For the last three years the School of Computing at Edinburgh Napier University has entered the Edinburgh 48h Film Project, a fun and demanding international event which challenges participants to write shoot and edit a film in just 48 hours. After a whirlwind weekend the films are screened to packed out audiences in the Cameo Cinema, the collective experience of viewing the films along with all the teams is another magical element of the event.
In 2011, nearly 60,000 filmmakers made 4,000 films in 96 cities on 6 continents. A School of Computing team from Edinburgh Napier won Best Film and best Cinematography for Edinburgh City, part of the prize package was a pass to Filmapalooza-the final festival and award ceremony for ‘the Best of City’ Filmmakers from around the world. The top Films from Filmapalooza are then screened at Cannes.
The project at Edinburgh Napier is primarily co-ordinated by Lecturer, John Morrison and Senior Teaching Fellow Ian Smith, who see the event as a great way to get students from all backgrounds working together on an engaging, inclusive project with a very tangible outcome. From a pedagogical perspective the project is a great way to break down barriers between cohorts of students traditionally structured around programmes and year groups as opposed to aptitudes and passions. The student experience from participating in this event has been quoted as one of the most vivid memories graduates have and friendships formed over the weekend often become the basis of professional networks.
The Students winning film, ‘Fall from Grace’ can be seen at:
http://socimedia.tumblr.com/post/19588736576/the-school-of-computings-award-winning-entry-to