The Third Annual Uncanoonuc Film and Video Festival was a big success, with an increasing number of fine entries in all categories. Best Staff Video was won by Andy Pyzska, a teacher at Mt. View, who submitted “The Civil War & Slavery,” a stark pictorial record of the Civil War years and a reminder of just exactly why the war was fought. Best High School Student Video was won by Nick Hammond of GHS, who presented “Good Cop, Bad Cop, Crazy Cop.” A noir detective drama that takes a surreal turn during the interview. Mt. View Middle School student Calvin Meattey won with his video, “The Do’s and Don’ts of Tattoos,” an instructional movie offering some sensible advice about tattoo choice and placement. The youngest winner, Patrick Mannion, is a student at New Boston Central School and submitted “Sand Art”, a charming film shot against a light table that enhanced the silly action taking place on the screen.
Gary Girolimon, Director of Technology at GHS, and Curt McDermott, who teaches English and Video Production at GHS, were gracious enough to fill in some of the background of the festival. Girolimon believes that video production is a powerful educational tool “Video production can be both educational and fun. It teaches media awareness, teamwork, cooperation, and a wide variety of skills such as planning and organizing, scripting, composition, editing and presentation. Video can be successfully integrated into a wide variety of subject areas, from science and humanities to the arts.” McDermott was enthusiastic about student response, which “...has been great so far. In addition to the submissions we’ve received, many students not directly involved in filmmaking plan to attend the event as audience members. My favorite part was watching these students- some of whom struggle in other aspects of school life-frantically, and successfully, race to complete their films on time. From creating props to brainstorming new ways to get laughs out of the audience, these teens saw exactly what’s possible with a little time and commitment. The creative energy in the room was infectious.”
Asked about how the community can help promote the festival, Girolimon explains, “We have different sponsors this year. Apple Computer sponsored the festival in the past, but this year we looked to local, New Hampshire-based businesses for support, and several companies have been very generous.” McDermott adds that, “We’d like to incorporate even more student film makers in future years. We’d also like to increase community sponsorships and donations, as the prizes we award validate our students efforts and encourage young people to continue engaging in creative activity. And of course, the more people who come to free events like these, the greater opportunity we have to do both things.” Girolimon wants everyone in the community to view the four winning entries at the SAU#19 web site: www.sau19.net/ “We had a good turnout for our screening. There were lots of great entries. Thanks to all who participated, and expect an even better and bigger festival next year!!”
