1st Place :: Division AA

The Foreign and the Familiar

Lake Forest

Documentary

Entry Description

The story of the exchange program this fall between Lake Forest and Shanghai School #2

Judge 1

Positives: The editing was excellent. There was a fluid movement between shots. Everything was focused and lighting was very good. The music worked well with the entire film.

Improvements: More of the students should have been interviewed. The principal and superintendent talked too much. There was not an explanation as to how long the students stayed and when and how long the American students would go to China.

Judge 2

Positives: The introduction was nice. I like the big welcome and the motivating music. The greeting of the participants and the gradual crescendo in the music that built up the event to show the final arrival at "the bean." NIce use of faculty and staff interviews to touch on "authenticity," Authentic learning, and experience. These are key points, and it was well discussed on the part of those interviewed. Knowing who to interview is also good, and having a great mic in which to pick up the lower bass in voices makes it more documentary-like.

Improvements: I'm not sure how possible it would have been, but having clips from come of the exchange students' home cities or towns, even their family, would have been a nice touch. Interviewee's used the word "authentic" too many times. I think repetition should be watched. Also, the ending is a bit abrupt. Using music and a fade out or credits thanking people would have been nice.

Judge 3

Positives: Rich variety of supporting evidence. Well documented, persuasive.

Improvements: Nothing.