Film Fridays Returns!

Long ago, before COVID, we held monthly programs in the classroom, in person, with visiting professionals who shared their expertise. It was a great way to introduce students to the varied and complex world of film, photography and TV. During COVID a whole new delivery system became available for guest to enter our classroom and this has been a fantastic golden ticket!

Those generous experts, like Michael Lynn who recently joined our videography group to answer questions about being a TV writer/producer, give to students in ways that are both tangible and intangible. The obvious tangible gift is the time and effort that gets put into showing up for students. Young people might seem blase about adults taking the time to listen and respond to their questions, but this energy makes a big impact. I overhear students discussing the experience with the visitor long after the visit!

The intangible results are sublime and might not be evident to me as the teacher, or even to the students themselves. What an expert brings to the lives of students is a glimpse into a future they might be part of. It gives that special unknown possibility of hope and choice that can seem out of the realm of possibilities to so many of my young scholars.

So another hearty thank you to Michael, and Michael, and Lilyan, and Anna, Bob, Bill, Pierre...too many generous folks that have visited my classroom over the years and given such gifts to my students. I hope they realize how much their choice to give has meant to a generation of film and video students in my program. Cheers! to you and all those kind and generous souls who show up for young people in deeds and not just lip-service!