By Hilda Rico Valdez

Granada Hills Charter (GHC)’s film class is completing the school year with a final film project demonstrating their creativity, storytelling, and the various technical skills they’ve developed throughout the school year. They’ve been given the option to present a documentary or a short film they’ve created and directed themselves.

Film teacher Melissa Valenzuela assigned two film projects, allowing her students to showcase their individual interests. The documentary was based on a relevant world issue, while the short film could be based on any storyline. Each student spent a lot of time working on their projects in order to ensure their messages come through in the films.

Along with selecting their own theme, students were tasked to write their own scripts, direct their films, and edit their own projects. This choice gave students the freedom to explore a variety of topics through their cinematography and direction. Their work demonstrates their dedication, effort, and passion within their projects. 

“I wanted to focus on mental health because it’s an impactful matter to me, especially since I can be my creative self and push the limits on how I want to talk about it,” film student and junior Alvin Franco said. 

Another student chose a different theme, showcasing the freedom of expression Valenzuela allows for in these final projects. 

“My final will be a documentary about work-life balance,” senior Maya Thankamushy said. “My short film on the other hand was about a coming of age story.”

During the production process, students used Canon cameras to record their films. They utilized Adobe Premiere Pro to perfect scenes and ensure their project flows smoothly. The film class also had access to other equipment, such as lighting tools and microphones. The availability of these tools encouraged students to learn how to use them properly and improve their technical skills in filmmaking.

“I enjoy using this equipment because I have a lot of creative freedom,” senior Shin Niloban said. “I’m able to use lots of different shots and angles to express certain ideas of mine.”

The class allows students to get comfortable with exploring their creativity and acting upon it. Through film, they can bring their personal thoughts and ideas to life on screen.

“It’s a fun class where I can be my artistic self,” Franco said. “It’s great seeing how far my mind can go with creating.”