Over the past eight years, Peter Hansen has built his video production class into one of the best programs Sonoma Valley High School has to offer. Three classes of approximately 32 students in each are educated in every aspect of the art of filmmaking. From storyboarding and pre-production to lighting, directing, producing, filming and editing, they learn it all. Some go on to film school but suffice to say, all get their creative juices flowing.
Hansen’s pride in his students is evident. Lacking offspring of his own, Hansen’s students have become like his children and he lavishes them with time, advice and his extensive knowledge of filmmaking; but he doesn’t stifle. He gives them a long creative leash and typically, they return the favor by dreaming up and executing incredibly imaginative ideas.
Invited recently to tour the film school facility and meet the student filmmakers, Hansen guided the Sun along reeling off the names of students and their projects with ease and stopping here and there to show a video clip or corral a student for an interview. While he is enthusiastic about his graduating seniors, he is exuberant when discussing the talents of the up and coming – the next generation of – student filmmakers.
The film program at Sonoma Valley High School is funded almost entirely by non-district resources including Ledson’s Harmony Foundation, the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, the Vadasz Family Foundation, the Sonoma Development Fund, Commonbond Founation, The Rotary Club of Sonoma and The Sonoma International Film Society. The high school Boosters Club funds the film club.
Ruler of a Fallen Kingdom
Directed by Tom Conway
A music video featuring original music from Sonoma’s own Jaywalkers; a classic storyline where a boy is betrayed by his best friend and his girlfriend … luckily for the team behind this film, hard life-lessons can still turn out OK.
The five-minute video was filmed at Expression College in Emeryville and features a cameo appearance by The Jaywalkers.
Howl
Directed by Bobby Schimm
and Hallie Cohen
This three-minute film from seniors Bobby Schimm and Hallie Cohen is an artistic piece based on Allen Ginsburg’s poem, “Howl,” considered to be one of the seminal works of the Best Generation. In this visual rendition of the poem, the directors used a combination of images and video footage tied together using what Schimm called “cool” software. The film is narrated by Ginsburg.
These students teamed up as they were both interested in making an artistic film. They are proud of what they’ve created and excited to see it in the film festival. Cohen said while filmmaking is probably not something she’ll pursue further, taking the class was a fun experience and one that taught her the many aspects which go into making a movie.
Poker
Directed by Ghitta Ferrarra,
featuring Andy Bryson
Sophomore Ghitta Ferrarra has directed a film based on the bible’s four horseman of the apocalypse … while the story itself was written by a friend, Ferrarra brings her own sense of quality and originality to this film of a traveler who doesn’t realize the round of poker he’s playing is actually a game of life or death. It is a gamble with significant odds.
Ferrarra got started in the film program as a freshman and says what most intrigues her is the step back from reality that filmmaking gives her. With “Poker,” Ferrarra said her challenge was taking a fairly static scene and infusing it with excitement.
A star waterpolo player, Ferrarra would like to attend a college where she can continue with both of her passions.
I’m Not Your Toy
Directed by Raven Roncelli and Claire Raymond
The junior-senior team of Raven Roncelli and Claire Raymond has created a stylized and artistically edited music video where the characters change suddenly and unexpectedly. The song, “I’m not your Toy,” by La Roux forms the background music which inspired this duo to create a classic story line with a twist. Childhood toys, imaginative costumes and a “trippie” dance scene come together in this, the third movie directed by the pair.
Both girls say the latitude given them by their teacher, Peter Hansen, motivates them to use their imagination and create incredibly arty films. They’re excited and nervous about the first film they’ll show at the film festival.
Student films will be shown at the following times and locations:
April 16, 10 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Sebastiani Theatre. Program begins at 8:30 a.m. with a presentation by Pixar’s A.J. Riebli, a short film at 9:15 a.m. followed by another presentation by Dolby Labs at 9:45 a.m. The community is welcome, space permitting.
April 18, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Vintage House. No presentation. Student films are the highlight of the morning. Community welcomed.
There are a total of 16 student films being screened at this year’s film festival, a selection of which are highlighted here.
More student films:
“Real World, Sonoma”
Directed by Carrie Payne and Taylor Jordan
“Opacity”
Directed by Luke Lasley
“Shot at Glory”
Directed by Danny Wirick
“Evolution”
Directed by John Reynolds
“No Title”
Directed by Ashlyn Deffenbaugh
“Roomies – The Trailer”
Directed by Peter Coburn
“Mississippi Missing”
Directed by Cole Aviles
“Till Tuesday”
Directed by Connor Vickers
“Camille”
Directed by Kirsten Aquilar
“Live”
Directed by Brooke Kardum
“Badrock”
Directed by Jenna Wirick
“Sikosis”
Directed by Kevin McCarthy
More information on the student films can be found at svhsvideo.com
