Kranz and Madrid Students Create Short Films

Kranz and Madrid Students Create Short Films

     It was a star-studded event at the Covina AMC Theater at the Red Carpet Premiere of two short films created by students participating in the LIGHTS! CAMERA! FUTURE! after school program at Kranz Intermediate and Madrid Middle Schools in the Mountain View School District.   The two school’s THINK Together after school program and Unleashing Giants, a production and youth development company partnered together to provide the amazing 8-week LIGHTS! CAMERA! FUTURE! program where students actively participated in all aspects of film production. LIGHTS! CAMERA! FUTURE engaged the students in a unique and powerful experience writing scripts, acting, directing and producing a quality short film reflecting their voices and their interests. 

     The students and their families were proud to see their work displayed on the theater's big screen. Kranz’s film “Before and Now at Kranz” and Madrid’s film “Unheard Voices” featured powerful messages about bullying and the lifetime impact it can have on people’s lives. Through their acting and writing the students encouraged speaking out for yourself and others if you see or are a victim of bullying. LIGHTS! CAMERA! FUTURE! enabled students to unleash their giants through meaningful, collaborative learning that expanded their horizons. The program spanned all curricular areas and highlighted 21st century skills, as well as supported social and emotional development.

      “This is such a fun night,” said Heather Gomez, from Kranz.  “Being part of the LIGHTS! CAMERA! FUTURE! program was a great experience.” 

       “It was a lot of fun learning about all aspects of movie making,” said Alexis Caishpal, from Kranz. “The topic of our films is very important and I hope our message helps inspire others to be more accepting and not bully.”

      Before the films were shown, Julien Cesario, an actor from the movies Close Range and Foreign Land thanked the students for their work and shared that the movie business is a tough business but there is room for everyone in Hollywood and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.

      “The kids did an amazing job and it was a pleasure to work with the students and staff at Kranz and Madrid,” said Emil Pinnock, from Unleashing Giants.  “In addition to learning about the movie making industry the students built their skills in communication, team building, project management and developed confidence in their abilities.”       

     MVSD is very proud of its stars and appreciates the extraordinary partnership of THINK Together and Unleashing Giants.

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