I graduated from college in 2017 with a STEM degree. While in college, I was in an honors research program and worked in a lab related to my degree. However, I also got really into filmmaking and decided to pursue that. Three years later, I wasn't exactly where I wanted to be but made solid progression and had some big opportunities over the horizon. Then, the pandemic hit and that got derailed. Work hasn't gotten back to where it was for myself or my usual contacts that usually got me jobs, and my city's looking at another lockdown.

I've started applying for jobs based on my degree but it's been so long, I've lost touch with many people from those jobs and programs that would be good references. Anyone that would be a good reference was from a film related job.

Should I track down my old references and ask if they would be one knowing they'll probably say they haven't heard from me in years or recent references who can attest to how well I work but nothing related to the field?

Edit to add: I still want to pursue filmmaking and plan on doing projects in the side. I also don't want my current references to think I'm trying to leave the industry completely.