Lincoln Learners Present 10 Short Films at Cinemate

Our students showcased what they have been working on as screenwriters, cinematographers, directors, and editors. Their final product showed at their own IB Film Exhibition held on campus. 

Grade 12 high school students showcased 10 short films at Cinemate, a senior International Baccalaureate (IB) Film Exhibition at Lincoln. Three of them were part of the Collaborative Film Project, in which everything had to be original; even the soundtrack. The event, which took place this month, was a great opportunity for seniors to explore different roles in the filmmaking process and discover their identity as creative producers. Learn about their inspirations and experiences from the artists themselves!

“During the filmmaking process, one of the key lessons learned is that it's not a bad thing to develop the story into something simpler than it originally was.” - Belén, Grade 12 student. 

The power of screenwriting 

“It's very satisfying to take a couple of abstract ideas and turn them into a whole coherent piece of film work that can make the audience feel a certain way.” That’s Nicholas' insight when talking about screenwriting. His passions showed in “Behind the Screen”, the Collaborative Film Project in which he worked as a screenwriter. “My biggest inspirations were directly tied to my hobby of going to the gym. I wanted to create a film that critiques the fitness community while also telling an intriguing story,” he explained. 

Maria Ines also explored screenwriting but with another theme. Inspired by Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, she wrote “Doppio”, a film-noir work. “I worked along with my team to refine the script’s various versions to create a stunning final product,” she commented. For their short film, Maria Ines’ words were accompanied by Belén’s passion for cinematography. 

“During the filmmaking process, one of the key lessons learned is that it's not a bad thing to develop the story into something simpler than it originally was,” Belén reflected. She then said: “Short films are meant to be concise yet immersive, being able to develop nuances into a simpler story can take your work to the next level.”

“I learned how time-consuming filmmaking can be, which also helped me improve my organization skills.” - Camila, Grade 12 student. 

Working behind every scene

“Every project has taught me something new, from framing shots to editing,” Camila said looking back at the experience. She used the tools she learned as a cinematographer to produce a sensitive, sad, and moving photograph for the short film "The Railroad". Aiming for impact, she took inspiration from films such as La La Land and Up to emphasize the nostalgia and the permanence of the past. “I learned how time-consuming filmmaking can be, which also helped me improve my organization skills,” she added as a final thought. 

Camila is not the only one who worked and learned various roles behind the scenes. After a year of editing, writing, and directing short films, Oliverio has come a long way to show and not tell. This is evident in "The Railroad", a short film he directed, co-wrote, and co-edited. “Throughout my work, I have tried to minimize dialogue and emphasize emotion through movement and location,” he explained. Oliverio not only learned through practice but also took inspiration from the work of Luca Guadagnino, Quentin Tarantino, and Woody Allen, among others.

The possibility to explore different roles in the making of short films has also deeply impacted Salma. As she puts it: “Every role in the filmmaking process, from directing to editing, plays a huge role in shaping the final product.” And after experiencing various responsibilities, it turns out teamwork has brought the biggest enjoyment, specifically “seeing how different ideas come together to create something bigger than what one person can do alone.”

As the editor of “Behind the Screen”, Salma made sure the pacing, tone, and storytelling came together seamlessly. “Through this project, I realized how crucial editing is in guiding the audience’s emotions,” she concluded.  

“I attempt to make my own style through my editing.” - Maximiliano, Grade 12 student.

Discovering style

“I have a passion for creating fast-paced, upbeat films.” This statement alone shows Eshaal’s enthusiasm for filmmaking. While she enjoys experimenting with movement and dynamic storytelling to keep the audience engaged, her goal is to refine her style and explore new ways to bring ideas to life on screen.

Through her work as a cinematographer for “Behind the Screen”, we can see her visual approach, with invasive angles and symmetry to highlight themes of control and deception. Her inspirations are evident. In this short film, we can see some influence from the documentary The Social Dilemma and the style of fitness influencers like Chloe Ting. 

Maximiliano also got deeply involved in editing, though he explored acting in various of his classmates' films to practice his versatility. “I attempt to make my own style through my editing,” he shared when talking about his role in “Doppio”. Inspired by Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, and Vince Gilligan’s Better Call Saul, Maximiliano presented a mysterious and well-fitted cut for the theme.