“Shutter” Shows the Reality of Stalking

Film Sparks Discussion of Partner Harassment on College Campuses

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Students, friends and family members recently had a rare opportunity to watch the premier of "Shutter," a student produced film about stalking that follows the disturbing path of a young man in college consumed by a co-ed on campus, and how his behavior is finally confronted.  

Keisha Brown, a senior theater arts major with a concentration in acting and directing, plays Sage, the victim in the film. Brown says her role reinforced the notion that you can never be too careful.  

“Everyone should constantly be vigilant of their surroundings,” she said. “You can’t let everyone in your space.  What’s important is community. We all need our community as a part of our support base.” 

According to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center, between 6% and 39% of college students report being stalked since entering college with women and students of color at higher risk. Most college students are stalked by someone they know. A third of the time the stalkers are former intimate partners or someone the victim knows which was true in Shutter. 

Sage’s stalker was Mikal, her boyfriend’s friend. Mikal became obsessed with Sage, began following her and appearing at events and other activities that Sage was attending. 

“In the film, my boyfriend confronts Mikal which causes him to stop stalking me,” said Brown. “But 'Shutter is a film.' In the real world, if you see something, say something. Don’t be afraid to contact authorities.” 

School related impacts for stalking victims include difficulty concentrating in class and on assignments, lower grades, missing meetings and dropping classes. 

Bowie State participates in the Partners for Peace program to raise students’ awareness about prevention and effective responses to stalking, sexual assault, domestic violence and dating violence incidents on campus. Counseling and education resources are available at the Henry Wise Wellness Center  

The Partners for Peace program was developed by Bowie State University, University of Maryland College Park and the Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women to shine a spotlight on some of our societal problems and help prevent future violent acts. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.