La Lumiere's Film Fest Returns
La Lumiere’s Film Fest returned in-person this year and brought 10 films to the Fine Arts Building. The Film Fest is a student-organized event that is open to submissions from faculty and students. From music videos to embellished video game recordings to a reflection on Bookstore Basketball over the years, the topics and styles ranged immensely, highlighting the style of each film director. For example, sophomore Joyce Teta saw the Film Fest as a way to share her culture, “I wanted to show African culture and how we dance. I wanted to introduce it to the people in the US, especially here at La Lumiere.”
La Lumiere’s Film Fest was started in 2018 by Kaveh Jalinous, a Class of 2020 graduate, as an opportunity for students to share stories with the wider La Lu community through film. Over the years, the number of submissions has continued to grow and draw more attention on campus. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing other people express their creativity,” La Lumiere senior and Film Fest coordinator Johnny Shuck said. Johnny started advocating for participation over a month in advance and dotted the school buildings with posters highlighting the event. The result was a packed Fine Arts Building and a collection of unique movies. Johnny, who graduated this year, wants the Film Fest to continue after his departure, “I wanted to make sure there was a solid platform for students to spread their creativity to the campus and set the tone for future Film Fests.”
La Lumiere junior Akil Shabazz came away with the event’s top prize for his music video and enjoyed the opportunity to practice new skills. “I was just trying to test myself and trying to actually have good angles and good production,” Akil said during an interview on stage at the event. Even with varied experience levels and styles, the opportunity to share with the community was present throughout the event.
With the excitement from this year’s event, our La Lu community is excited for next year’s event, which will build upon solid foundation of Film Fests from the past four years.