STORY AND PHOTOS BY JONATHAN SINTORA, STAFF WRITER
As the calendar turns to a new year, the Cypress College Film Department is laying out new projects to help grow the film scene on campus. Led by key figures across the fine arts division, students and faculty are hoping interests will spark from an annual film festival.
The festival, which has gained traction over the last year, will focus on showcasing student films and storytelling with hopes of rejuvenating student involvement in filmmaking on campus.
Media Arts Design Professor Jeremiah Thompson said, “I like the idea that it is student-led… The students are interested in doing this. They’re willing to work together within other departments to see if we could get things together… I think that interaction between the different departments will be amazing.”
Davin Nguyen, President of the Film Production Club, hopes the event will help kickstart a larger scene and help students create work that could be used for resumes and film reels.
Nguyen said, “I want my fellow classmates to be proud of their work. I feel like it would be a feat, an accomplishment if they get an award.” Nguyen shared that he would also like to use his position as President to help his fellow students. Nguyen continued, “I want to help build portfolios for students so when they apply to transfer or apply for jobs.”
Former President and creator of the Film Production Club Ryan Ayers weighed in on the Cypress College Film Festival, optimistic about what it will bring for the students of Cypress College. While discussing the plans for the festival, Ayers said, “We want to have a faux red carpet, movie posters, popcorn machines, cotton candy machines… We want to make this event as professional as possible.”
Professor Thompson says the festival is about giving students the confidence to take the next big step, whether it’s further education or employment in the film industry. Over his four years of teaching, Thompson shared, “I’ve seen some films from students that are really great and they should turn them into film festivals,” he continued, “Maybe turning them into the school’s film festival will give them the courage to go into other festivals and branch out.”
Ultimately, the ambitions of students and staff exceed their time here at Cypress College. Professor Thompson said, “Having a film festival that is led by students could help foster that [film] presence. That people will be able to see something that is produced by students… and that people can see this as something viable for the campus.”