Kaden Jones reflects on presenting to director Steve McQueen on the opening night of the SCAD Savannah Film Festival

The 27th annual SCAD Savannah Film Festival unfolded this year with an air of elegance and cinematic reverence, drawing students, industry veterans, and Hollywood icons together for a weeklong celebration of storytelling’s highest form. The festival isn’t merely an event; it is an immersion into the artistry and intellect of cinema, a place where the industry’s gold standard isn’t just displayed, but actively imparted on the next generation of storytellers.

For me, the opportunity to present an award to Sir Steve McQueen was transformative, both as an aspiring filmmaker and as someone deeply inspired by his work. This moment was more than an accolade for a visionary artist; it was a personal milestone, connecting me with the kind of storytelling that has defined my creative aspirations.

When SCAD School of Film and Acting Dean Andra Reeve-Rabb shared the news of my selection, the weight of the moment was immediate. My mother’s joy mirrored my own, her reaction reminding me of the significance of this opportunity. McQueen is not simply a filmmaker; he is a chronicler of humanity, unflinchingly examining the truths we often shy away from. His films have redefined storytelling for me, challenging not just what stories I tell but the depth and honesty with which I approach them.

In my own work, I have wrestled with themes of resilience, identity, and connection. McQueen’s ability to frame these universal struggles with such rawness and precision inspires me to push the boundaries of my craft, to demand more from myself as an artist.

Preparing to honor him brought its own quiet intensity. Rehearsing in my dorm room, I found echoes of my high school speech and debate days — hours spent learning to command a room and articulate complex ideas. But this was different. It wasn’t merely about delivering words; it was about distilling the essence of McQueen’s artistry and offering it back to an audience equally eager to celebrate him.

The energy in the room that night was magnetic, heightened by the SCAD Bee Sharps’ electric performance. But as I stepped onto the stage, the buzz of anticipation gave way to a sharper clarity. My role was clear: to connect the audience with a filmmaker who has irrevocably shaped the language of modern cinema.

Standing before that crowd, I spoke of McQueen’s fearless dedication to truth and the power of his work to illuminate the depths of the human experience. Then, I stepped back, allowing his films to speak for themselves.

When McQueen took the stage, his presence commanded attention without excess. He spoke with profound clarity, urging us to create with purpose, to approach art as a vessel for truth rather than mere entertainment. His acknowledgment of the courage required to pursue this path felt deeply personal, as if he were entrusting us with a torch we must carry forward.

McQueen’s Blitz exemplified this ethos. His portrayal of the London Blitz through a child’s eyes stripped away the grandeur of traditional war narratives, revealing the intimate and fragile moments of survival. The piercing wail of air-raid sirens, the muted grays of rubble-strewn streets, and the haunting stillness after destruction worked together to create an immersive experience that transcended the screen. The child’s oversized coat, a detail so simple yet profound, became a symbol of vulnerability and quiet defiance. These choices reminded me of the power of visual storytelling to make history feel immediate, alive, and deeply human.

Meeting McQueen in person was humbling. His stoic demeanor carried the gravity of someone who has spent years peeling back the layers of the human condition. His parting words to me — “I hope to see you soon in the industry” — were more than encouragement. They were a challenge to rise to the standard he represents.

The SCAD Savannah Film Festival is more than a celebration; it is a community for dreamers and creators. The master classes I attended, led by luminaries such as Colman Domingo, Lupita Nyong’o, Pablo Larraín, and Kris Bowers, were an unparalleled gift. Each artist offered insights not only into the craft, but into the discipline, courage, and vulnerability it takes to create work that resonates.

These moments served as a reminder that filmmaking is as much about the person you become as it is about the stories you tell. At SCAD, the gold standard of the industry is not just an aspiration; it is a foundation poured directly into the hands of students, equipping us to carry the mantle forward.

As I walked out of the theater that night, I felt a renewed clarity of purpose. Storytelling isn’t just a profession — it is a responsibility. McQueen’s films and his words reminded me that the stories worth telling are those that challenge us to confront the world as it is and imagine it as it could be. To tell those stories demands bravery, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to truth. It is a calling, and one I am more determined than ever to answer.

Written by Kaden Jones (B.F.A film and television)