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Creative Censorship: The Unspoken Limits of College Storytelling 

No great creative work—especially in storytelling—has ever succeeded by playing it safe or being heavily censored. The most impactful stories push boundaries, introduce something new, reflect the zeitgeist of their time, or carry forward the artistic legacy of those before them. However, the vague and unspoken rules of academic settings often hinder this creative freedom. While some limitations help refine a work, the lack of clear guidelines on what is acceptable forces students to self-censor after their first correction, restricting their creative potential beyond the classroom. At worst, failing to conform to these unclear parameters can even result in failing a course, making academic constraints a fundamental obstacle to true artistic growth. 

Sexual elements, violence and gore, controversial events, offensive topics, and language—along with tropes and subject matters from both the past and present, whether outdated or not—are merely tools in storytelling. They contribute to the final execution, message, or impression a creator wants to leave. It��s strange, really, especially considering that subjects like art appreciation and world literature are part of the MMA curriculum. Literary works tackle heavy themes—Memoirs of a Geisha recounts the harsh realities of a former geisha’s life, including how she was essentially funneled into prostitution. Another work explores the maltreatment of mental patients in the 1900s. Anna Karenina is filled with Russian cultural taboos, and The Man in the Iron Mask incorporates violence as part of its narrative and spectacle. We are expected to study such works, yet we are generally discouraged from producing similar ones ourselves. How is that fair? 

Even those who want to push the envelope may find themselves constrained by the department’s culture. The MMA department has formed its own bubble—one that prioritizes promoting social ideas and advocacies while being seemingly allergic to spectacle or entertainment. Ironically, the very skills being taught have the potential to achieve the same objectives that social idealism aims for, but due to the department’s implicit stagnation, these possibilities remain underutilized. 

The correct way to counter this is through two actions. First, take creative risks despite the implicit warnings. It is fundamentally hypocritical, both in principle and for one’s growth as a creative, to limit artistic expression based on academic restrictions. The school is not the real world. To pass, you may need to tone down your work for submission, but you should keep the original version for future use. Second, avoid making every work solely about solving major social issues or promoting social virtues. If you choose to address these topics, do so thoughtfully. Storytelling is not just a tool for advocacy—it can also serve as an escape and a source of entertainment, regardless of academia’s emphasis on deeper social messaging. 

[jdawsonn]

Your Vision Comes to Reality: Eizou Films

Eizou Films isn't just a photography and videography business—it tells stories with a purpose. The founder, Emmanuel Marasigan, is a 21-year-old working student with big dreams and goals in life. His passion for photography and videography began during his senior high school years in 2022. In August 2023, he officially launched the business, initially focusing on filming cars, events, and cafes. With this, the past few years have been fruitful as many members joined the business and several clients reached out. 

Truly, their success stems from the uniqueness and creativity they bring to the industry. In today’s generation, social media posts primarily focus on showcasing products, highlighting beautiful places, and similar content. However, Eizou Films goes beyond this—they are on a mission to empower individuals and businesses by transforming ideas into authentic visual narratives through storytelling. Moreover, their vision is to craft meaningful visual stories that inspire and leave a lasting impression. 

One quality that Eizou Films consistently upholds is unity and passion. Emmanuel believes that by bringing together a team of talented and passionate individuals, they can create meaningful and visually captivating photos, videos, and graphics. He strongly emphasizes that as Eizou Films grows, his team will also develop and achieve success alongside him. He fosters unity by building a family-like environment within the team, a quality that truly sets this business apart. 

Today, Eizou Films continues to thrive, gaining the attention of a growing audience. Their social media presence has steadily expanded, with more followers and engagement. They consistently craft stunning photography and videography that convey meaningful messages and purpose. 

What started as a small start-up in August 2024 has now evolved into a creative force, continuously growing and refining its craft. As they gain new experiences and collaborate with more clients, their vision remains clear—to tell stories that inspire. With passion, unity, and purpose at its core, Eizou Films is poised to leave an even greater mark on the industry.