Second-year film students at Fanshawe College will screen a collection of documentaries Thursday night during an event called DocNight, featuring projects on personal experiences, industry barriers and real-world issues.
The students produced their documentaries last semester.
“One of their major projects was to create documentaries,” said Joel Merrit, a co-ordinator and professor in the Broadcasting, Radio, Television and Film Production program. “Our filmmaking professors have gone through and picked some of the best of what was produced.”
One of the documentaries being screened is Sunder, edited by second-year student Chantel Faddoul. The documentary focuses on a Palestinian refugee who came to Canada, as well as the Palestinian community more broadly.
Sunder documentary edited by Chantel Faddoul
Faddoul said the project took about two months to complete, from pre-production through editing.
“Editing definitely took the longest time,” she said. “Technically it wasn’t hard, but because I have a Palestinian background, it was difficult hearing those stories every day when editing.”
The AI Problem at Fanshawe focuses on artificial intelligence and its role in the film industry.
“A lot of people didn’t like how it’s affecting the industry,” said Andre Skerritt, the student who produced The AI Problem at Fanshawe. “Instead of being a tool, it’s replacing creativity.”
Second-year film student Andre skerritt
Merrit said there are job opportunities for film and media students, particularly with the growth of streaming and production activity in Canada.
“With the advent of streaming, there’s been a boom in terms of seeing lots of different productions come to Canada,” he said, adding that “there is work out there.
Joel Meritt, Coordinator and Professor in the Broadcasting, Radio, Television and Film Production program at Fanshawe College Credit: XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
Film students are also finding opportunities locally.
“We’re seeing some growth in London, Ontario, in terms of productions coming here,” Merrit said. “Some of our students have been involved in productions that have happened in London, as well as entrepreneurial and new media opportunities.”
Faddoul said she is looking forward to seeing the documentary screened publicly.
“I’m very, very excited,” she said. “My family is coming, and our interview subject might attend.”
Second-year film student Chantel Faddoul
Credit: XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
With only a few months left before second-year film students graduate, both faculty and students described the period leading up to graduation as emotional.
“It’s sad to see them go, but it’s always rewarding to see them move on and succeed,” said Merrit.
“I feel excited, mostly scared,” said Faddoul. “A two-year program is not a long time, and it felt like it flew by.”
DocNight takes place at Canada Life Village Square – Innovation Village from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
