In the Advanced Film and Video Major course at PDS, students are wrapping up the year with an anticipated film event: the student film premiere at the Princeton Garden Theater on May 9. This event showcases months of work and creativity developed by students in this course. In the final project for the Advanced Film course, students are tasked with creating an original and creative film from start to finish, including starting with an idea, outlining a concept, filming, and editing. This project is dedicated to mirror real world filmmaking, being able to start with a small concept, and bringing it to life.

The director and teacher of all Film and Video courses at PDS, Ms. Myser, explains that the class is made to guide students through each stage of production, “through the course of the year, they go from pre-production, a kind of early idea of a film, to post-production and then finishing the film.” Myser explains that it is exciting to see students come up with ideas on their own, and use their creativity to make a film entirely on their own.

One of the most unique aspects of the project is the artistic liberty the students have. Each project is student-driven, meaning that none are alike. Ms. Myser explained this year’s films include a wide range of genres, “from a stop-motion piece, all the way to a documentary on noise pollution, to a narrative film about aliens.”

At this point of the year, students have already completed most of their filming and are moving into the editing process. Their projects are relatively finished, only needing around two more weeks. Before the premiere, they will go through one round of critique to receive feedback. This helps students polish their work and prepare for a public audience.

The Princeton Garden premier allows friends, family, and community members to come and watch the films the students have been spending most of the year on. Anyone interested in supporting student creativity and seeing these films come to life should consider attending this premiere, as this event celebrates the dedication of the students, and the talent and creativity they have put into this project.