Students, teacher, friends, family, and film-lovers alike packed into the Royal Cinema on October 22 for York’s 11th annunal Cinesiege event. Cinesiege is a juried film festival that occurs once a year to “celebrate the imaginative and intellectual potency of York students in film” as described by Shawn Brixey, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Undergraduate filmmakers were given the opportunity to showcase their films in front their peers. Only 33 of the 167 films Cineseige received were nominated for nine categories.
The evening began on a sombre note as Ali Kazimi, head of the film department, dedicated the night to Matthew Schoalts, a York film student who passed away unexpectedly last year.
It was a night of support and enthusiasm as the filmmakers were congratulated on their tenacity and praised for their creativity. Members of the faculty spoke about how York’s “grassroots approach” to cinematic storytelling allows students to work, grow, and build together.
A panel of five high-profile jury members carefully examined the submitted films, selecting seven of the winning films that would be screened at the event.
A dynamic montage of some of the most captivating shots from the nominees was screened at first, displaying the high quality of all the films.
“It was very difficult, we had the pleasure to watch and enjoy these films but we also had to make a few tough decisions,” says Anita Doron, a member of the jury, describing the selection process.
Ultimately, there could be only nine winners. The films were a testament to the dedication of the faculty members and students who comprise York’s film production and screenwriting program.
Tavish Gudgeon
Contributor
