Politics Gives Way
to Self-Exploration in Student Films

UC San Diego Student Filmmakers Give Voice to Millennium Generation

October 3, 2008

By Christine Clark

It’s a story about a misfit on a quirky journey of self discovery along the edge of society, "The Girl Who Came from The Sea" is one of the more surreal films in 40 original works by UC San Diego students that will be presented by ArtPower! each Sunday in October at the Loft as part of Press Rewind Plus '08.

A scene from Jessie Pellegrino’s “The Girl Who Came from the Sea”

The student films speak to younger generation and reveal that student filmmakers are more interested in self-exploration than politics, according to ArtPower! film curator Rebecca Webb.
Daring, whimsical, heartbreaking, creative and thought-provoking are some of the words Webb uses to describe Press Rewind Plus '08, which starts at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 5 and runs through Oct. 26. "Student filmmakers can really represent their generation more than commercial filmmakers," she said.  "A lot of student films in the seventies were about politics, but these students are more introspective."

"The Girl Who Came from the Sea," directed by Jessie Pellegrino, UC San Diego ’08, was lauded at UCSD’s Up & Coming ’08 – the campus’s inaugural student film festival. Pellegrino shot "The Girl Who Came from the Sea" in 16mm on location in Tijuana, Mexico, and other spots literally and figuratively on the gritty edge of modern society.

All of the films screened were entrees in the Up & Coming ’08 film festival, which Webb curated as well, along with a panel of media experts including KPBS film critic Beth Accomando and Academy Award winning filmmaker Ham Tram. "We were so impressed with the caliber of films that we wanted to make sure all of them would be screened in front of a live audience," Webb said. "The films are dynamic and represent a broad range of talent from students from all over the campus, including the Department of Visual Arts, the Department of Communications, Sixth College and student organizations."

40 student films will be presented every Sunday this month at the Loft.

Some of the Press Rewind Plus filmmakers will discuss their films after the screening and each event will be preceded by a short musical performance featuring UCSD’s DJ Vinylphiles Club. These features are a part of Webb’s drive to create an interactive experience for film watchers. "It’s important to support these talented student artists," she said. "This is a great opportunity for students to share their work with their peers and get feedback -- that is why we dedicated this month to the students. It’s really to champion their work."

In October, "Cone" by UC San Diego alumnus Ben Tuller will be screened as part of Press Rewind Plus '08 and at the brand new Loft Video Gallery. The Loft Video Gallery is a dynamic viewing space located just outside The Loft venue where both casual passersby and purposeful viewers can immerse themselves in captivating filmmaking.

The Oct. 19 screening will include another presentation that was popular at last spring’s film festival, Edward Kim’s "Untitled."  Kim’s film was well received because it explored the filmmaking process and asked what it means to be original.

Another notable film is Jason Campa’s "Casa Familiar: Wildfire" which will be screened Oct. 12. Campa, who graduated with a degree in visual arts last spring, set out to explore the Latino community in the film.

Webb said the responses she’s received from students have been positive. As a companion piece to the annual UCSD Up & Coming Student Film Festival, she presented the student films of well-known directors such as Robert Zemeckis and George Lucas. This May she will show the films of contemporary auteurs such as Todd Haynes and Wes Anderson. "We want to inspire young filmmakers to have courage to pursue their vision," she added.

The Loft Video Gallery is a dynamic viewing space located just outside the venue. It is fresh take on film in public spaces.

Webb is an artist and photographer who has been a film editor and producer, a post-production supervisor and a new media producer. Before accepting her position as film curator at ArtPower! in January, she was the managing editor of a political science journal at Harvard University. Her experience as a film editor and producer lead her to work on well-known films such as "Pi" and other documentaries.

With all of her experiences, Webb says she is most excited about bringing the work of her students to life. "As an artist myself, I know how hard it can be to get your work seen and appreciated by an audience other than yourself," she said.

Media Contact: Christine Clark, 858-534-7618