I was curious about the Film Festival when we received the free all access pass. I looked into the various options at the Festival and was surprised at the value of the pass. I decided that I should put it to good use and attend as many screenings as I could. My first screening was at the Gilder Center for the Arts on February 20th and was of various short films from different countries (NYICFF Party Mix). I didn’t know what to expect and I was surprised to see so many young children coming to see films in another language. I learned that some films had subtitles but it wasn’t always necessary to understand what was happening. Some films just had music but the audience could understand what was happening from the action. I saw and learned about various film styles (animation, documentary, live action). I enjoyed the short films and how the children had an opportunity to vote for their favorite on ballots. A short time later another screening of short films with the theme of “Gotta Be Me” was also at the same theater.
Another screening was on February 25th at the RISD Museum and was of a full length foreign film with subtitles called Mr. Frog. I read the subtitles but the action was easy to follow even if students couldn’t read them. The film could be used to compare the daily life of children in another country with their daily life. It was a very funny and entertaining film.
I also attended the screening of the film, “Brothers of the Wind”. This was another feature foreign film but in English. This film was more serious and involved some nature scenes that may be difficult for some younger viewers. It is about the relationship between a boy and his strict father. It also involves the boy saving a young eagle and helping it heal and return to the wild. The nature scenes were very graphic of the birds hunting and eating.
On February 26th, I attended another screening of films created by students around RI. It was interesting to see the various messages and types of films the students created. A question and answer session followed the screening and I liked hearing about what inspired the students and the process of making the films.
While at the various screenings, I met a parent and a teacher from my district who are involved in the organizing of the festival. They both had tried to get our district more involved in the festival in the past. We discussed how we could work on either promoting it next year or approaching our Superintendent to host a screening. I am definitely interested in accessing some of the films to show to my students. I learned that some of the films from previous years are available through the public libraries.