Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders is pleased to share that ConVal High School senior Jennifer Hopkins has been selected to participate in the 2023 All American High School Film Festival with her original film, “Chasing the Past.”
Hopkins will travel to New York City for the festival, which will take place from Oct. 20-22. The All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF), the world’s largest high school film festival, is the premier destination for talented high school filmmakers and media arts enthusiasts from around the world. AAHSFF’s mission is to provide immersive education with a profound impact, connecting the filmmakers of the future with the rewards, respect, and recognition they deserve.
In attending the festival, Hopkins will have the opportunity to screen her original film “Chasing the Past,” learn from top industry professionals, connect with the latest technology, explore a myriad of higher education opportunities, compete for scholarships and technology prizes, and become part of a community of shared passions and lifelong relationships.
Hopkins’ film, “Chasing the Past,” was selected to be part of the Experimental category at the festival.
“‘Chasing the Past’ is a film that illustrates the desire to know more about your ancestors, and in turn, know more about who you are and where you come from. My inspiration for the film came from my somewhat obsession with my Norwegian heritage and family history. I wanted to create something that showed a kind of metaphor for the struggles and the draw of literally ‘chasing the past,’” said Hopkins. “The photo/video program at ConVal helped me to really discover my interest in film and photography, and led me to the decision to pursue a career in the field.”
Hopkins filmed most of “Chasing the Past” in Norway, with the small town of Byrkjelo being the primary filming location. The other locations included Innerdalen, Jostedalsbreen National Park, Brevik, and Tønsberg. The last scene, and some of the memory clips, were filmed in Camden and Rockport, Maine.
“The opportunity to attend the All American High School Film Festival is once in a lifetime. Jennifer’s film ‘Chasing the Past’ is remarkable, and her selection to participate in the film festival is well deserved,” said Superintendent Rizzo Saunders. “Jennifer will be amongst young filmmakers from across the country and the globe, and we wish her the best of luck when she travels to New York City in October!”
Hopkins plans to study film and photography, starting with attending a Folkhøgskule – a Norwegian folk high school – for nature photography. She then intends to attend a college in Norway to continue her studies in film.
