Robyn Pinkstone, our Community Public Relations Officer, talks to Louise Rowley.
Louise, a Drama Teacher at Dungog High School, describes her students’ experiences at Dungog Film Festival (DFF).
RP: Since its inception, DFF has expressed its strong commitment to educational programs and involving local students in the festival experience through its Rural Students Program. How did your students benefit from the 2008 Adobe editing workshops?
LR: The students got to see first hand how they could manipulate images and sound through working with tutors in this workshop. Students are much more computer savvy these days and they enjoyed the fast-paced presentation showing them what the software could do.
RP: For DFF 2009, Dungog High students made a short film Dead Dog Dreamin’ – which they produced from the original pitch to the final edit. What previous filmmaking experience had these students had?
LR: The students haven’t had much experience with serious filmmaking. I have always had a camera and have videoed students’ work as part of their feedback and learning. We have made lots of little improvised films and played around with film, but we have never had the time to follow the filmmaking process in such a detailed way as we did in 2009.
RP: What were the highlights of making Dead Dog Dreamin’?
LR: I think the students amazed themselves at how professional they became within the process. We had fun but there was no fooling around. They loved seeing their film up on the big screen in front of their local community and the Sydney folks. They also enjoyed the social events and the opportunity to frock up!
For me, filmmaking is another way of telling a story, another literacy that can help develop students’ skills. The students learnt a lot about film and possible career options. I was very proud of the students and it was great to see them grow in confidence as we progressed through the process. It was a really worthwhile project.
RP: For DFF 2010, another group of Dungog High students made an advertisement under the mentorship of Jane Caro (The Gruen Transfer). How did the making of this ad help develop students’ skills in literacy and communication?
LR: Teen Talk was a lot of fun and I think they felt valued that their way of communication was being recognised. The students were not only engaged in lengthy discussions about teenage language but they also wrote the script, organised the filming and then wrote a log about their processes and learning. This project again gave them more confidence in themselves and it showed in their logs and responses about the work.
RP: Students and the local community saw the short film (2009) and the advertisement (2010) showcased at the closing nights of DFF and their creatives were given the 'red carpet' treatment. How did the young filmmakers react to this public acknowledgement of their work?
LR: The acknowledgement was terrific. They were very proud of their achievements. They were also slightly over-awed by the glamour of the event for Dungog, but they rose to the challenge and really enjoyed themselves.
RP: How did your students benefit from working with industry professionals and how was their perspective broadened?
LR: The industry professionals were impressed with the student’s desire and passion to learn more. We were very lucky to have worked with Newcastle Uni professionals, Adobe specialists and local writer, John O’Brien. All these people have been very approachable and fun to work with.
Particularly, students have gained belief that this industry is open to them if they so desire. They can see the opportunities within the many roles that are available within the media industry. A number of our students are attracted to the Communications degree and one student, Sami Swilks, went to the ABC for work experience.
RP: The success of the filmmaking projects by Dungog students encouraged DFF to expand the educational program this year to other NSW schools. Having pioneered projects like these, do your students realise how important their participation in filmmaking for the festival has been?
LR: Probably not, but they are pleased that other students may have the same chances they have had. They are also keen to continue their involvement with Dungog Film Festival, to learn more and to take advantage of any further learning experiences.
RP: Overall, what have been the benefits of participation in DFF’s educational projects?
LR: Dungog High School students have loved getting involved in local filmmaking projects. DFF has helped the community become more involved in this festival. The parents have become more supportive of the festival; they come and watch their kids and their movies on the big screen.
The students for all years have enjoyed seeing the films and taking part in the Education Program on the Student Day
They have also marched and played in the parade, played music at the local railway station to greet the Party Train. They have also volunteered in a number of other positions. This festival, therefore, gives students real life learning, a real audience, real events, and a real public to deal with. It is a lively entertaining event.
RP: How can other teachers and schools benefit from Dungog Film Festival?
They can get involved! There’s the Oovie Student Film Project, they could organise an excursion to the Schools Day on Friday 27 February, volunteer, or come and watch some of the films themselves on the weekend of the festival. There is so much to see and do during the festival.
