The 2009 Summer Arts Institute Filmmaking Workshop

The Summer Arts Institute is a tuition-free intensive arts program for New York City Department of Education public school students entering grades 8-12, held at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. Students major in dance, theater, vocal music, instrumental music, visual art, film or photography. The Summer Arts Institute is administered by the New York City Department of Education’s office of the Arts and Special Projects. The Tribeca Film Institute serves as the cultural partner for the filmmaking component of the Summer Arts Institute. In 2009, the SAI Film students create five short films about the changing world we live in.

A Drop of Ink

By Beverly Wu, Daniel Danielwicz, Gianpaulo Parico, Josh Leib

The state of modern technology is rapidly changing. Newly introduced technologies affect the way we live our daily lives, even the way in which we read and write. A Drop of Ink explores the place of literature and print media in the 21st century.

Spare Change

By George Itzhak, Jasmine Velez, Frisly Soberanis

With their parents’ business in jeopardy, Sara and Carolina embark on a mission to make money through a series of odd jobs; by the end of the day, they begin to appreciate the hard work necessary to sustain a living. Through the story of two teenagers in Queens, Spare Change takes a look at a changing American economy in the throes of recession.

Do Not Enter

By Sarah Alli, Ethan Greenfield, Bryan Rivelli

From forgotten subway tunnels to abandoned factories, New York City’s hidden environment is unknown to most yet it provides a unique window into the past. Do Not Enter aims to expose New

York’s hidden, and often forbidden, landscape while offering a glimpse of history.

Make it Happen

By Caroline Handel, Rayhan Islam, Milo Finnegan-Money, Rhakwaun “Rocko” Seymour

Three people in New York City, disillusioned by their political situations, have taken matters into their own hands. Make It Happen profiles each of these non-traditional activists as they tackle issues in their local communities through unusual forms of protest and with innovative ideas to make change.

Drifting

By Galyn Clarkson-Farrell, John Dargan, Jade Elliott, Crysta Machado

Whether it involves dancing, going to work, going to bed, or sitting down for a meal, people of different ages move in a variety of styles. Drifting is a short documentary that explores how a person’s growth and age affects their physical movements.