Floyd County Schools College & Career Academy’s Film, Art, Media, and Entertainment (FAME) Pathway students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Student Film Academy hosted by the Rome International Film Festival at Georgia Highlands College last Friday, where they took home four awards in the student film contest.
Their film Playtime’s Over won the first-place overall award, The Newspaper Place earned the Audience Choice award and an honorable mention for Best Comedy, and No Nose received an honorable mention for Best Sound Editing.
Competing against students from Floyd and Bartow counties including Rome High School, Darlington, Cartersville High School, and Bartow County CCA, the FAME team showcased their storytelling and technical skills, receiving praise from a panel of industry professionals.
This annual event, which brings together aspiring filmmakers and seasoned industry professionals, allows students to dive deeper into the world of film and media production through interactive workshops, hands-on experiences, and a film contest.
The event also featured a variety of classes led by film industry experts, covering a wide range of topics. Students learned the art of stage combat, the growing world of esports, how to use professional film equipment and the intricacies of acting for the camera. Specialized classes delved into the horror film genre and film hair and makeup. Each workshop was designed to give students a comprehensive look at different facets of the film industry, helping them gain valuable skills and insights for their future endeavors in media and film production.
Rick Williams, FAME instructor, emphasized the importance of real-world learning opportunities like this field trip. “The students were able to experience firsthand what it’s like to work in the film industry and learn from professionals who have real industry experience. These workshops go beyond what we can teach in the classroom and give them a chance to understand the dedication and passion that goes into filmmaking. It was an invaluable experience for our students,” said Williams.
The event also highlighted the importance of fostering young talent in the local community. Seth Ingram, Creative Director of RIFF, shared his thoughts on the festival’s commitment to engaging with students. “The Student Film Academy is one of our favorite events of the year. It gives students a platform to learn, create, and network with professionals who can help guide them in their film journeys. We’re excited to see how these young filmmakers grow and continue to contribute to the industry,” Ingram said.
FAME students were equally enthusiastic about the experience. “I’ve always been interested in film, but this opened my eyes to all the different roles involved. I especially loved the directing and screenwriting workshop, where I got to learn how to bring characters to life,” said Rachel Usry, a FAME and CHS senior.
As the students returned from the event, they brought back not only new skills but also renewed inspiration to continue exploring their passion for media and filmmaking. The trip marks an important milestone in their educational journey, as they continue to build the foundations of their future careers in the media industry.
For more information on the FAME program and the student films, please contact Rick Williams at [email protected] or visit FAME’s YouTube, FAME Student Films, to view the award-winning films.
