On April 17, Grade 9 students in the film production program at F.R. Haythorne Junior High are showcasing their cinematic works at the school's 20th annual Hawk Film Festival. The festival theme for this year: Genre Explosion. "All of the previous themes from the last 19 years were available for us to pick from," says Alyssa Goebel, a Grade 9 student at F.R. Haythorne Junior High. "Some students have mixed and matched genres, while some have stuck to one. Themes include silent film, pure cinema, B-movie, film noir, trailers, science fiction, the Wilhelm Scream, western, stunt double, thriller, superhero, long take, split screen, last year's theme Flashback and more."
Alyssa Goebel, a Grade 9 student in the film production program at F.R. Haythorne Junior High, acts in a film called The Sleepover, which explores the genres split screen and thriller.
Students write, shoot and edit their very own film in the class with the goal of presenting it at the festival for all their classmates, families and friends to see. The event takes place at the Strathcona County Agora. Attendees will view 16 films altogether.
"Everyone has enjoyed making and creating their own films," adds Goebel. "We recommend the class for people interested in movies it's a great way to try something you might not get a chance to otherwise. Some students got to learn exactly what professionals do in the editing suite, which included so many different skills they can hopefully put to use in their future."
Film production offers students the opportunity to create their own short film from start to finish. "I've been very fortunate to teach film production," says Monty Drozda, a teacher at F.R. Haythorne Junior High. "It offers students in career and technology foundations the ability to collaborate together to create short films. Students gain a sense of the commitment needed to produce a film and learn how important it is to embrace the concept of a team when taking on this challenge. They realize there are no small roles on a film set and each position serves an important purpose."
Students in film production learn about the steps in the production process, participating in all aspects of filmmaking from how to write a proper film script to camera techniques, such as a dolly zoom. Students are also taught about the history of film and its evolution to the billion-dollar industry it's become today.
"I have always been very proud of the work done by the film production students because of their ability to surpass all expectations," says Drozda. "No one ever expects them to become as invested as they are in their production, but this is why they do so well it becomes their own work. Like any artist, when you're given the tools and guidance to create, it becomes a part of you. These student artists are no exception."
