Self-Expression as Communication in the Student Film

The student film is an often overlooked artistic medium, a one-and-done, means to an end kind-of form. Within the academic sphere, the student film holds value as a part of class curriculum, yet such a finite definition is often hindering. Once a project is completed and graded, it is often forgotten (except, of course, in the circumstances of grading). In the case of a student film that is extracurricular in nature, i.e. the passion project, incentive-based reasoning is forfeit. The student film, in all regards, is an overlooked, neglected artistic medium. Such oversight of the student film by both individuals and broader culture is notably significant. The student film, regardless of any incentives that may be had in its creation, is an artistic and communicative medium that holds value. Filmmaking is a uniquely expressive medium that can act as both a voice for filmmakers and as a tool of self-expression. Thus, this self-expressive communicative art form can often become referential or synonymous with one’s self. If the films are overlooked, students themselves can often be overlooked. Understanding this concept and utilizing the communicated narrative sense making theory, this study focuses on analyzing and understanding how student filmmakers communicate a sense of self in their filmic works.