A Welcome.

The moment must always come when a new publication of any kind is called to justify its existence. Not simply why, but why now—why here, why us? We may exist on our own as independent critics, as so many do, but the purpose of Spotlight is to unite these voices: to platform them, and to invite into the world a new generation of artists and scholars.

And, indeed, it is a new generation. 

Cinema has never before been what it is now, and as change always comes, it is in the hands of young people. The creators of Spotlight are these very people: creative and inherently revolutionary, with a love of cinema as strong as it has ever been in any audience. Our constituency follows in a long tradition of cinematic revolution, in similar form to Cahiers du Cinéma or Dogme 95. As the future of the industry, and with our generation the future of the world, we hope to create a new standard for cinema and contribute to the introduction of new voices in film. We look for the best amongst ourselves, and we celebrate the expansive and diverse world of creative audiovisual media. We urge further expansion and diversity. As a journal, Spotlight stands for new voices in film, a new generation of filmmakers, and for anyone who believes in the power of cinema. 

In the words of a friend of the publication: Tell me a good story. 

In the spirit of our writers: Let us. 

Micah Slater, Editor-in-Chief

October 28, 2021