The Sunshine Coast Film Society (SCFS) is pleased to announce it is underwriting the costs of a Gibsons student to attend this year’s Adventures in Film Youth Camp, part of the Powell River Film Festival, March 7 to 10.
Selected to attend is Isaiah Hill, 15, a Grade 10 student in the Television Production program at Elphinstone Secondary School. Hill, who has been also volunteering at Eastlink Community TV since Grade 8, says his uncle, Zach Greenberg, who is a technical director in the television industry, has been a special mentor to his “dream.”
Said Hill, “I started volunteering because I’ve always had a huge interest in film and want to continue with it in my future career. Whenever I’m doing film work I feel very inspired and am excited for potential opportunities. Right now I want to volunteer as much as I can so I can learn as much as possible, about film and television production.”
The Powell River Film Festival’s 11th annual Adventures in Film Camp for youth aged 15 to 24 provides “an immersive educational experience that explores the many facets of the filmmaking process – inspiring storytellers of the future to develop their creative, critical and collaborative skills.”
Participants attend seminars by filmmakers and do a hands-on video or animation production workshop in small crews. Students also watch youth-oriented films and have director Q&As. Accommodation is arranged and meals and supervision provided. Cost for participation is expected to be in the $500 to $700 range.
“The SCFS has recently enjoyed several good years of membership growth, strong local corporate sponsorship and good film attendance,” said SCFS chair Doug Dyment. “We have some means now, and wish to pay it forward a little in our communities.
“Since our raison d’etre is to bring people together to learn through and about film, to deepen our understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences through film, and to create a forum for ongoing dialogue inspired by cinema, we felt supporting a local youth to pursue his or her film aspirations was an appropriate way to give back to our supporters and to our volunteers,” Dyment said.
The sponsorship is a first for the SCFS. If results are positive, and the SCFS continues to be a successful local non-profit society, future sponsorships will be considered, added Dyment. “We hope Isaiah has a great experience!”
– By Gretchen Bozak
