Three ninth grade students, Isabella Bruniera, Joyce Choi, and Marianne Meikle, learn new skills in the cinema elective class by filming a scene for their class project. [by Karina Lee]
by Karina Lee
Second semester began with new opportunities for high school students’ electives, such as the new cinema class. Held during the sixth period, the course is taught by Mr. Guilherme Moisés, who is also a new teacher at PACA this semester.
The class covers the basics of filmmaking, from writing scripts and directing to filming and editing. Freshman Marianne Meikle is one of the students in this class.
“It’s really cool to see how everything comes together,” said Meikle. “Every role matters, and even small details make a big difference.”
The course also encourages teamwork and creativity. Students work together on short films, experimenting with different parts of the process. This process is already changing the perspective of some of the students.
“I used to just watch movies for fun, but now I notice camera angles, lighting, and how scenes are put together,” said Joyce Choi, another freshman in the class.
Working in a group setting allows them to collaborate and build communication skills, which are essential in the film industry.
Along with learning technical skills, students are also gaining a better understanding of storytelling and how movies create emotions and meaning. Watching and discussing films helps them see different styles and techniques in action, making them more aware of what goes into a good movie.
They are also learning about the history of cinema, gaining understanding into how the industry has evolved over time and the impact of technological advancements on filmmaking.
“I never realized how much work goes into every single shot,” said Choi. “Even the smallest details can completely change how a scene feels.”
A big part of the class is the chance to make your own short films. Students get involved in everything, from coming up with ideas and writing scripts to setting up scenes and editing. Many students have said that this hands-on experience has been the most exciting part of the class.
“Filming our own scenes and seeing our ideas come to life has been the best part for me,” said Meikle.
Overall, the new cinema elective is giving students the chance to learn about filmmaking in a practical way. They’re gaining new skills and a better understanding of how movies are made. The class is already popular and seems to be inspiring a lot of students.
