Filmmaker starts Indiana Youth Film Festival

Deonna Weatherly, a filmmaker hailing from Indiana and an IU alumna, is on a steadfast mission to open doors for young filmmakers. Reflecting on her youth, Weatherly candidly shares, “I recognized the unique perspective I could offer, but I was hindered by the lack of resources and opportunities to film or express my viewpoints.” This was a challenge she was determined to overcome, but the prevailing advice she received was to “Leave Indiana.” Rather than deter her, this adversity only stoked her resolve to rewrite the narrative. For many artists, the question of whether to leave Indiana to pursue their craft looms. This puzzle initially perplexed Weatherly. However, it also sparked her to consider how she could address the gaps in the Indianapolis film scene. The scarcity of resources, mentorship, and platforms for showcasing their work were some of the specific hurdles faced by artists in Indiana. Her first step was establishing Weatherhouse Co. As the website proclaims, “Weatherhouse is an acclaimed production company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is a vibrant hub for artists to create, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals in film, video, and other production avenues.” Since its inception in 2021, Weatherhouse has not just fostered...