Film faculty member produces school shooting movie and Elton John video
Article By: Staff
More than a year ago, a lone gunman walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and killed 17 people – one of the deadliest shootings in U.S. history.
Jason Winn felt compelled to tell a similar story through a camera lens. The part-time faculty member in the Department of Communication, Media and Journalism at the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) created the movie "Dandelions."
"It was really personal to me to make this film as an instructor and teacher," Winn said. "I had 100 percent creative control on how to tell the story."
He said the movie is based on a fictional school and told from the perspective of a teacher, who grapples with the decision to return as a teacher as well as deal with the blame and guilt of the tragic events.
"It was an important movie to make," Winn said. The movie will make the film festival rounds and be screened in Atlanta in August. "It was a tough subject."
After that film, Winn switched gears to produce Elton John's farewell video for the iconic singer's tour. And he made use of the opportunity by allowing 91ÁÔÆæ students to have real production experience, which is critical to learning the craft of filmmaking.
"Fifty percent of the crew were students and alumni from 91ÁÔÆæ," Winn said, though they didn't meet the singer. "I thought it was a great opportunity for students who recently graduated and the current one."
Japanese students visit 91ÁÔÆæ for two weeks
A group of 15 students from Nanzan University visited 91ÁÔÆæ for two weeks as part of an annual project.
Grant sends students to festival in Germany
Four students and a faculty member will perform in the Saarburg International Music Festival in Germany courtesy of a Halle Foundation grant awarded to the 91ÁÔÆæ Department of Music.
Students curate regional art exhibition
Two students are responsible for curating the first-ever exhibition of north Georgia regional art pulled from the 91ÁÔÆæ Permanent Collection.
Students present research at Capitol
Four 91ÁÔÆæ students presented their research at Posters at the Capitol on Feb. 25, sharing their work with state legislators, lobbyists and the general public.