Invisible People–an alumni-led film project about a refugee family who tries to cross the border into an unnamed country and gets separated–has given many current film students the opportunity to gain experience and connect with others in field.
Professionals from outside the school were hired to help about 20 students understand what it means to be on a professional set, the work it takes and the different areas of production. Filming took place on campus, mostly by the Goliath Wall. It took a total of three days to shoot the film, although it rained on the first day of production.
“Hours are difficult seeing as they are very late and into the morning, but I’m willing to work through those challenges,” said Daniah Pergerson, a sophomore film student.
Jefferson Rodriguez, film director and Southern alumnus, was surprised at the amount of people who joined the project.
“I’ve made so many films, and this was the first one that motivated people to support it just because of the message and what it stood for,” Rodriguez said.
Brady Griffin, film production senior, said the film is “a commentary on today’s problem, especially in the U.S., where parents and children are separated and never see each other again.”
The project was a sponsored short film by Sonscreen, a film festival put together by the Seventh-day Adventist church. This is an annual gathering for Christian filmmakers, artists and anyone who has a passion for film.
Madelyn Rogers, junior film student, said she hopes students gain experience and confidence while furthering their connections with more experienced people in their field.