Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > AETN to host free student workshop, screen 'Student Selects' at Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

AETN to host free student workshop, screen 'Student Selects' at Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Posted 10 Oct 2013

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) has partnered with the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (HSDFF) to present a two-day, multi-phase workshop that will allow young filmmakers to learn more about documentary filmmaking. The workshop, which is free and open to all students, will be held Friday, Oct. 18, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Low Key Art, 118 Arbor Street, Hot Springs.

"Filmmaking encourages students to think analytically, communicate effectively, work collaboratively and solve complex problems." Casey Sanders, AETN producer and workshop coordinator, said. "Student workshops and screenings are designed to immerse young filmmakers in the art and craft of the documentary form.

"Our goal is to help students use filmmaking as a way to explore their world, uncover history, understand culture and express through film the issues important to them."

Among those presenting at the workshop will be: Myles David Jewell, an award winning filmmaker; Barton Weiss, co-founder of the Dallas Video Festival and the Video Association of Dallas; and Marek Dojs, assistant professor of digital cinema at Southern Arkansas University.

Any student interested in attending the workshop should send an email of intent to Sanders, csanders@aetn.org by Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Additionally, "Student Selects: A Young Filmmakers Showcase" short films will be screened at the HSDFF Friday, Oct. 18, at 9:30 a.m. at the Arlington Hotel, 239 Central Avenue, Hot Springs. "Student Selects" is an annual event that highlights the creativity and talent of the state's kindergarten through 12th grade students.

"Student Selects" films to be screened include:

• "Why El Dorado?" – Washington Middle School. This film defines and illustrates the many wonderful features of El Dorado, Ark. It answers questions like why someone would want to live in El Dorado, the kinds of people who live there, and what is unique and special about the town.
• "Three Buddies Farm" – Searcy High School. This film looks at the life of a mushroom farmer. David Owens had never farmed anything until he decided to open up a business with his buddies – Three Buddies Farm in Searcy.
• "Shred It" – Springdale District TV. This intense action sports video features filmmaker Lane McCall participating in two extreme sports: motocross and BMX racing. Viewers ride along with McCall as he jumps through the air and takes white-knuckling turns.
• "Precision Machining" – Heritage High School (Rogers). This news story about Mr. Knight's precision machining class was done to promote the course as students registered for the new year.
• "PCA Jewels" – Springdale District TV. This documentary examines Power Cheer Athletics: Jewels program and tells an inspiring story of a coach who started her career in her parents' living room.
• "Confidence" – Heritage High School. In this short confessional, filmmaker Meagan Simmons reveals the insecurities of herself and others, and she encourages young people to accept themselves for who they are. Simmons hopes this positive message will change someone's life.
• "Bike Bentonville" – Bentonville High School. This film follows the story of 540 bikes, 467 hours of bike construction and more than $100,000 from the Walton Family Foundation used to provide kids more physical education in school.
• "Best Small Town" – Marion High School. This is a music video for Bailey Bigger's original song "Best Small Town," written about her hometown of Marion.
• "Modern Knifemaking" – Homeschool in Nashville, Ark. This film, made by homeschool student Logan Wilson, follows the filmmaker's grandfather, who is a professional knifemaker.
• "Rodeo of the Ozarks" – Springdale High School. This film tells the story of how this particular rodeo got started.

The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (HSDFF) began in 1992, launched by a small group of arts activists in Hot Springs. The festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors making it one of the largest tourist attractions in Arkansas and providing significant economic benefits, as well as helping to shape the identity of Arkansas nationally and internationally.

The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).