(Secaucus, NJ––February 1, 2021) Former HTHS film major Noelle White (‘20) and current film student Samiksha Thakur (‘22) were invited to discuss their work as auteurs with Jame Suozzo for the upcoming Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival, announced Dr. Joseph Giammarella, Principal of High Tech High School.
Coordinated by HTHS instructor Gregg Ascolese, the interview focuses on the students’ films that will be screened at the 2021 festival. The young filmmakers discuss their inspirations as well problem-solving and decision-making processes. Noelle White, who graduated from HTHS in 2020 and currently attends Chapman University in California, discusses her two films, “Tongue Tied” and “New Years Day,” on which she collaborated with HTHS alum David Mansour (“Tongue Tied”) and Rea Silver-Chisholm (“New Years Day”).
Current HTHS junior, Samiksha Thakur, discusses her work “Blue Iris,” which is also being screened at this year’s festival. The film centers on a teen artist, Mila, who allows her self-doubt and low expectations to consume her thoughts on how to advance in her art career. When she is presented with an opportunity to take the next step, Mila must decide if following through is really worth it.
The interview was recorded in late January and will be screened during this year's virtual version of the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival taking place from February 27th through March 3rd.
You can learn more about the Ridgewood Guild Film Festival by visiting https://ridgewoodguildfilmfest.com/.
Interview with James Suozzo (Film Festival Committee for Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival)
Interviewees: High Tech Alumni (2020), Noelle White, and current High Tech Student, Samiksha Thakur (2022). Noelle is currently a film student who attends Chapman University in Orange County, California.
Samiksha's film: "Blue Iris"
Synopsis:
A teen artist, named Mila, allows her self-doubt and low expectations consume her thoughts on advancing in her art career. When she is presented with an opportunity to take the next step, Mila must decide if following through is really worth it.
Noelle's films: "Tongue Tied" (by Noelle White and David Mansour) and "New Year's Day" (by Noelle White and Rea Silver-Chisholm)
In the interview we discuss the inspiration behind our films, what it's like to have our film screened at a festival, the challenges we face, and the like.