Washburn University Alumnus Wins Kansas Association of Broadcasters Award for Documentary

      Topeka, Kan. – Washburn University alumnus Kris Bailey won first place in the college documentary category of the 2023 Kansas Association of Broadcasters (KAB) Student Awards contest.

For his documentary and Washburn University film class, Bailey decided to work with a man named Nathaniel to create the documentary “I Am…Brihanna Jayde.” The documentary follows Nate’s life as a gay man who works as a barber and is passionate about performing as a drag queen.

Bailey took on the role of director, producer, sound designer and editor when creating the documentary. The film took four months to make despite a temporary halt in production. He was determined to bring attention to issues that members of the drag community face and the discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.

“People have this perception about what he [Nate] does or what he is like when really, he is just a regular guy. I hope people that have a certain perception of drag can watch my documentary and see a new side of it,” said Bailey.

The annual KAB Student Awards contest allows high school and full-time college students to enter their work in categories, such as 60 seconds or less commercial, feature, general news story, podcast, documentary, etc.

A Non-traditional Path

Bailey originally earned a bachelor's degree in secondary education and a master's degree in counseling and student development from Kansas State University. While pursuing a minor in English, scheduling conflicts prompted him to take a break. It wasn’t until after the COVID-19 pandemic that Bailey enrolled at Washburn to pick up where he left off. During his time in isolation, he started reading and practicing poetry and decided it would be a good idea to pursue a degree in English.

Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing, with a minor in film and video, in December 2022.

“What made me want to come back to school was that I had a passion for writing in all forms and I didn't feel like I had an adequate enough education in English to be proficient in it,” said Bailey. “I looked up what Washburn had to offer since it was the nearest school to me and was super impressed with what I saw online about the English department.”

An English degree at Washburn teaches students critical thinking, communication skills and writing analysis. The English department allows students to focus their studies on literature, writing or on English education. Students graduate from Washburn prepared for a diverse range of careers and professional studies. The courses are taught by faculty who are active scholars and writers with advanced degrees in their areas of expertise.

Following His Passions

Bailey’s love of writing and interest in movies compelled him to branch out and take a documentary and filmmaking class with Dr. Sam Finch, lecturer in the mass media department at Washburn, to fill some credits. Even with little experience in film and video, he thrived in his class.

“Kris went from having no film and video classes under his belt to taking a 400-level class, which is pretty impressive,” said Finch. “He was always attentive in class and brought creativity to the project. It was nice to see someone take an interest in an area that wasn’t their major.”

Faculty from the mass media department recognized Bailey’s dedication to his craft and informed him of the opportunities available at Washburn and outside of the university that would allow him to further integrate into the world of film.

Bailey was invited to be a judge at Washburn’s WIFI Film Festival where he met Dr. Maria Stover, professor and chair of mass media at Washburn. She saw his enthusiasm for storytelling and encouraged him to get a minor in film and video.

“When you talk to Kris, you can hear how passionate he is about film. Our conversation naturally led to the mass media department and how he should minor in film and video,” said Stover.

Bailey took on 24 credit hours in one semester to complete the requirements of his major and his film and video minor to graduate in December of 2022. Once he completed his classes and the documentary, Finch encouraged Bailey to enter his film in the 2023 KAB Student Awards contest and the 2023 WIFI Film Festival.

Washburn University's mass media program offers students real-world experience combined with education in the theory, art and practice of communications in today's media environment. They are taught by experienced faculty and staff. Mass media majors also gain experience in film and TV broadcasting by using instructional media’s television studio, WUCTCH 13 cable channel and the public TV station, KTWU. Students can also get involved with the annual WIFI Film Festival hosted by Washburn University.

Taking Chances, Finding Success

“My philosophy is when someone sees something in you, don’t turn down any opportunities they send your way. You have to take those chances,” said Bailey.

In addition to winning first in the college documentary category of the 2023 KAB Student Awards contest, Bailey’s documentary placed first in the college documentary division and best cinematography in the overall documentary category at the 2023 WIFI Film Festival.

“Kris takes time to think about big issues and ask meaningful questions,” said Stover. “He is a natural leader who can really kickstart change and create something amazing.”

“Whether that's poetry, fiction, non-fiction or screenwriting, I truly came away from Washburn feeling way more confident in my writing abilities,” said Bailey.

Bailey currently works as a grant writer at the nonprofit Wonder Workshop Children’s Museum in Manhattan, Kan. He aspires to create documentaries and film projects full-time.

“I want to go out and do more compelling documentaries that focus on marginalized voices,” said Bailey. “There are so many people that don’t get to tell their story that need to be heard.”

You can watch Bailey’s documentary “I Am… Brihanna Jayde” at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZpDJD0pvrs&t=36s

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