Seeking the Creative: Catherine McCord, Film Maker

Catherine McCord, Come Back To Me. CREDIT: Catherine McCord

How would you describe your art in three words?

Vulnerable, personal, and changing.

Catherine McCord knows the value behind everyone’s story, and she pours this knowledge into the films she creates. The 20 year old Filmmaker from Lynchburg, Virginia has been working behind the camera ever since she was 12 years old. Catherine is able to reminisce on her personal triumphs and defeats, and relay them onto a screen in a way anyone can connect with. She is unapologetic and authentic in her directing, producing stunning visuals and telling tear-jerking stories. Whether it be her own, or a narrative she devises based off of real-world happenings, a film is made that reflects passion, talent, and hard work. Catherine hopes to one day produce a full feature film or documentary, however as long as she is able to keep creating, she is happy.

Where/how do you gather inspiration?

I truly believe that the more specific you are the more universal a story can be. I try to draw from my personal life and portray feelings I have experienced. But I also look at the current happenings in our world, such as the Black Lives Matter movement and progress in the LGBTQ+ community and am often inspired by the strength and vulnerability in their stories — I believe that acknowledging their joy is just as important as their hurt.

What do you hope audiences retain from your work?

There are so many incredible storytellers out there as filmmaking is more accessible than ever before. I just hope that after watching any of my films, that someone feels less alone and that their story — however different it may be from the one portrayed on screen — matters.