Experimental Film Screening Showcases Student Work
Final projects on display at Robert McLaughlin Gallery
Throughout the fall semester, students in Dr. Angela Joosse’s Workshop in Experimental Film course were busy scratching, painting, and light metering to make expressive and personal works of art.
On December 14, Professor Joosse provided her students with an opportunity to showcase their final film projects to family, friends and members of the community during a public screening at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa. This was the first public screening for Trent University Durham GTA students.
These experimental films were different than many people are used to seeing. Many of the films did not follow a set narrative, but rather were a series of images and ideas exploring feelings and concepts.
“People aren’t used to films like these, but more need to be made and shown,” said Natasha Monk, one of the student filmmakers. “They are like visual poetry and so much can be expressed through them.”
All the films were shown on 16mm projectors, and some filmmakers added accompanying sound for the final showing. One student scratched a soundtrack directly onto the film, a process they were introduced to in this course. Some filmmakers used their laptops to blast out sound, trying to press play at the perfect moment. Other students used their voices to speak monologues and add sounds while their films played.
Opening remarks started at 6:30 p.m. followed by a showing of the films and a question and answer period. The student filmmakers enjoyed having their projects viewed and appreciated by an audience in a public forum.
“It is much different than just handing in an assignment and never looking at it again,” said Monk. “So much work went into these films; it would be a shame if no one saw them. This opportunity provided me a taste of what it might be like if I continue as a filmmaker. It was a great experience.”
The public screening was a successful student learning experience and also inspired many audience members – a few even commented that they might try making experimental films of their own.
“It was terrific to see these films come to life on the big screen and meaningfully shared with friends, family, and colleagues,” said event organizer Prof. Joosse. “I feel this event proved successful not only at showcasing the personal and highly creative films the students crafted over the semester, but also at building community and bridging institutions. Many thanks to both the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and Trent University for helping make this screening possible.”