How does the world look to a high school student in 2013?
It should come into focus on May 23, at Morristown High School’s first film festival.
“I’m very impressed by the overall quality, especially by the entry level kids, the freshmen,” said broadcasting teacher Mike Butler, a former director for Court TV.
More than 40 short documentaries will be screened, starting at 7 pm; the public is invited. The film component has been added to the school’s annual Art & Design Week, which kicks off on May 21 with a 6 pm reception.
Video entries range from serious subjects like bullying, teen pregnancy and homelessness to breezier fare, including the life of a fictitious band and an homage to bacon, Mike said.
One piece explores an African immigrant’s road to freedom; another digs into New Jersey’s underground music scene.
There also is a clever retrospective about the band Green Day. Another student examines the high school experience from the vantage point of a freshman, sophomore, junior and senior, the teacher said.
An anonymous donor has contributed prizes.
Judging will be handled by Caits Meissner of the Tribeca Film Insitute, Mark Ehrenkranz of the New York Film Critics series and Brad “Bisco” Smith, a graphic designer, painter and filmmaker.
About 25 videos will be screened in the auditorium, and more films will run in the lobby. Check them out… and see if they inspire you to submit your own short documentary to the Sixth Annual MorristownGreen.com Film Festival this summer.
