Six students in Rommel Eclarinal’s Filmmaking class at St. Andrew’s Upper School attended the Aspenshorts Film Festival on April 7-10, 2011. Recognized as one of the leading venues in the world for short films, the festival boasted over 80 internationally competitive short films from every corner of the world. Senior Christa Keefer, Junior Jack Politz, and Sophomores Zach Giberson, Harrison McClure, Caroline Powell and Trace Turner screened about 35 films and participated in numerous Question and Answer sessions held for the filmmakers to discuss their filmmaking processes. During workshops, students met industry professionals - writers, actors, directors and producers in intimate settings.

On the morning of the second day, students took advantage of the mountainous backdrop by shooting some footage on a nature trail and on the streets of Aspen for a scene in one of Christa Keefer’s projects. In the afternoon, the students participated in a youth workshop created exclusively for them. Jack Politz showed his film, “Thick Red Zero,” to a panel of filmmakers and producers for adjudication and received great affirming comments. “From the filmmaker workshops to the screenings, it was the best way for me to gain new inspiration for future projects,” Jack commented. “At the filmmaker workshops, I enjoyed watching the films and personally discussing the process involved with the people who were actually a part of the projects. The tricks and tips the filmmakers shared with us were funny, thoughtful, and unique.”

Even with a four hour delay on the tarmac on the plane to Aspen and a day long delay on the way back to Austin, all six students had an educational experience they will never forget. Come view their short films at the Upper School Film Festival on the evening of May 18 at 7 pm.