Today, I had the privilege of emailing back and forth Dr. Diane Dusick of the Inland Empire Media Academy, regarding their upcoming film festival. This year will be the third year in a row that I’ve been a judge of their student film festival.
I think student films are vitally important to the future of film making, perhaps not the individual films themselves, but the validation that young cinematic voices need to thrive in the very competitive film industry. How many times have I hears someone say, “It’s just a student film?” Often.
“It’s just a student film” negates the fact that the student has chosen a career path in film.
“It’s just a student film” negates the artistic voice of the student, even if that voice is still trying to find itself.
“It’s just a student film” lowers our expectations and does not explore the struggle all film students have in making their first works.
It’s a battle to make a film, even for a pro, even for someone who’s made hundreds. How do we create pros? How do we foster professionalism in filmmaking? Though schools, through mentoring, through sharing.
This is why I support student film.
Kristin West 