When filmmaker Dale Griffiths Stamos was in college, it was not uncommon to come across or be involved in a professor-student relationship. She’s noticed, however, that in the wake of Title IX and the #MeToo movement, these relationships have become increasingly taboo. Griffiths Stamos is a self-described feminist and Title IX supporter — but the Santa Barbara–based writer also likes to push the envelope. So, her upcoming feature film Imbalance tackles this issue head-on, featuring an ethically ambiguous relationship between a professor and a graduate student.
Imbalance, which is currently in the pre-production stage, follows 50-year-old philosophy professor Elizabeth’s dilemma when she and her 38-year-old teacher’s assistant develop feelings for one another. The film asks the questions: “Even when consensual, does the power imbalance taint any such relationship? Are the tightening rules necessary to protect everyone? Or do those rules go too far?”
Griffiths Stamos isn’t intent on providing absolute answers to those questions, as she doesn’t see the issue as black and white. Rather, she hopes the film will spark discussion about power imbalance in relationships, especially within the ivory tower.