By Raynard Churchwell
In the heart of Atlanta, within Georgia State University’s campus, sophomore Aryianna Brewer is making waves in the film world. Hailing from the vibrant city of Houston, Texas, Brewer’s journey to GSU is a testament to her passion for the cinematic arts.
Currently, in her sophomore year at GSU, she aims to graduate in 2026, equipped with the knowledge and experiences she’s gaining from the university’s esteemed film program.
Houston, like Atlanta, is a diverse metropolis and it gave her experience interacting with people from various backgrounds. Brewer attended East Bellaire High School, a magnet school that welcomed students from across Texas, creating an environment where city and rural students coexisted in pursuit of education.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Brewer expressed her love for Houston’s culture. “It was great. Houston’s a very multicultural city, so I got to be exposed to a lot of different cultures when I was growing up,” she shared. Her experiences at a magnet school further fueled her love for diversity and the arts.
The decision to journey from Texas to Atlanta was guided by Brewer’s passion for film. She embarked on this path after careful consideration with her mother, exploring the top-ranked film schools in the United States. GSU’s film program, ranked 13th at the time, stood out as an affordable and promising choice, especially with Atlanta’s booming film industry.
Brewer’s fascination with film began in childhood, nurtured by her involvement in theater since the third grade. This passion led her to explore the intricacies of filmmaking, from cinematography to scriptwriting nuances. While she initially enjoyed both theater and film, eventually she found herself drawn to the movies.
“I’ve always had a mind for analysis, like I loved reading and I loved analyzing movies and TV shows and thinking about, you know, why did they do this? Why did they film it this way? Why did they use this coloring? Why did they use this sound? Why did they use that camera shot?” Brewer shared.
Making the transition from Houston to Atlanta, Brewer strategically planned her academic journey. She focused on completing core classes and prerequisites early on. This approach allows her to dedicate the next two years primarily to major-related coursework, setting the stage for a deep dive into the world of film production.
“I’m excited to get into them and start learning what I’m going to be doing for the rest of my life,” Brewer stated.
This year, Brewer’s involvement in GSU’s theatre productions took a big step forward. Her debut show, “Bunmi & Babajide Much Ado About Nothing in Lagos, 1963” marked her first role as a stage manager. It was in this play that Brewer showcased her capabilities and set the stage for her success.
Brewer’s journey as a stage manager did not come without challenges. Initially thrust into the role due to an unexpected vacancy, she navigated the complexities of the position with grace and determination. Learning on the job, Brewer pressed into the responsibilities of stage management on a higher education level, gaining valuable insights into problem-solving and quick thinking.
“It was definitely a shock, but I’ve done it before, and it just took a little getting used to working on the levels that this kind of project was,” Brewer said.
“It was a very, very big learning experience. I learned a lot about myself and how the business works.”
Her resourcefulness and adaptability prevailed as she successfully managed the production, garnering admiration from her peers and mentors.
One particular mentor, Olubajo Sonubi, the director of the show and a part-time faculty member, played a pivotal role in Brewer’s growth during the fall semester. His guidance and support contributed significantly to her confidence and problem-solving skills.
Brewer noted, “Bajo was so helpful and gave me so many resources to things.” Such mentorship exemplifies the supportive environment fostered within GSU’s film program.
As Brewer looks ahead, she sees a future deeply entrenched in the world of film production. Her short-term goal includes securing a role in a film before graduating in 2026, marking a significant milestone in her upcoming career. Her long-term aspirations involve working under an executive producer and, potentially, ascending to the role of an executive producer, embodying her commitment to the cinematic arts.
GSU’s film program has played a pivotal role in Brewer’s journey, providing an environment where growth, collaboration, and learning thrive. She acknowledges the program’s vigor, constantly evolving with each project and student endeavor. The emphasis on post-show evaluations ensures continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence.
“My time here at GSU has taught me to go for what you want and to never be afraid to ask questions because you never know what can happen,” Brewer explained.
As her journey unfolds at GSU, Brewer stands as a testament to the power of passion, mentorship, and an environment that nurtures creativity. The future holds exciting moments for this rising star, destined to leave an incredible mark on the world of film production.