UWI campers learn art of filmmaking

The media and cinema has had a significant impact on the development of digital storytelling among young people in TT, and UWI Film Programme lecturer Lynne Parks said this was part of the reason for the introduction of the inaugural UWI Film Camp, a programme designed for secondary school students interested in the cinematic arts. The camp ran from July 10-28 at the UWI film school, St Augustine for students ages 13-17. And as the credits rolled on the final day of camp, the students celebrated with a pizza-party and a crazy costume day.

"The UWI Film Camp draws from a similar type workshop conducted by the UWI Film Programme as a part of its World Festival of Emerging Cinema and the UWI Film Secondary School (UFSS) initiative proposed by film secretary, Ms Nareeba Seenath," Parks, the camp co-ordinator told Newsday.

The three-week programme was founded by Parks and film programme alumnus David Parris, and took participants through the entire filmmaking process – from concept to distribution. When the call for submissions for acceptance into the camp went out, 37 students applied.

"We accepted all 37 even though we had budgeted for 30 students. We could not disappoint any of the students...This put a lot of pressure on us but we have no regrets," Parks said.

Under the supervision of industry professionals like director and producer Michael Mooheldar, artists and university lecturers, the students were exposed to a filmmaking experience on par with that of first year students in the UWI film programme.

"We wanted to instil more confidence and inspire beginner filmmakers to produce films in Trinidad and Tobago, and to foster further growth and support for filmmaking among young people in the region," she said.

"The objective of the camp was to encourage every young person, no matter their academic or financial background, to create a film from experience, learn the value of their voice and promote their ideas, visually, verbally and in writing."

During the workshops, she said, the students collaborated ideas and engaged in problem-solving activities with their peers.

"The workshop was not a classroom exercise in which students pretended to be filmmakers. Every participant was a filmmaker, and that made our initiative practical and unique to the islands."

Newsday spoke with a few of the participants to get feedback on their three-week experience.

"I like photography, and one of my teachers suggested that I attend the camp. It was a really good experience. I was also very interested in the screenwriting aspect because I like making up stories, and directing," Micah Trim said.

Ashley Coodie said she is impressed by filmmakers like Wes Anderson and Stanley Kubrik and was initially interested in directing.

"But I think cinematography is more up my alley now."

Shreya Rajpaulsingh, a photographer, said she participated in the camp to extend her knowledge through film.

"It was a pretty great experience, and we got to network with industry professionals and we definitely learnt a lot. Initially, I was interested in scriptwriting and directing, but now I'm interested in cinematography."

Tehilla Lewis likes to look at videos and analyse them. When she saw the call for applications on Instagram, she decided to apply.

"It was a great experience. I like directing because I want the viewers to feel my emotions through the film."

Mikel Melville is also interested in directing.

"I've always been interested in film. The camp was fun and the activities were interesting."

In addition to the knowledge they gained about the filmmaking industry, the students said they were able to forge new friendships.

Parks is extremely proud of how the camp turned out and gives much credit to the volunteers and sponsors.

"This went beyond my wildest imagination. I am especially moved by the support of the volunteers and mentors. All of them are filmmakers, film alumni and film students. They gave of their time, energy, creativity and knowledge freely. This proves to me that the future of film is a bright one when so many people can come together to train and guide a new generation of filmmakers...

"The nation’s talented youth population need to use film, television, and media arts to express themselves, interact with, and understand the world around them. In this way, I believe that film is an important creative medium for positive youth development in a modern developing society."

NEWSDAY REPORTER WITH REPORTING BY JARED YOUNG