The course, taught by Sharelly Emanuelson, lasted for 4 months and participants covered the history and fundamentals of films, the intricacies thereof—forms, styles, genres, and the creation of a short film dealing with socio-cultural issues.
Participants used what means of video recording they had, so they used their cell phones, cameras (video), or camcorders. Then they had to down load the recording, organize such, and edit accordingly. In the end, a short film was produced and watched by all in the class.
Interim President of the University of St. Maarten Dr. Francio Guadeloupe was pleased with the course to the NGO participants and praised the students for their commitment and hard work.
“I would like to commend all the participants. They participated actively during the entire course, completed take home assignments and an exam, but also had to write an essay on filmmaking, and make the short film. This is a lot. So I want to laud them for their discipline and creativity,” Guadeloupe said.
The course is also part of the USM vision and strategy of having an Associate’s degree in every house hold on St. Maarten.
Course Instructor Emanuelson said that the experience was stimulating and valuable. “The course was very interesting from my point of view. I think we both learned from each other in different respects. I was a pleasure for me to pass on the knowledge and experience I have to the participants. I look forward to doing so again once USM will have me.”
Emanuelson has her Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Media from the School of the Arts, Utrecht, and a Master’s degree in Artistic Research at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague. She recently completed two documentaries on the Dutch Caribbean: Calypso (Aruba) and Su Solo I Playanan (Curacao). She is based in the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands.
The Film course is part of a pilot program to upgrade the capacity of NGO organizations, an initiative of the former Minister of Health, Social, and Labor Affairs, the Honourable MP, Dr. Cornelius de Weever. The program is managed by Aida Holaman, Head of Community Development at the Ministry of Health. This course is part of 3 courses meant to stimulate participants to further their education.
After the Film Course, a book is being planned which will include essays by the participants, the film instructor Sharelly Emanuelson, and President of the University of St. Martin, Francio Guadeloupe.