At SJS we believe in empowering our students to explore their passions and preparing them for the future. One of the most exciting and transformative departments in our school is the Senior School Film department, which provides students with the tools and opportunities to develop their creativity, technical skills and storytelling abilities as well as personal skills including confidence, risk-taking and self-expression.
Thanks to the generosity of parents and the wider school community through Annual Giving, our Film department has access to top-tier equipment and resources that enhance the learning experience for all involved.
This year we are thrilled to showcase the profound impact of these donations through a video that highlights the department’s evolution and accomplishments. Featuring interviews with Marcus Mullen, DP Film Teacher, two DP Film students, and an alum who has continued her studies in film, the video offers a glimpse into the incredible opportunities our students are given. It also celebrates their hard work and creativity, as well as the vital role that our community plays in providing them with the tools they need to flourish.
A Hub for Creativity and Innovation
The Film Department at SJS offers an immersive and hands-on curriculum, where students can learn the ins and outs of filmmaking—from scriptwriting and cinematography, to editing and directing. As one of the only programs in the area to offer a full suite of professional-grade equipment, including a green screen room, the department enables students to create high-quality films that push their creative boundaries. The film studio and classroom recently enjoyed a makeover, and the unique layout encourages collaboration and truly feels more like a space used in creative agencies and film schools than a traditional school classroom.
Hearing from Our Student and Alumni Filmmakers
In the video, we hear from two IB Diploma Programme students who share how their experiences in the Film department have shaped their academic and personal growth. Alice Ao, Grade 11, who was inspired to begin her studies in film through Mr. Mullen, has gained a real passion for the art form, experimenting with different genres and collaborating with her classmates. Her film Entangled has recently received an invitation to be included in an international film festival.
Madison Kim, Grade 12, is planning to take some film courses during her studies at NYU, widely considered one of the most prestigious film schools in the world.
We also hear from Samantha Sun, Class of 2023, who is a Film major at Wesleyan University in the US. She credits the foundation she built at SJS for giving her the skills and passion to pursue film as a career and how much her IB DP Film experience set her up for success in continuing to study in the field.
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
As we look to the future, we remain committed to providing our students with the best possible learning environment. With continued support from our school community, we can ensure that future generations of filmmakers will have the same opportunities to learn, grow and express themselves creatively.
We invite you to join us in making a lasting impact on the education of our students. Your generous donations will not only continue to support the Film department but also help us expand opportunities in all other areas of the school, ensuring a well-rounded education for all students.
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us to nurture the next generation of filmmakers, storytellers and creative leaders.
