UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Motivated and passionate faculty and community members brought the Centre Film Festival to life and have directed its growth from infancy through a pandemic and to a multi-platform event that has increased its accessibility and popularity.
Another group plays a vital role in the festival’s success, too. That’s an ever-changing cohort of Penn State students who have bolstered the festival’s operations and outreach efforts, bringing abundant energy to vital promotional and support roles.
As the fourth annual festival prepares for its first screenings this year — there are 50 films included in the festival that runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 at the State Theatre in State College and the Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg — the impact of students cannot be overlooked.
"From the initial spark of the idea, our beloved Curt Chandler, co-founder of the festival, was laser-focused on how an opportunity like an international film festival in our town could benefit our students and faculty," said Pearl Gluck, a co-founder of the festival and the Donald P. Bellisario Career Advancement Professor in the Department of Film Production. "That intergenerational impact remains our mission on every level of the festival — from students serving with our industry jury members and screening their own films among award-winning features and shorts, to boots-on-the-ground community and student engagement.
“Faculty are encouraging students to get involved across the campus. Our hope is, by our fifth year for the festival, to expand that engagement to our Commonwealth Campuses."
Dylan Molis, an aspiring film major from Asheville, North Carolina, has been working as a member of the video team, creating promotional videos for the festival. It’s mostly a series of behind-the-scenes looks at the people and preparation necessary to bring the event to life.
He considers himself a “technical guy,” working toward a career behind the camera someday. He said the work this fall has been helpful and relevant. As part of a first-year seminar class taught by Gluck, Molis has been focused on the festival since his first week on campus.
“It’s been amazing. I’ve had a great time,” Molis said. “The entire class has been leading up to this. It’s a little bit stressful, because there’s a lot to do before the festival starts, but it’s exciting!”
Milan Varia, from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, also a member of Gluck’s class for first-year students, found himself a little outside his comfort zone at first but he’s embraced the opportunity to support the festival. He has worked on the festival’s website with Adrienne Waterston, a designer who also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Bellisario College. Varia helped with grassroots marketing to local businesses and was selected as a member of the student jury that will determine festival awards.
At the same time, he’s a candidate for the Daily Collegian, and has joined two clubs (EcoAction and TedXPSU). His website work for the festival has tapped into existing skillsets and the real-life opportunities have provided intangible gratification and rewards.
“You’re actually working for a festival that’s open to so many people that features so many award-winning films,” Milan said. “It’s really interesting.”
The festival’s appeal (and the need for assistance in making the big event happen) goes beyond undergraduate students. Along with Gluck’s faculty colleagues and numerous community members, one visiting Fulbright scholar has joined the effort this year.
Yoav Friedman, who has a doctorate in international relations and affairs and focuses on research innovation, said he’s interested in best practices related to a creative economy. He’s looking beyond what happens this year at ways to institutionalize and stabilize the Centre Film Festival.
Friedman, co-founder of a consortium for academic innovation and entrepreneurship at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Israel, found out about the festival by chance over dinner with a friend after he arrived at Penn State. As he learned more and jumped in to assist — few people dip their toes into such efforts — Friedman has found a compelling case study for his work, which might help enhance the festival’s longevity.
“I’m really excited about the film festival. I think it provides an opportunity for creators here in the area,” Friedman said. “The festival provides an opportunist to meet, to discuss and to be exposed to new voices. What Pearl and everyone else is doing is amazing, and I would be very happy to help make it a more lasting, perpetual event.”
And ensuring a strong future for the festival means, at least in part, engaging some students as soon as they arrive at Penn State.
Kareena Khurana, an aspiring advertising/public relations major from Boston, has been working with the festival’s social media channels. She’s also a member of Gluck’s class for first-year students. Khurana said exchanging ideas with other students in the class has helped her get comfortable in the class and on campus. Plus, the skills she’s practicing are the same ones she hopes to hone as part of her eventual career.
“It’s been a great opportunity, and I think what we’re doing with Instagram posts, stories and the countdown has been getting people engaged with the festival,” Khurana said. “It seems like people are excited about what’s coming — and I know I am. It’s going to be a great festival. It’s been super to be a part of it so far, and I cannot wait to be working during the festival itself.”
A full festival schedule is available online. Tickets for individual screenings or the entire festival may be purchased online or in person. Student tickets are free.
Opening night for the festival kicks off at 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at the State Theatre in State College. The awards program and closing celebration begins at 6 p.m. Nov. 6 at the State Theatre.