2025/26 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Ashley Dahl

How/why did you choose your major?

I chose filmmaking because it grew naturally out of making films with my friends. Those early experiences—collaborating, experimenting, and finding joy in creative storytelling—deeply shaped who I am. As I continued, I found filmmaking was more than just expressing myself creatively; it became a way for me to find my own voice, particularly through exploring feminist horror. The genre allowed me to challenge expectations, confront complex social themes, and express powerful narratives about identity, empowerment, and fear. Through feminist horror, I discovered not only my voice as a filmmaker but also my strength in giving voice to stories that deeply resonate with me and hopefully impact others.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

My submission, Trip, is a psychological horror short about a woman overwhelmed by grief and guilt after killing her ex-partner—someone she herself had abused. Unable to face the reality of her actions, she seeks refuge in drugs, hoping they will erase her memories and ease her conscience. Instead, the substances amplify her torment, plunging her into relentless hallucinations and inescapable psychological anguish. With intense imagery and unsettling narrative structure, Trip explores the complexities of abuse, accountability, and self-destructive denial, illustrating how attempting to numb pain without facing one's own culpability only deepens the horror.

My submission, Say Rape, is a provocative documentary exploring the censorship and silencing of conversations about sexual violence in media. The film juxtaposes raw performance art—in which I'm covered in blood, symbolizing the visceral reality and trauma of assault—with intimate interviews featuring survivors, media critics, and activists. Through these compelling visuals and personal narratives, Say Rape challenges the systematic suppression of explicit discussions about rape, underscoring how censorship perpetuates stigma and silence. The documentary ultimately demands honesty from media creators, highlighting the power and necessity of unfiltered conversations to foster understanding, empathy, and social accountability.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I decided to come to MCAD because I knew it would be the perfect place to nurture my passion for filmmaking, especially feminist horror and socially impactful documentaries. The school's creative environment, emphasis on artistic risk-taking, and strong community aligned exactly with what I wanted in a college experience. I was drawn to MCAD’s openness to provocative storytelling, experimentation, and deep exploration of themes that matter to me. Ultimately, I felt MCAD would support me in refining my artistic voice while providing opportunities to collaborate with peers who share my commitment to meaningful, boundary-pushing art.

What's next for your practice?

Right now, I'm working on my first feature film, Threshold, a feminist horror project that deeply explores themes of trauma, survival, and transformation. It delves into the psychological landscape of its protagonist, capturing the intimate struggle of navigating personal boundaries, identity, and accountability in the aftermath of violence. I'm excited about this project because it allows me to expand my storytelling on a larger scale, blending psychological horror with authentic emotional narratives. With Threshold, my goal is to create a powerful film that engages audiences viscerally while sparking meaningful conversations around resilience, agency, and healing.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My favorite thing about college life so far has definitely been the creative community I've found. Being surrounded by peers who are equally passionate, driven, and willing to experiment artistically has been incredibly inspiring. The friendships and collaborations that have come from late-night brainstorming sessions, shared film sets, and honest feedback have deeply impacted my growth as a filmmaker. College has given me space not only to refine my voice and push creative boundaries but also to feel supported by others who genuinely understand and share my artistic goals.

What inspires you?

I'm deeply inspired by stories that challenge expectations, confront uncomfortable truths, and amplify voices that often go unheard. Feminist horror, especially, inspires me because it allows exploration of complex social issues—like trauma, agency, and accountability—in raw, impactful ways.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made?

One of my favorite pieces I've created is my documentary, Say Rape. It’s a deeply personal and provocative exploration of censorship around discussions of sexual violence in the media. The project combined performance art—I covered myself in blood to symbolize the brutal realities and silencing of survivors—with candid interviews from survivors, activists, and media critics. This piece resonated with me because it allowed me to confront societal discomfort directly, shedding light on how media institutions perpetuate silence and stigma. Creating Say Rape was profoundly meaningful, both artistically and emotionally, because it challenged audiences, sparked dialogue, and reinforced the power of speaking truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or controversial.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

Lately, I've been completely obsessed with music—especially bands like 5 Seconds of Summer, Palaye Royale, Black Veil Brides, and Motionless In White. Their music inspires me creatively because it blends raw emotion, powerful storytelling, and dark aesthetics in ways that deeply resonate with my artistic sensibilities. I find myself connecting with their themes of rebellion, vulnerability, and personal authenticity, which frequently influence my own work. Having their music on repeat has not only shaped my mood and creative energy but has also helped me explore new visual and narrative ideas for my films.

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

PASTA!