Another talent-packed Reel Life Film Festival--this year my co-judge Brian Zarka and I met up with the organizers Julie Sesser, Jamie Culbertson and Luke Hibbard for some post-festival fellowship (boy, we needed it!) and networking. I always love seeing the student work, and then meeting the brains behind the production. Furthermore, there is such an amazing fleet of community members who volunteer time and resources, provide a venue like the fabulous State Theatre Modesto did in donating the space for the festival, and restaurants like Surlas (John Surla is on the Board this year), all so that a student might one day harness their art-making skills and transfer it into a real-life movie or artwork. At the rate that social media is advancing, the ability to craft a clear movie message is going to be a skill these youngsters can use for a lifetime.
One thing the festival organizers did differently this year was to show each video in its entirety. With the students best interests always in mind, I do believe that this was a smart move: every person who participated in the film process got to see their product on the BIG SCREEN. How many people get to say that?! And the digital upgrade The State made in January made a tremendous difference in both quality of sound and image. It was exciting.
Unfortunately, funding has been drastically cut in the Stanislaus and San Joaquin areas for this after-school program. Next year it will only be offered to junior high students--no more high school funding--but the Festival will go on!
One thing the festival organizers did differently this year was to show each video in its entirety. With the students best interests always in mind, I do believe that this was a smart move: every person who participated in the film process got to see their product on the BIG SCREEN. How many people get to say that?! And the digital upgrade The State made in January made a tremendous difference in both quality of sound and image. It was exciting.
Unfortunately, funding has been drastically cut in the Stanislaus and San Joaquin areas for this after-school program. Next year it will only be offered to junior high students--no more high school funding--but the Festival will go on!