Why have an Open Frame?

We hope that this contest is an opportunity for students to create films together that will provide visions of truth, opportunities for reflection, images of transformation and reconciliation.

Since making films is always collaborative -- the process of producing these films will invite students to create community with one another around this creative expression.

The film contest supplements Communication Arts Department curriculum by giving students an opportunity to enact skills taught in a broad range of courses and to develop qualities essential to personal and professional success.

Student films provide important portfolio material for students interested in careers in media production.

Creating films allows students an important opportunity to develop “voice” – the ability to tell a coherent story in an engaging way is a skill that will aid them in a broad range of contexts and careers.

We also hope that the audiences who watch these films will receive a new "frame" for seeing the world -- hopefully in a richer, fuller, better way.