Part two of my shorts extravaganza jumped back a bit in technical abilities when I viewed a batch from high school kids. Upon hearing in the Q&A that followed that most had been “filming since 8 years old, of course,” I had to reflect on what was readily available when I was a kid.
In the early 80s it wasn’t inconceivable to have a video recorder, but we sure as heck couldn’t record with a phone much less a small hand held machine. At some point, my grandparents passed along a used, clunky recorder, but the sound never worked much less anything else, and it was a hassle to transfer to VHS tapes. Forget editing on a computer -- those were still the days of green font.
It was interesting to note the different class structures represented in this batch of films. Some kids focused on urban stories, while others filmed comedies in their Land Rovers. Maybe I’m passing judgment, but when asked about funding issues, some seemed befuddled by the question and I can guess why.
“Missing Something?” Directed by Rebecca Yates
(USA, 2006, 1 min)
This little PSA started things off, encouraging teens to enjoy a good breakfast before school lest they forget their pants.
“Shake Well before Opening” Directed by Ryan Summersett
(USA, 2006, 9 min)
Beware when a yogurt shake doesn’t taste well despite requisite throttling. The drinker in question seeks havoc on the giant yogurt factory -- filmed in a garage with metal siding that was soon afterwards returned to Home Depot (in the credits, they thank HD for their 90 day return policy). Action sequences appeared to utilize a green screen and animation.
“Thanks to...” Directed by Breawnna Blaesing
(USA, 2007, 2 min)
Funky little stop-motion wire people groovin’ to nice guitar music. I can see the advantage of filming a shape that’s all tangled up -- it’s hard to distinguish fluidity in movement.
“Queen Deelah: I’m a Rida” Directed by Fadeelah Muhyee
(USA, 2006, 5 min)
Rap video about a woman who’s not only a boxer but a rida.
“Ride” Directed by Casey Buck
(USA, 2006, 5 min)
A fun b&w silent complete with title cards. Arty cinematography jumps in and out, fast and scattered. Looks like the result of smart kids goofin’ off and having a good time.
“Still Standing: Ms. Gertrude Ross One Year Later” Directed by Luis Arcentales, Vanessa Bateau, Jeongwoon Eun, Ines Morales, Adrianne Morraz, Sergio Sanchez
(USA, 2007, 8 min)
The mood suddenly changed with this film about a Hurricane Katrina survivor. Forced to gut the house that her dead daughter’s insurance money bought, Ross faces unhelpful neighbors and the city’s bulldozer.
Part of a larger documentary created through Educational Video Center’s Youth Organizers TV program.
“A Day at the Zoo” Directed by Bret Kerven
(USA, 2006, 2 min)
Silly snippet about a hairy baby.
“A Girl Like Me” Directed by Kiri Davis
(USA, 8 min)
Returns to a serious tone as black girls relate how families and friends often bleach skin and straighten hair. They perform a small sample study revisiting Dr. Clark’s psychological study of black children choosing white dolls (unfortunately, with similar results).
“Semi Formal” Directed by Sam Alper, Josh Margolin
(USA, 2006, 7 min)
Initially created for their student council, this funny short follows two goof offs trying to prepare for the dance. The biggest laughs of the whole program came from their attempts at getting dates. One fella lures a girl to his home by stealing her book, and when she turns down his offer he begins to burn it. The other guy asks out a pretty girl who proceeds to laugh hysterically -- so he knocks her out. Every rejected geek’s dream on the big screen.
Check out their recent efforts.
“Driven Together” Directed by Marcello Tataria
(USA, 2006, 12 min)
This short includes one of the goof offs from the previous film, in a drawn-out drama about kids who discover love at the TCBY.
“Sunny Road” Directed by Lizzie Barcay
(USA, 2006, 3 min)
Another music video.
“The Culture” Directed by Harrison Rego
(USA, 2006, 2 min)
The only animated short in the batch.
“Free Run It” Directed by Jamel Bell, Edgar Torres
(USA, 2006, 15 min)
A behind-the-scenes of the parkour revolution. Unfortunately, it suffered from not only being the last in the batch as folks were getting antsy, but also missed a perfectly good ending point and therefore dragged longer than necessary.
“What's My Favorite Place?” Directed by Matthew Oquendo (USA, 2006, 5 min)
Thrown in as a bonus, this was an extended reply to a PTA question that the director felt he could only explain through film. His fave place is that moment when you are sucked into a film and have lost touch with your physical surroundings. Ah, I know that place well.
A good set of shorts. Most attending the Q&A agreed they had little experience when they made these films, but are now all pursuing a film education of some sort and working on new projects. The future of film, right here.