Film Society Creates Community and Promotes Professionalism
Film Society has undergone many changes throughout the years, but the student-led club has never strayed from its main goal—to create a community for film enthusiasts and filmmakers at SDSU. Founded by Daniel Galuppo and Dave Walwayco in 2014 as “Production Club,” it aimed to foster networking opportunities and collaboration for filmmakers. After dissolving briefly in 2015, the club was revived by Marissa Roxas in 2016, setting the foundation for what Film Society has become today, an A.S.-recognized organization, free to all who are interested in filmmaking.
Film Society supports film pre-majors, undergraduate students who will apply to the major in their second or third year, by providing mentorships with senior students in the major, and also with alumni. Film Society meetings are run like workshops, presenting Film 101 techniques from film insiders, in-depth information about production roles and departments, set etiquette, and portfolio workshops for petitioning majors. They have even invited industry professionals to lecture at meetings, including Jeff Okabayashi, assistant director for Avengers: Infinity Wars, and Bruce Logan, cinematographer for Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope.
Film Society creates an environment where filmmakers can collaborate with people of differing backgrounds and varying skill levels. A prime example is its collaboration with its sister club, the Skull and Dagger Dramatic Society. Both clubs provide opportunities for actors and filmmakers to develop their portfolios and develop connections for future films.
Film Society also plays a vital role in ensuring that the future students of SDSU’s film department will continue to raise the quality of work coming out of the program by helping students get resources to create their petitions, and giving them the opportunity to get hands-on experiences on sets. Part of the reason they’ve adopted this responsibility is because pre-majors don’t have access to the department’s equipment until they get into the major and so lack class opportunities to make films and explore the different roles on set. Film Society members have taken it upon themselves to become their main support system by addressing the gap in resources for pre-majors. Current member, Kelly Ryback, describes Film Society as “another film class rather than a club. But instead of teaching one subject, it prepares you for many of the career positions related to film production and also provides networking experience and resources to support our projects.” Film Society goes even beyond the classroom and jumps right into the industry. It’s with hope that current and future students will continue to build upon this legacy of support to elevate the reputation of the film school and cultivate talented filmmakers.
One of the ways the club has been able to support its efforts are through their highly attended film festivals where film majors, pre-majors, and even non-majors can submit to see their film on the big screen in the Don Powell Theatre. It’s a magical experience and described by organization ambassador Chris Ikemier as, ” a way to gain confidence, because seeing the audiences react to your film itself is a rewarding feeling.” The beautiful films and relationships that have come out of Film Society are a testament to the success that comes out of uplifting others when we’re in positions to do so.
Link to Film Society Video Link: https://vimeo.com/207226474
