Whether it's by studying great movies or listening to veteran directors discuss their craft or going out and making every mistake possible when directing a first film (not the easiest way to learn, but effective), every filmmaker on the planet starts out in some form or another as a student. Because of these universal beginnings, students have always held a special place at the Traverse City Film Festival and State Theatre.

This summer, we're excited to announce two great opportunities for students to interact with and study the craft of film. The first is NMC's generous sponsorship of free movie screenings for students at the State Theatre once a month, beginning with a free screening of "Son of Rambow" at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19. NMC faculty and staff will introduce the free films, and student ambassadors will assist as ushers. When possible, NMC instructors will also lead post-movie discussions. The screenings will be open to students of any grade level (as appropriate for the movie rating), with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. The public can also attend the screenings by paying regular admission prices. (To read the official NMC press release on free student screenings, click here.)

Meanwhile, film festival officials announced this week that for the third year in a row, TCFF will host a free Student Filmmaking Workshop for high school and college students during this year's festival. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, July 29 in downtown Traverse City. For all the details, check out this press release below. Students, don't miss out - be sure to take advantage of both of these free (repeat: free) opportunities while supplies last!

Traverse City Film Festival to Hold Third Annual Workshop For Students
 
Traverse City, Mich. (June 3, 2008) – The Traverse City Film Festival is gearing up for another summer of entertaining and educating movie lovers, starting with the next generation of filmmakers: high school and college students.
 
Festival officials announced today that for the third year in a row, students will have an opportunity to gain valuable insight and tips on the filmmaking business from Oscar-winning director Michael Moore, as well as another yet-to-be-announced guest director. The third annual Student Filmmaking Workshop will be held the morning of Tuesday, July 29 in downtown Traverse City. The workshop is sponsored by the Herrington-Fitch Foundation and is free to students.
 
The Student Filmmaking Workshop will give thirty individuals the unique experience of having an intimate discussion with the directors and asking questions in a private, closed-door session. Moore and the guest director will also host a second workshop for Interlochen campers later that same week.
 
"A key part of our mission at the festival is to encourage up-and-coming filmmakers, including students," said Moore. "It's rare that those just starting out have an opportunity to learn from more experienced directors, so these workshops are a great way for us to support the students and encourage them in their film careers."
 
Students interested in participating in the Student Filmmaking Workshop should e-mail education@traversecityfilmfestival.org by Monday, July 7 with the subject line "TCFF Student Workshop" and include the following information:
-Name
-E-mail Address
-Phone Number
-Age
-Name of School
-Year of Study (ex: Junior)
-1-2 page essay addressing the following topic: "Why I would like to participate in the workshop, what my interest in the film industry is, and what my experience in film is so far."
 
Students who attended the previous two TCFF Student Workshops are not eligible for this year's workshop, and only current students or recent high school and college graduates may apply. Participants will be notified of their entry into the workshop by Monday, July 14. Accepted students will be asked to provide a student ID number or picture to verify eligibility.
 
The fourth annual Traverse City Film Festival will be held from July 29 to August 3, 2008. For more information, please contact the Traverse City Film Festival office at 231-392-1134 or visit www.traversecityfilmfest.org.