Field Notes: Wheaton Filmmaker in Granada Spain
Each summer, Wheaton College offers several Filmmaker in Residence Fellowships that fund students to travel with faculty-led international courses and produce films about the experiences and issues being
studied. Film and New Media Studies major Abbie Cramer ’26 was awarded a fellowship to travel to Spain and Morocco with Professor Montse Perez for the course Islamic Spain. Abbie recently spoke with Patrick Johnson, Chair of the Film, Media, and Communications department, about the experience.
Please tell us a bit about the film/project you filmed in Spain/Morocco?
While in Spain, I had the opportunity to create a project on any topic of my choice. I decided to focus on the experiences we gained both inside and outside the classroom. We learned and experienced so many incredible things, and I wanted to showcase this in my documentary. I interviewed six students from our class, Islamic Spain, focusing on what they learned in and out of the classroom. I paired their insights with my visuals to help tell the story.
What was an important lesson you learned from the experience?
One important lesson I learned from this experience was knowing when to be fully present in the moment. Balancing the need to film with the desire to fully experience everything was challenging. At first, it was difficult to know when to focus on getting the shot or simply living in the moment, but over time, I gained the experience to manage this balance. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me in both my career and life.
What were some of the challenges of filmmaking there?
One of the biggest challenges of filming in Spain and Morocco was the constant movement. We went on many incredible tours of various towns and cities, but that meant we were always on the go. Often, by the time I got the shot I wanted, everyone had moved on, or I had missed part of the action. I had to quickly develop the strategies and skills to adapt to this fast-paced environment.
What was a standout moment that you were able to capture?
It’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to, it would be a moment I filmed on our second day in Spain. We were led on a tour of Granada, learning about the history and culture of Islamic Spain. As we made our way through the Albaicín and Sacromonte, we arrived at a lookout point, Mirador de San Nicolás, with a stunning view of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains on the horizon. Here, I was able to film a woman dancing flamenco, a traditional Spanish dance that originated in Granada. In the background, people were clapping and playing guitar. It was a magical moment.
What is the next step for your project and your journey as a filmmaker?
The next step for my project, and my journey as a filmmaker, is to continue challenging myself. I’m still in the editing process for the documentary, and I’m excited to see how the final piece comes together. I have so much footage, which makes it challenging to choose the best parts of the story. I’m also working on another documentary highlighting club sports at Wheaton, which I’m really excited about. Overall, I plan to keep creating work that I’m passionate about!
What’s something you’d love people to know about the experience?
Never be afraid to take a chance! I took a chance by applying to this program and the film fellowship, and I’m so glad I did. I didn’t know if I’d be accepted, but if I hadn’t tried, I would’ve missed out on this incredible opportunity. Studying abroad was an amazing experience, and I hope anyone who has the chance to do so takes it. I learned so much about myself and others on this trip. I will take these lessons with me for the rest of my life. So, if you get the opportunity, go for it!
