Filming Begins

Author: Aliyah Bryant

At Brunson Elementary School, we’re currently getting ready for a student film festival near the end of the semester. All year, we've been getting each classroom prepared to make a short film that integrates their curriculum-based learning. We've taught them all about the inner workings of the film world. Last week marked our first week of production (filming) with them. So far, it has been a success and I'm so excited to see the work the students have put in with us come to fruition.

The fifth graders are making films based on the revolutionary war. They are reinforcing their knowledge about this historical period while gaining the knowledge and skills to make short films. After weeks of preparation, the students were so excited when we finally brought in the costumes and camera equipment. They were engaged and ready to throw themselves into the process! They were eager to help set up our mini film sets within the classroom. It made me proud to see how much they knew and had learned and how invested they were in making a piece of art.

Even if none of these students pursue filmmaking as a career, it's really fulfilling to be able to introduce so many of them to a subject matter they may not have fully understood. I don't think filmmaking, or artistic endeavors in general, are prominently shown as viable career paths and so it's wonderful to be able to introduce that idea. Especially because I see so much potential in each of the students.

As we move forward, I'm excited to edit the footage together and see the finished product. And even more excited for the students and their teachers to see their finished work!