enrolled, both Lauren and Julia found that the program’s collaborative culture mirrored their own creative dynamic. Rather than competition, the environment emphasizes mutual support among students and faculty. “What surprised me most was how welcoming everyone made me feel,” Julia said. “You can really tell how much everyone wants you to succeed.”
Attending the program together has provided an added layer of support. From exchanging script notes to offering feedback on edits, the two regularly consult one another throughout the production process. “It’s super nice to have someone who understands exactly what you’re going through,” Julia said.
Despite studying in the same program, Lauren and Julia have developed markedly different creative interests. Lauren gravitates toward grounded, character-driven stories and plans to pursue a career in development for children’s educational entertainment. Julia is drawn to psychological thrillers and has demonstrated strengths in directing and cinematography, with additional interest in marketing and storytelling. “We’re actually very different as filmmakers, but our work ethic overlaps,” Lauren said. Each credits the other with strengths that elevate their work. Lauren points to Julia’s preparation and leadership on set, while Julia highlights Lauren’s problem-solving abilities and creative insight. Their experiences reflect the collaborative culture of the College of Motion Picture Arts, where distinct voices are shaped not in isolation, but alongside peers — and, in their case, family — working toward a shared goal of telling meaningful stories.