Student Indie Film Premieres

STUDENT INDIE FILM

Explores Issues of Fame, Self-worth

The full-length feature film, The Colosseum, uniquely produced and directed by students in the OCS Institute of Art and Innovation (IAI) premiered in late spring as the showcase piece of the inaugural OCS Film Festival in the Bedrosian Pavilion. The film explores the issues of the price of fame and the basis for self-worth.

While many high school film departments produce videos and short documentaries, The Colosseum stands apart as a student driven film from conception to opening. Few schools nationwide produce a full-length feature film completely directed, produced, filmed, and edited by high school students.

“These students are creating award-winning films that are on par with anything coming out of some of the best college programs in the country,” said Kristoffer Polaha, actor (Wonder Woman 1984, Little Fires Everywhere) and IAI advisory council member. “These films highlight the creative work going on at Oaks that is preparing our students to be future leaders in the entertainment industry.”

The Colosseum is the second film IAI students have written, produced, directed, and edited. Last year’s film, Missperception, has already garnered over 10 awards from festivals around the country including the Los Angeles Film Awards, the Seattle Film Festival, and the San Diego International Kids Film Festival and featured a cameo by actor Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings and The Goonies).

In addition to The Colosseum, the festival highlighted other student projects created this year such as music videos, two covers and one original song, and silent films that span comedy to dramas. Also highlighted was an award-winning documentary about clinical trials in China that has already won seven festival laurels. Capstone short films on freedom, student athletes, friendship, grief, and revenge were also featured. Students are creating these works under the auspices of the IAI, which partners with entertainment industry professionals and some Hollywood celebrities to offer mentorship to students to accelerate their creative and professional growth. Students can concentrate on various disciplines in the arts such as vocal performance, music and film production, dance, music production, songwriting, and photography.

In addition to Polaha, the IAI advisory council includes Grammy Winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Jimmy Jam, Alan Carter (The Voice), as well as producer/actor Ryan O’Quinn (Believe, Paul’s Promise).

“To my knowledge there is no other program like this in the country,” said O’Quinn of Damascus Road Productions. “Students at the high school level have access to industry professionals that are speaking into their future careers and mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. Among other things, this offers them a huge leg-up in the college application process.”

The IAI also works with the Institute of Engineering. Students have access to 3-D printers, design software and technology programs. Last semester, students from both institutes collaborated on Missperception and together they designed and built a rolling crane that holds a film camera and was used in the filming process.

In addition to the student-led projects, institute students also can work on projects with industry professionals. During the remote learning phase of 2020, IAI students spoke into the development of a script produced by Damascus Road Productions and were also virtually on set during some aspects of filming. Above: Cast and crew pop open a bottle of Martinelli’s sparkling apple juice to celebrate the end of filming at the wrap party. Right: On the set of The Colosseum.

Scan QR Code to watch The Colosseum

Lifeline

Inspires!

The high school visual art show Lifeline had a successful opening! The show featured high school student artwork in the disciplines of drawing and painting, graphic design, photography, ceramics, film, AP Art History, and art portfolio. This show is the pinnacle of the high school visual arts classes as hundreds of pieces of student artwork were beautifully displayed for guests to see the beauty and creativity behind each work.