By Ceri Mundrati | Script Writer
The Student Film Organization is hosting its Second Annual Film Festival at Hampton from April 11-13, providing an opportunity for students and faculty members to share their films.
“The three-day-long event includes workshops, film screenings, and special guests all dedicated to emphasizing the film culture here at Hampton University,” said third-year Jaleaha Coates, President of SFO.
Students and faculty will present films they wrote, directed, acted in, or shot. Each film entry will be analyzed by specialized critics and the finalist with the highest scores will be announced on the last day during the gala.
This year’s gala theme is a masquerade ball. There will be a larger number of student submissions as well as expanded awards ranging from musical scoring to costumes.
“We are all working as one to figure out the best plans of action to make the event run smoothly,” said third-year Ayan Ar-Raheem Harris, director of festivals.
Fundraising for this event is critical. Students are hosting a fundraising event to showcase the movie, “Queen and Slim” on Feb. 16.
Meanwhile, each director is finalizing their scripts, hiring actors, scouting locations, and filming.
“You’re constantly thinking, do I need to get extra equipment to make this easier, or is there something I can cut back on so that I can streamline the process,” said first-year student Jalon Reed, a member of the social media committee.
Each film has three parts, Reed said, including, “the one in your head, the one that you shoot, and the one that you edit.” Editing is one of the best parts of filmmaking because film students get the chance to witness their ideas come to life.
Making change is a big goal for some of the students in Cinema Studies who will present.
Second-year Cianna Montgomery put a lot of contemplation into her choice to be a Cinema Studies major because most of her friends aspired to be doctors or lawyers.
“Entertainment can honestly motivate people in more ways than you think. I want to tell stories that have an impact on Black youth to steer them in the right direction,” said Montgomery, head of social media for SFO.
SFO wants to incorporate the film festival into the school’s culture to showcase creative peers who don’t get a lot of attention.
“With the student film festival specifically, we get to highlight the experiences of our peers but also see in depth the possible future award-winning directors,” SFO Director Harris said.
Flyers for student casting and how to submit a film will be distributed. For more information follow the SFO on Instagram @hu_sfo.
The Hampton Script 