Allegra Bortoni, Grade 12
UWC Costa Rica
Immortalizing stories, memories, and events can be most accurately done through film. Writing and storytelling encompass stories beautifully and poetically told, however, I think film allows you to discern "a complete picture". It allows you to have a more holistic perspective of events, consider the additional characters' points of view, appreciate the scenery and costumes, as well as to immortalize the actors' voices, demeanor, and particular expressions. To disconnect and take a break from the demanding school routine, every now and then I invited my friends to watch one of my comfort movies in my room.
During December Break I asked a teacher if I could borrow his projector during vacations. He agreed. That same night, the group of December stayers moved around the couches at the library to arrange a cozy film-watching station. Even in the residence, we helped to hang up a couple of white bed sheets so that we could project together a new release.
In the middle of the second semester, I wanted to lead a CAS activity that would continue to perpetuate these spontaneous encounters. When the proposal was finally approved, I was thrilled to see how many people were interested in signing up.
The first session was held on Friday of the following week. I arrived half an hour early at the Social Center to clear up the place, move the sofas to the center, and set up the yoga mats on the floor. I connected the projector and speakers to my laptop, set up the rest of the chairs, and waited for the start time to arrive. I had prepared a welcome presentation and left post-its and pens for feedback on the sessions and to have a space for movie recommendations.
As the start time approached, the room began to fill up and by the end of the show, I was able to collect dozens of post-its with suggestions of films I had never heard of.
One of my favorite parts throughout the whole experience was when a couple of days after the screenings some people came up to tell me how they had felt. I specifically remember one particular comment. “I don’t know why, but after we finished the movie I felt so happy for the rest of the night”. (That night I had projected Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson) I completely understood what she had felt, Wes Anderson films make up the top spots of my comfort movie list. On subsequent evenings I reviewed the notes that had been left for me and was able to enjoy international art films that I plan to share with the community during the third semester.
During December Break I asked a teacher if I could borrow his projector during vacations. He agreed. That same night, the group of December stayers moved around the couches at the library to arrange a cozy film-watching station. Even in the residence, we helped to hang up a couple of white bed sheets so that we could project together a new release.
In the middle of the second semester, I wanted to lead a CAS activity that would continue to perpetuate these spontaneous encounters. When the proposal was finally approved, I was thrilled to see how many people were interested in signing up.
The first session was held on Friday of the following week. I arrived half an hour early at the Social Center to clear up the place, move the sofas to the center, and set up the yoga mats on the floor. I connected the projector and speakers to my laptop, set up the rest of the chairs, and waited for the start time to arrive. I had prepared a welcome presentation and left post-its and pens for feedback on the sessions and to have a space for movie recommendations.
As the start time approached, the room began to fill up and by the end of the show, I was able to collect dozens of post-its with suggestions of films I had never heard of.
One of my favorite parts throughout the whole experience was when a couple of days after the screenings some people came up to tell me how they had felt. I specifically remember one particular comment. “I don’t know why, but after we finished the movie I felt so happy for the rest of the night”. (That night I had projected Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson) I completely understood what she had felt, Wes Anderson films make up the top spots of my comfort movie list. On subsequent evenings I reviewed the notes that had been left for me and was able to enjoy international art films that I plan to share with the community during the third semester.
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