Class Activity: Analyze Films from the MY HERO International Film Festival

Part One: After watching each film students should discuss the film’s content and take notes using the  following film discussion questions:

How does this film relate to heroism?

Who is the hero or heroic organization in this film?

What is the issue raised in the film?

Does this film motivate you to take action about an issue?

Does the film elicit an emotional response?

Part Two: After watching and discussing the films with students, consider the following criteria for judging each film. If time permits, have students rewatch each film before considering the judging criteria:

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING SHORT HERO FILMS

Originality - Is this film an original idea or concept? Is the theme or point of view unique compared to other films?

Creativity - Did the filmmaker use creative approaches to storytelling? How creative is the camerawork, sound & editing? Emotional Effectiveness - Were you deeply moved emotionally? Did you feel connected to the story? Are you motivated to take action?

Directing - How well is the overall film put together? Is the story cohesive? Is there a clear beginning, middle and end? Do you sense a unique voice in the director’s style?

Technical Quality - (Editing, Camerawork, Sound) Evaluate the technical quality of the picture, sound, and editing.

PICTURE - Is the camerawork steady, in focus, and framed interestingly? Rate the quality of the image - Is it stunning? captivating? breathtaking?

SOUND - Is the sound quality clear, and easy to hear, is the dialogue distinguishable? Does the use of music move the story along or does it distract from the narrative?

EDITING - Does the pace of the editing work with the story? Were you ever bored? Does it seem as if the film needs more editing - is it too long? Does the editing rhythm leave you feeling satisfied and connected to the theme of the story?

Part Three: Which film or films did your students feel were the best? Why?