It is not very often you find yourself sitting in Film class analysing the nuances and cinematography of a short film, only to walk into your next session and get the chance to interview the director and writer in person.
This week, our Year 10 Film students had that exact "meta" experience when we hosted our own Arts Coordinator, Pennie Hunt, to discuss her acclaimed short film, MILK.
Having the creator of the text right there to answer "What did you mean by this?" is a rare luxury for any student of the arts. The session was an enriching deep-dive into the reality of filmmaking, shifting from the theoretical analysis of the classroom to the practical grit of a professional short film set.
Set against the rugged, atmospheric backdrop of the Coastal Otago during WWII, MILK tells the story of a young woman living in isolation whose life is interrupted by the arrival of a German sailor.
Students were eager to dig into the logistics of filming in such a specific, local environment. Pennie shared the challenges of a remote film shoot, dealing with the unpredictable coastal elements and the technical feat of making our familiar modern landscape look like a secluded 1940s farm. Finding the right location was a mission in itself; the team eventually secured a farm that felt perfectly "frozen in time," providing the authentic heart the story needed.
The Q&A session with the Year 10 Film class covered a broad range of technical and creative territories. Our budding filmmakers and actors asked insightful questions about:
The Cast and Crew: Pennie emphasised that while the director has the vision, filmmaking is a massive collaborative effort.
Colour Grading: For the visual arts students, Pennie explained the post-production process of colour grading between shooting day and making it look like night time.
The Special Effects: Pennie gave some insight into the awesome CGI parts of the film with the WWII Unterseeboot (U-Boat).
Pennie’s visit is a powerful reminder that world-class storytelling doesn't just happen in Hollywood - it happens right here locally on our very own shores. Hearing about how her project transitioned from a script to a premiere at Rialto cinemas gives students a tangible roadmap for their own creative ambitions.
We are incredibly lucky to have Pennie’s expertise within our school community. Her passion for her craft is infectious, and her ability to balance her role as Arts Coordinator with her career as a filmmaker is a fantastic example of a "creative life in action."
If you are interested in participating in the 48 Hour Film Festival this year, please come have a chat with either Ms Hunt or Ms Fridd!
Watch the film here: MILK - Short Film on YouTube
Learn more: Dunedin City of Literature: MILK Premiere
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