Spring 2024 Showcase MS Creates Allen
Ashish Shrestha, Abby Stewart, and Leah Sumner
Mississippi Creates: Jere Allen
Originally from Alabama, Jere Allen is now a local within the Oxford community. He spends the majority of his time doing what he loves most, his hobby and passion: painting. Jere lives in Oxford with his wife, Joe; they have a bond and a beautiful family ranging in generations. A huge muse to Jere’s paintings is his family. The idea from his “Hummingbird Series” came from Joe sitting on the porch admiring a hummingbird within a couple of feet of her face after stating she had never seen one before. She described it as “magic,” something that Jere seems to have often. Afterward, in the car, Joe would read to him about various types of hummingbirds, including the most minor details.
Within the Oxford Community, Jere has also gotten involved as a professor at the University of Mississippi. Although he no longer teaches at Ole Miss, he stays in contact with his students. However, Jere Allen is much more than an artist or teacher. He is an overall genuine person who radiates positivity and warmth. Jere Allen is cherished within the Oxford Community.
From the majestic landscapes of Nepal to the diverse communities that adorn its countryside, I, Ashish Shrestha, have always found inspiration in the uncharted terrains of my homeland. As a passionate filmmaker and avid traveler from Nepal, my journey began shortly after earning my Bachelor’s degree, when I ventured into the rural and Himalayan regions of Nepal. The sheer diversity of people, cultures, and landscapes I encountered sparked a fervent desire within me to share these unique stories with the world.
Self-taught through the resources available on the internet and insights from friends, I honed my skills in filmmaking, with a particular focus on cinematography and editing. My work is driven by a commitment to enhance my storytelling abilities, aiming to bring the untold stories of Nepal to a global audience.
An ardent lover of the outdoors, I relish the opportunity to explore new places, cuisines, cultures, and meet new people, continually broadening my horizon and deepening my work. As I continue to grow in my career, I am eager to refine my craft, seeking to capture and portray the nuanced beauty of the world through the lens of my camera.
Abby Stewart is a Junior at Ole Miss pursuing a Southern Studies Major and an English Minor. Outside of academics, she is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and works in the IDEAlab in the J.D. Williams Library on campus. Despite being a newcomer to film studies, Abby embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, recognizing its significance in expanding her skill set. Through perseverance, she gained invaluable insights into film and editing techniques. During this project, Abby cherished moments spent with Jere and Joe Allen, whose artistic talent and unwavering bond inspire her. Their relationship serves as a beacon of love and creativity. Looking ahead, Abby envisions furthering her academic journey by pursuing a Master’s in Business at Ole Miss after graduating this upcoming fall.
Leah Sumner is a sophomore in the Southern Studies program with Junior credits. Her background in filmmaking is very limited to this class only. However, learning and growing within the class has been extremely enjoyable. Outside of class, she enjoys spending much time outdoors and with friends. She is involved with organizations on the Ole Miss campus, such as Greek Life, Aiding Animals Club, and CLA Ambassador. In the future, she hopes to continue her love for history within the South as either a High School history teacher or a chemical salesman.