The Next Big Thing: Dana Sullivan

Shanghai American School Puxi senior Dana Sullivan is known for hitting home runs out on the softball field and for filming hits in high school, and next year she is taking her talents to the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at Chapman University. Today, she's stepping in front of the camera instead of behind it to discuss how her passion developed at SAS.

Can you tell us more about where you're heading next year?

Next year I’ll be headed to Chapman University to study film and television production at Dodge College.

What was one of your favorite productions you’ve made at SAS?

One of my favorite productions that I've ever put together was our film Sincerely at the end of my junior year. It was a cross-cultural, non-linear film, meaning it wasn't told in chronological order and presented two cultural perspectives. It was crafted with a lot of love and care. The film featured an amazing cast, including an SAS student and her mother. I believe I cherish this film because it expressed many of the feelings experienced by myself and my friends as third-culture kids. It provided us with the opportunity to examine ourselves from two subjective points of view, representing both a younger and older generation.

We heard that softball is a big part of your life, in addition to filmmaking, is there any connection between playing softball and getting into film?

I believe that softball 100% had an influence on my journey in filmmaking. Starting in my freshman year, playing softball introduced me to a community within the team that I hadn't experienced anywhere else. Being part of this community made me realize that I wouldn’t have collaborated with these people if it weren't for the sport. Similarly, when I began making films, I encountered a similar scenario. There were individuals whom I doubt I would have ever engaged with, but our shared interest in film brought us together, fostering compassion for friendship and connection.

Since you’ve been an SAS student since Pre-Kindergarten, do you have any advice for younger students when it comes to finding your passion?

I believe the word 'passion' could be limiting, as it implies being passionate about only one thing. While I am passionate about film and softball, I also have a love for reading and enjoy everything from arts to humanities. My biggest piece of advice for discovering your 'passion' is to explore everything. SAS offers an array of clubs and opportunities across various fields and interests, some of which I hadn't even heard of before. This diversity is wonderful because it allows you to try different activities; if you don't enjoy something, you can simply move on. A passion can grow from a small interest to maybe nothing, or maybe something you didn’t even see yourself pursuing in college like I did.

Best of luck next year, Dana! We’ll be keeping an eye out for your name in the credits in future films.