Sophomore Cinema major and former Her Campus Point Park team member, Nikki Kalafatis, is editor-in-chief of Point Park’s premiere online film magazine. Learn all about Nikki and her talented staff below!
Photo by Sam Pennine
HC: What is Cinemastilo?
NK: Cinemastilo is an online film magazine run by students involved in Point Park’s John P. Harris Film Society. The magazine has a goal to write articles that engage our readers and connect everybody to the world of film 24/7.
HC: Who makes up your writing staff?
NK: Our writers consist of people from all over Pittsburgh. Most are Point Park students and some are CMU and Duquesne students. We allow input and accept articles from anybody interested. We are also collaborating with the Writing on Film class of the spring semester for a project where students will write articles for Cinemastilo.
HC: I know that Cinemastilo was a part of the John P. Harris Film Society years ago, but has since died off. Why did you decide to bring it back?
NK: The other members on the board of JPH and myself really wanted to give the club a jump start and get it back on its feet. Our constitution mentions the magazine, which died off years ago. After working and writing for Her Campus Point Park, I knew that I could handle the responsibility of the magazine and really found drive to bring the magazine back.
HC: What is it like being the editor-in-chief?
NK: Being editor-in-chief is a huge responsibility. It has added a lot on my plate, especially because I’m rebuilding the magazine from scratch. I don’t mind it though. I have big dreams for this magazine. But I thought, and was very wrong to think, that I could do this all on my own. I hired two co-editors, Becca Painter and Zakiyyah Madyun, and with their help I think the magazine can really get on its feet. While I try to work out all the kinks of just starting, they are backing me and picking up any slack I may drop along the way. Thanks ladies!
HC: What is your favorite part of being Editor-In-Chief?
NK: My favorite part of being Editor-In-Chief is the fact that I know I’m in charge of something I’m passionate about. I’ve always been a leader more than a follower and being able to take charge and see what does and does not work with the magazine is very satisfying and exciting for me. Plus, I’m really looking forward to see what kind of success we have with the magazine.
HC: What is your favorite part of the magazine?
NK: My favorite part of the magazine is the fact that the articles are all student-written. My writers have absolutely blown me away with the quality of articles I have received. It takes a certain kind of skill to analyze and review a film, and I know for one I’m not very good at it. But they have all been very incredible and I love reading every article. I have added movies to my watch list that I probably never would have heard of had it not been for their articles!
HC: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
NK: Just that if there’s anything to know about Cinemastilo, everything is a collaborative effort. My writers do an amazing job every round with articles and I’m very thankful for everyone that has stuck with me through the hectic reboot of the magazine. Without them, none of what we are doing would be possible and the fact that a lot of them are freshman, yet are still dedicating some of their time to this magazine makes me so proud. Thank you all, you’re all the real campus celebs! (That’s the super cheesy truth, though.)
Be sure to read up on the all latest films over at Cinemastilo!