A remarkable short film created by a 13-year-old has garnered over 1.6 million views on YouTube since its release on May 28. The talented young filmmaker, 14-year-old Mia Johnson, produced this piece as part of her assignment at the Cinematic Arts Academy at Millikan Middle School in Los Angeles. Titled “Stereo,” the film begins with a powerful narration: “From the dawn of time, boys and girls have been confined to strict roles. They are separated by what society dictates they can or cannot do.”
The narrator expresses frustration with the monotony of these roles: “Boys wear pink, girls wear blue. Boys can wear dresses, while girls are told they can’t. We are perceived as the strong ones, athletes. If a boy shows interest in football, he’s mocked and told to go back to the kitchen.”
Mia shared that her inspiration came from a deep passion against gender stereotypes. “I envisioned a world where everyone could wear whatever they wished, and colors weren’t tied to gender; they are just colors,” she explained. The film presents a world where traditional gender roles are flipped: boys don makeup and dresses while girls adopt a more athletic persona, as echoed in the words of the main character’s mother.
The protagonist, Jamie (played by Lucy Adams), longs for a different path. While shopping with her mother, she spots a beautiful dress, but her mother scolds her for looking in the boys’ section, insisting, “There’s nothing for you here.” Jamie’s true desire becomes evident: she doesn’t want to focus on joining the football team, as her mother expects. Instead, she dreams of performing in the school musical.
When caught watching a video of the first female Broadway star, Jamie finds her voice and stands up for herself: “It’s just a piece of fabric. There’s no gender assigned to it,” she declares. “I want to wear that dress. I want to paint my nails. And I want to shine in the school musical, too. I love you, Mom, but I wish you’d support me.” These poignant words challenge the absurdity of gender stereotypes, especially coming from such a young, empowered filmmaker.
The next day, Jamie walks into school confidently wearing the dress, her hair styled and nails polished. Although her classmates stare, her newfound self-assurance is inspiring. She boldly signs up for the musical, and another girl, encouraged by Jamie’s bravery, also takes a tag from the sign-up sheet. This film ultimately champions individuality and the power one person’s authenticity can have on others.
In a follow-up video, Mia expressed her hope that her work helps even one person feel heard and understood. “Art is a fantastic way to share your views,” she remarked. Looking ahead, Mia plans to create more content for her channel, including short films, vlogs, and advice videos, as she believes in the importance of supporting others.
When asked what message her film offers to parents, she emphasized the need for acceptance: “Parents should raise their kids to embrace everything, including themselves. It’s crucial not to let stereotypes dictate what they should like.” I couldn’t agree more with her sentiments. As a parent of a young boy who loves to perform, I find her message uplifting and universal.
Mia’s film “Stereo” is a vibrant reminder to be true to oneself and encourages others to do the same. In her words, “If you want to wear a dress, wear it and own it! Life is short, so do what makes you happy.” It’s refreshing to see such idealistic feminism expressed by a 14-year-old, illuminating a hopeful future for all of us. Keep up the fantastic work, Mia; we’re excited to see what you create next!
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Summary
A 14-year-old filmmaker, Mia Johnson, has created an impactful short film titled “Stereo,” which challenges gender stereotypes by flipping traditional roles. The story follows Jamie, who seeks to embrace her true self in a world where expectations dictate behavior. The film inspires viewers to be authentic and promotes acceptance, especially among parents. Mia’s message resonates widely, encouraging people of all ages to express themselves freely.