This fall the Beloit International Film Festival, in cooperation with Beloit Memorial High School, has launched a new after-school program called Film Club.
Working with teachers, professionals in the field of film and representatives from BIFF, the club offers students insights and experiences in filmmaking, film criticism, history, analysis, and film festival mechanics. They will also gain practical experience through hands-on interaction with the film festival itself. As part of the filmmaking experience, students are tasked with writing, shooting and editing public service videos for a variety of topics (such as tardiness, school spirit, anti-bullying, etc.) which will be shown on the BMHS electronic billboards or online at the BMHS website.
The concept of Film Club was realized by BMHS Principal, Tina Salzman prior to the start of the 2014 fall semester. BMHS teacher Fernando Buendia serves as the advisor to the Film Club students, and working with him is Corrine Wiesner, a BIFF intern and Beloit College graduate. Film Club meets every week and is open to all BMHS students. Buendia and Wiesner made the following comments defining their experiences thus far:
“The Film Club has been working because it is having students using knowledge gained from various classes to interpret film. The students that have been involved have seen this as a fun way to add depth to a medium that has become commonplace for them.” (Fernando Buendia, BMHS Teacher)
“Film Club is allowing BMHS students to interact with their peers, teachers and people involved in BIFF to learn about film, express themselves, and make valuable connections to people in their high school and larger community. And I think that’s just great!” (Corrine Wiesner, BIFF Intern)
The new program is the latest in BIFF’s outreach effort to create discerning and critical film viewers, working with students at all levels to enhance their enjoyment and understanding of film media.