13th San Diego Asian Film Festival, November 1-9, 2012
REEL VOICES FAQ
Why does SDAFF offer this program?SDAFF believes that film is a powerful, educational tool to open minds, exercise critical thinking, and connect people on a meaningful level. The mission of SDAFF is to connect audiences with the human experience through the Pan Asian media arts. We do this by exposing audiences to diverse, independent films (through our annual film festival and year-round film screenings), and also through filmmaker education.
With the advances in technology, many youth have already used a video camera and perhaps completed video projects of their own. To cultivate socially conscious media-makers, Reel Voices offers a transformational experience for students to learn digital storytelling techniques, work with professional equipment, and complete their very own short film in 12 weeks.
How does the application process work?
With the advances in technology, many youth have already used a video camera and perhaps completed video projects of their own. To cultivate socially conscious media-makers, Reel Voices offers a transformational experience for students to learn digital storytelling techniques, work with professional equipment, and complete their very own short film in 12 weeks.
You can download the application. The application consists of:
• Basic information
• Teacher reference
• A few short essay questions
• Discussion of documentary ideas you're interested in creating
• The review committee then goes over every application that comes in, and scores them on a number of criteria
How many Students are selected for the program?
• Basic information
• Teacher reference
• A few short essay questions
• Discussion of documentary ideas you're interested in creating
• The review committee then goes over every application that comes in, and scores them on a number of criteria
We generally accept 8-10 students for the program.
When are applications due?
Applications are due April 30, 2012 by 5 PM.
When will Students be notified of acceptance?
Students are notified of their participation by early May.
What type of scholarship is offered?
At the end of the program, students who have completed a film that is screened in the festival will receive a $500 scholarship to fund their education or next film.
What else do Students take away from this program?
We focus as much on storytelling as we do on filmmaking. When students leave, they will know how to tell a compelling story, whether it be on film or in their next essay.
There are also opportunities for students to learn a variety of other beneficial skills like marketing and networking.
Because Reel Voices is associated with the Asian Film Foundation, do the films have to be Asian?
There are also opportunities for students to learn a variety of other beneficial skills like marketing and networking.
Each film must fulfill the mission of the Foundation, "to connect audiences with the human experience through the Pan Asian media arts." This means that either the filmmaker or the subject matter needs to be of Pan Asian nature.
We are by no means trying to exclude anyone from participating in the program- any registered high school student in the San Diego region can apply, but must keep in mind that the subject matter of the film should be Pan Asian based (either the topic or principal characters).
If you want to make a documentary and have a passion for film, we will help you find something that relates to the Pan Asian subject matter -- just apply.
Where are the completed films shown?
We are by no means trying to exclude anyone from participating in the program- any registered high school student in the San Diego region can apply, but must keep in mind that the subject matter of the film should be Pan Asian based (either the topic or principal characters).
If you want to make a documentary and have a passion for film, we will help you find something that relates to the Pan Asian subject matter -- just apply.
Each completed film will premiere on the big screen at the Hazard Center UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley. This will be during a special Reel Voices program at the 13th San Diego Asian Film Festival (Festival date: Nov 1-9, 2012). Students will be treated as industry guests by participating in a Q&A session, celebrate during a post-film reception, and walk the red carpet at the annual Gala Awards Dinner.
How do industry professionals participate in this program?
Each student will be paired with a working professional in the film industry. This provides an invaluable resource for the student to be mentored by someone who can give real world advice. Students are encouraged to stay in touch with these mentors even after the program is over in order to stay engaged and get questions answered.
There are also opportunities for students to take field trips to other Southern California based Film Festivals where they'll be able to meet industry professionals and immerse themselves in the filmmaking environment.
Who do we contact if there are any questions regarding the application process?
There are also opportunities for students to take field trips to other Southern California based Film Festivals where they'll be able to meet industry professionals and immerse themselves in the filmmaking environment.
Feel free to contact Jini Shim, the program coordinator via email at ReelVoices[at]sdaff[dot]org.