Film Festival Ends Morristown High's Art & Design Week

After a successful fashion show, boat race and art show, Morristown High School is preparing for the inaugural Film Festival to end the 5^th annual Art & Design Week.

“We confirmed all the entries (May 13). There were 40 documentaries," said Morristown High School senior Zaji Zabalerio. "There will be fantastic prizes.” 

"This year's films are documentaries and will include films on Morristown's homeless population, Grow it Green, Bacon (yes, bacon), the history of the Morristown Green, and more," said Mary Donohoe of the Morris School District.

"A total of 40 documentaries have been submitted including one from an eighth-grader. Judges for the event are Caits Meissner from the Tribeca Film Institute in NY; MarkEhrenkrantz a local filmmaker and film festival founder; and artist/filmmaker Brad Smith."

Michael Butler, high school broadcasting teacher, has worked closely with Paul Rabinowitz, president of Arts by the People, in development of this project. The show is funded by grants from the Morris Educational Foundation

“(Art & Design Week) is crazy busy, but it’s one of the most rewarding things we do all year. It’s incredible to see all of it come together and see the magazine come out at the same time,” said Junior Jessica Richardson, editor in chief of Tricorn.

Started in the 30s, Tricorn is Morristown High School's art and literary magazine. The magazine is composed entirely of creative works submitted by the student body. This year, more than 100 writing, 1000 photography and 800 artwork pieces were submitted.

During the week, there was a 50/50 Photo Print Fundraiser, in which half the profits go to the club to benefit the club’s photo needs.

Rows and rows of student artwork has been on display all week in the gym, which includes original art, photography, architecture and more.

Parent Kathy Rulon was one of many that browsed the artwork.

“It looks really professional. I can’t believe it’s high school students,” said Rulon. “What a wonderful opportunity to show off their talent.”

Ann Rhines, school board member and Morris Educational Foundation member, is looking forward to the inaugural film festival on Thursday adding that MEF provided a grant to purchase high-quality cameras that helped produce the 40 student documentaries on Thursday.

“I come every year. I can’t wait. I was here at the opening because I’m so impressed with all the work that I see from the students, the digital work, the photography, the graphics, artwork and there’s even architectural design. It’s wonderful and there’s also a fashion show,” said Rhines.

MEF also provided a previous grant that funded the large black display boards that the artwork on.

“We do a lot of stuff for Art & Design week, like the CAD items, the architectural pieces. That’s all from my class,” said Jack Rizzo, who teaches 3D CAD and engineering design. His class also ran the boat race on Wednesday. 

Related Patch Articles:

• Art & Design Week Debuts Film Festival at HS
• Student Fashions Hit Runway At Morristown HS
• Morristown HS Students Battle with Paint and Boats

Take a picture of something or someone during Art & Design Week? Share it with Patch by adding it to this photo gallery. Want to give a shout out to a student artist? Do it in the comments section