Austin Student Digital Film Festival - May 8, 2004

I need to plug an amazing event happening in Austin this upcoming Saturday. A group of media teachers in AISD, in their spare time with zero funding, have arranged for students from all over our region to showcase their digital films. They had to turn away quite a few very good films and have put together a collection of funny, heartwarming, and downright remarkable examples of what creative kids can do with the right tools and a little bit of encouragement. If this year is anything like last year, the standing room only energy in the room will be overwhelming, as kids cheer for each other and for many, receive genuine positive reinforcement for the first time in their lives.

Austin Student Digital Film Festival
May 8, 2004
University of Texas – Student Union Theatre
4:00 PM – 5:30PM Elementary Entries & Middle School Entries
5:30 PM – 6:30 Break for Dinner
7:00 PM – 9:00 Keynote and High School Entries

About the Austin Student Digital Film Festival

ASDFF is a non-competitive, non-profit film festival open to students and teachers in Texas grades k-12. There is no charge to enter a film but all guidelines and requirements must be followed.

ASDFF GOALS

1. Enhance every day learning through the use of digital technology
2. Celebrate the artistic work of students and teachers
3. Entice teachers to integrate technology in the classroom
4. Promote Austin as a hub for student digital film activity to surrounding districts

BACKGROUND

The idea was born at an Austin ISD elementary campus during the 2000-2001 school year. Two elementary school teachers shared ideas for a small event with other educators and soon the first film festival committee was formed, transforming the small project into a district wide event. In May 2002, with the support of Austin ISD and Apple Computer Inc. the event was held at Travis High School, a smashing success with over 300 people in attendance, an elementary choir performance and over 25 teacher and student films shown.

In 2003, over 200 students in grades k-12 showcased approximately 35 films in the festival. The packed venue at the Texas Student Union Theatre on the University of Texas at Austin campus was an ideal location for creative, passionate High School digital film students to converge to see each others’ work. The energy of a standing-room-only crowd vividly responding to the films was encouraging to students and teachers. The evening included a question and answer period with selected student producers and culminated in a drawing for door prizes, generously donated by sponsors.

ASDFF and Training

In addition to offering an opportunity for teachers and students to showcase their films, the ASDFF also offers teachers in AISD free workshops on video integration. Last school year over 25 teachers received training and this year over 70 teachers have been trained to date.

Funding

The ASDFF does not receive any funding but it is supported through sponsor donations. The artwork, ads and website are created by committee members as well as by some of their students. Please see the sponsor page for sponsoring opportunities.