A Message from the Chair (cont.)
Those of you who are new to student film festivals may be surprised to learn that you are educators as well as spectators. The majority of the works you will see are being put before the public for the first time, and the first audience reaction is often the single most important event in a filmmaker’s learning process. (I have vivid memories of watching my own student magnum opus for the first time with an audience, the images passing as a blur in front of me as I listened to the audience response. Their first laughter, which came exactly where it was supposed to, gave me chills.) Having let you in on this little secret, I now ask you not to be intimidated by your educational role. Relax, please. Enjoy the show and the emerging talents displayed before you.

Dan Kleinman
Chair, Film Division