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KSC Film Festival & Critical Studies Conference

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A scene from Speakeasy, directed by Joe Fusco and Nicole Albee
A scene from Speakeasy, directed by Joe Fusco and Nicole Albee

Here’s your chance to experience the creativity that’s coming out of the Film Studies program and be the first to see the next great film. KSC’s annual Critical Studies Conference and Film Festival takes place May 1 and 2. All events are free and open to the public. 

Creating these films is the highlight of the students’ film semester, and the focal point of everything they’ve been learning. “Directing a student film has provided a great opportunity for me to improve my leadership and organizational skills,” explained Katie Shaw, co-director of Dream Big. “Working collaboratively with a crew of peers has prepared me better than working independently ever could. Moreover, directing a film about dreams and future goals has caused me to give my own future a lot of thought. Through working toward the completion of Dream Big, my filmmaking skills have been re-defined and improved so I’ll be more experienced and effective in my future career. Additionally, working on Dream Big let me delve into all the elements of film making, which has helped me focus my career path on those aspects that I most enjoy.

“KSC Film Studies students begin to look forward to this year-long production course when they enter the major,” said Film Professor Johanna Dery. “It represents a chance to produce something of professional quality, whether that be a narrative, documentary, or more experimental film. These films reflect the students’ hard work, as well their ambitions for the future.”

Here’s the schedule:

Friday, May 1

2 p.m.: Critical Studies Conference, Student Center Atrium  Critical Studies students will present their research and host panel discussions.

7 p.m.: Short Films, Putnam Theater
Features shorts created for the introductory and intermediate film production classes.

Saturday, May 2:

1 p.m.: Advanced Production Films, Colonial Theater
Six student films from the advanced production classes explore a variety of themes, from unlikely friendships to the nature of dreams. A reception and Q & A session with the filmmakers will follow at 5:30 p.m. on campus. 

  • Speakeasy (directed by Joe Fusco and Nicole Albee) 
  • Lost in Bloom (directed by Mike Messina) 
  • Dream Big (directed by Katie Shaw and Emily Payrits) 
  • Revision (directed by Steve Urquhart)
  • Unnamed shorts (directed by Issac Lezcano)
  • Among Wolves (directed by Jeremiah Miller)

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