UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Six Penn State students traveled to the Sundance Film Festival — the world-famous independent film festival in Park City, Utah — and made the most of the once-in-a-lifetime visit by embracing the opportunity to learn from people in the film industry.
Now, they’re hoping to build on that experience and continue to learn more about the industry as the spring semester continues at Penn State.
“I was so excited when I found out I had been accepted,” said Shawn Coulter, a junior majoring in English with a minor in film.
Coulter, Marco Falcucci, Courtney Kerr, Jodi Norton, Matt Sargent and Paige Taylor all made their first trip to the festival in late January. They found inspiration in the success of the professionals whose films were featured at the event.
“All of these people got to some place and got a film in the Sundance Film Festival, so if they can do it, then so can I," said Kerr, a junior majoring in film production.
The festival was an inspiration for the students because of the atmosphere. People from all over the world attended the festival, providing numerous opportunities for the aspiring filmmakers to learn from others.
Falcucci, a junior majoring in film production and computer science, watched the film “Kokomo City,” which was directed and produced by D. Smith. Falcucci said he was impressed the director made the entire film on her camera and edited it using iMovie software.
“To me it was inspiring because I have no excuse, I can edit on iMovie and film on my phone,” Falcucci said. Falcucci and other audience members’ jaws dropped when D. Smith revealed how she edited the film.
Students watched various films and networked with people who had similar aspirations and goals. They had the opportunity to listen to the directors, the subjects in the films, and other professionals during numerous question-and-answer sessions.
“I am a film major and really interested in seeing independent filmmakers putting their names out there and seeing the whole process work,” said Taylor.
The Sundance Film Festival was the perfect opportunity for Norton to learn about the industry and the people in it. Norton, a senior majoring in telecommunications, has a career goal to become an executive producer for film and television.
“It was a really cool opportunity and it is a place that I would want to go again,” Norton said.
Students had to apply through the Student Film Organization to be eligible for the trip. Each year, the organization tries to send people to the festival. The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications helped cover a portion of the expenses, as well.