Student Speaker Talks About Growth and Connection at Convocation

It was her way with words, not her finesse with film, that surprised Motion Picture Arts (MOPA) student Sarah Buchanan during her time at CapU.

“I didn’t think of myself as a creative writer when I entered the program – in fact, I was convinced I wasn’t one,” she says. “But through writing scripts, revising others’ and seeing stories through from concept to screen, I started to reshape that narrative.”

“Writing has become one of the most transformative skills I’ve gained, not just technically but personally.”

Buchanan, who hails from Australia, will cross the stage this June at convocation to mark her graduation from the Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts program, with a minor in business administration and a concentration in producing.

She will be addressing her Faculty of Fine & Applied Arts cohort as the student speaker to culminate her journey at CapU.

Being selected to represent and address her peers at convocation is a proud moment, she says. “It’s an honour that reflects more than a single achievement, and the full journey that led me here.”

Filmmaking an intense but rewarding journey

Buchanan is graduating from the program, having shepherded four films to completion, one of which was selected for submission to the Toronto International Film Festival.

Andy Sung, a friend and classmate, directed the festival film, Perfect Definition. It’s a story about family, identity, and the pursuit of acceptance in challenging and unconventional relationships.

“I produced Perfect Definition concurrently with a film titled I See You!, which was an intense but rewarding journey that challenged my abilities to lead and multitask,” she notes.

Learning extends beyond the classroom

Extracurriculars were one of the most enriching parts of her time at CapU, says Buchanan, who was deeply involved in campus life – as a participant in the International Leader and Peer Mentor program, a committed member and later president of the Film Student Collective, and a contributor to student engagement initiatives within the School of Business.

“While extracurriculars didn’t contribute directly to grades, health or my finances, they added immense value,” she says. “I got to connect deeply with faculty, support international students adjusting to life in Canada, and champion student voices within the MOPA program.”

Collaboration and commitment celebrated

“As an outstanding scholar and international student, she brought academic rigour and a global perspective to every class,” said Michael Thoma, chair of the MOPA program. “Sarah has been an extraordinary presence since her first day in the film program: considerate, articulate, cheerful and always more than willing to take on the next challenge.”

“As leader of the CapU Film Student Collective, her collaboration with fellow students, her commitment to filmmaking, her compassion and engagement have made a profound and lasting impact.”

Post-graduation, Buchanan plans to travel through Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala and Alaska before returning to Vancouver to work in the film and television industry. She is already looking to book commercial work with a few of her peers.

“Seeing that side of our careers start to take shape is incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Before she heads off on adventures, though, Buchanan says she is leaving campus life with an immense sense of gratitude.