Lights, camera, faculty, action

By Julian Small

smal0052@algonquincollege.com

The documentary filmmaking program celebrated the launch of its first week on Sept. 6 with an afternoon meet and greet between students, staff and industry professionals.

The get-together in the staff lounge of the Marketplace Food Court was hosted by program co-ordinator Peter Beisterfeld as a means for students to rub shoulders with each other and members of the one year post-certificate program’s advisory board.

“It will be a great opportunity for the students to make contacts and speak to people in the industry about their work,” said Beisterfeld prior to the event.

At the gathering students enjoyed some discussion and refreshments as well as a short documentary presentation by Algonquin graduate and Canadian documentary film pioneer Peter Wintonick.

“I’ve always believed that what I studied here and learned has been what I’ve used my whole career,” said the Montreal based filmmaker, famous for his documentary on Noam Chomsky entitled Manufacturing Consent.

“This kind of learning is very important and practical since (documentary filmmaking) is becoming a more populous art form.”

The program is the first in an Ontario college to be dedicated exclusively to documentary production. Focusing on the hands-on aspects of making documentaries is something that Beisterfeld said he saw a lot of interest in from the students in similar evening classes, giving him the idea for the program.

“I’ve stayed in charge because of my close involvement in the curriculum development,” said Beisterfeld.

“Getting a new program off the ground is a long, complicated process ... If it wasn’t for Peter’s help and effort it would never have happened,” said Russell Mills, dean of the school of Media and Design, while speaking to students and staff.

Students were appreciative of the opportunity to get to know people in their program.

“This is a great place for me to make contacts ... and that’s what I’m looking to do, expand my knowledge and connections,” said student Bill (Spongebill) Langford, a graduate of environmental studies at Carleton University, who explains his nickname comes from his passion to absorb knowledge.

Others such as Paul Boyle are excited about the group of students in the program. “It’s exciting, the diversity of all the people ... I’ve loved it since day one,” said Boyle, explaining that the post certificate requirement for the program has attracted students with many different backgrounds and experiences.

“It’s a fascinating group in a fascinating new program,” agreed Peter Larock, chair of media studies and member of the advisory committee.