18 Apr Philadelphia Artist Spotlight: Katie Harkins

BY IREASHIA BENNETT

The cinéSPEAK Journal publishes a monthly Philadelphia Artist Spotlight highlighting local filmmakers and moving image artists doing unique and impactful work.

Intimacy and interiority are consistently present themes in films by Katie Harkins, a Philadelphia-born and raised cinematographer. Across genres–from narrative and documentary to music videos and commercial work–her commitment to exploring interpersonal relationships through visual storytelling always shines through. Crewing as Assistant Camera and Camera Operator on productions, she has experienced struggles working in a male-dominated industry. This experience has led her to prioritize working collaboratively and making space for others to enter the film space. 

The cinéSPEAK Journal spoke with Katie Harkins about her passion for 16mm film, how the Philadelphia film community has shaped her film practice, and how she moves through a male-dominated field.

cinéSPEAK: What inspired you to be a filmmaker?

Katie Harkins: My love of cinema came from watching films with my grandpa as I was growing up; this exposed me to many classic films at a young age. As I got older, I found that my love of cinema was also a love for visuals, and I knew I wanted to work with cameras. I was always taking photos on any device I could use as a kid and was ecstatic when I got my first DSLR camera in high school. When I was in high school and starting to think about what career I wanted to get into, I couldn’t realistically see myself doing something that didn’t involve the arts. 

I didn’t know anything about being a filmmaker until I entered college. I saw how talented my classmates were in my freshman year and feared I would never catch up. I’ve faced many challenges I never knew I would have to face when I decided to be a filmmaker, but overcoming them and creating work that leaves an impact on others makes it totally worth it.

I knew I wanted to be a cinematographer and work in the camera department after discovering my love for independent cinema. I saw so many films that were doing things unlike mainstream movies and it hooked me. The way these films used visuals to convey and evoke such nuanced and specific emotions was absolutely incredible to me. I wanted to learn how I could do that, so I could convey my own unique experiences and perspectives to hopefully leave an impact on others.

cinéSPEAK: How did you get started on your recent film?

KH: The current film project I’m shooting is a short film called Waking. The director–Jaran Huggins–and I collaborated on my undergrad senior thesis film, Sheet Music. We both enjoyed working together on that film, so he immediately hit me up to shoot when he finished his next script. We’re shooting it in Los Angeles on 16mm film. I’m very excited that this will be my first narrative short shot on 16mm.

cinéSPEAK: What topics and themes are you exploring in your current work?

KH: I recently bought a Super 16mm film camera and have been exploring the celluloid world. I have always loved the look of film, partly because I watched so many old movies shot on film as I was growing up. I always knew that working with film was what I wanted to end up doing, so I’m very excited that I finally have the opportunity.

In Waking specifically, I play with a lot of textual themes. The script is wonderful and has a lot of depth with the use of classic literary devices. Some themes it tackles are the questions of what it means to live and how we find our own meaning. These self-reflective themes are my favorite to work with, and I try to find new ways to visualize them in my work. I enjoy creating visuals that provide just enough context, but the specific interpretation each viewer gets is unique to them, as it allows them to insert their own beliefs and thoughts into it.

cinéSPEAK: How has Philadelphia shaped and influenced the process and content of your work?

KH: Philadelphia is and has always been an inspiration for me and my work. My family has deep roots in this area, and I take pride in being a part of such a passionate city. There’s an underdog spirit to Philly, a city fueled by people who are passionate about what they do and who they are, and I find that the people I have met in the film industry here also represent that. I love being a part of the film community in Philadelphia. Everyone has such talent and a love for what they do. I find being surrounded by such individuals constantly pushes me to keep going and keep experimenting with my own work.

cinéSPEAK: What impact do you hope your work will have in the Philadelphia community?

KH: I feel that my job as a filmmaker is fulfilled if my work leaves a lasting impact on its audience. One of the most rewarding moments for me as a filmmaker was the feedback I got after Sheet Music when a few people came up to me and told me how impactful it was to see their story on the screen. 

I’ve faced a lot of struggles as a woman working in a male-dominated industry and also a predominately male-led department. There are a lot of unique challenges in film that only pertain to women. I think it’s important to see women working in camera and creating a space for other women as they come up. I am immensely grateful for all of the people who made space for me as I came up early in my career and who still do. I would not be where I am without them. I thoroughly believe in pulling each other up and how important that support is. Sometimes this industry can feel very competitive, but I believe that films are a group effort, and you can only get so far by yourself. I know I can do my best work and be my best when I have a supportive team behind me.
If you want to keep up with Katie Harkins’ work, you can check out her work here or follow her Instagram @katie.harrkins.

Would you like to be featured in a future spotlight? Please fill out the Philadelphia Artist Spotlight form. The cinéSPEAK Journal maintains sole discretion over the publishing of any information provided via the form. Questions: journal@cinespeak.org

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Ireashia M. Bennett (they/them) is a Philadelphia-based filmmaker, photographer, and writer whose work aims to celebrate Black queer and disabled folks in the form of new media, short films, and photoessays. They earned a B.A. in Journalism from Columbia College Chicago and are pursuing an MFA in Film and Media.