Capturing the Craft at the Upper School Film Festival
March 27, 2026
The lights dim, the chatter subsides, and a hush falls over the Dining Commons as the first frame flickers to life on the big screen. This was the atmosphere at last night’s annual Upper School Film Festival. This was a moment of culmination—a celebration of vision, technique, and the raw courage it takes to share one’s voice with the world.
The Upper School Film Festival returns as a premier showcase of student artistry, transforming months of classroom dedication into a public cinematic experience. Under the guidance of Film Teacher Bobby Weiss, the festival has become a vital extension of the school’s film curriculum, where students move beyond simple appreciation to the rigorous application of film history and technique.
This year’s submissions reflect the diverse perspectives of our student body. Because assignments are open-ended, the screening features an incredibly broad range of styles, from narrative storytelling and documentaries to experimental films and deeply personal reflections. Each project is a testament to the student’s unique interests and creative voice.
This celebration of creativity is made possible through the gracious support of the Bell Family and the Office of Advancement. Betty Jo and David Bell have long been pillars of the film program, offering their support in countless ways to benefit our students and the festival. As avid participants in the life of the program, they attend every film-related event and personally present an award to a standout film student at the close of each academic year.
Their involvement carries a deep significance as the school continues to honor the memory of their son, Zachary Bell ‘97, whose name graces the theater where Film Appreciation is taught. Their presence ensures that Zachary’s legacy remains a living part of the stories our students tell today.
These stories that they tell require a demanding journey to the big screen. Throughout the year, students navigate the full filmmaking process—from the initial spark of an idea to development, production, and the final edit. “Preparing for the festival encourages students to take their work to the next level,” noted Weiss. “The knowledge that an audience will view their work pushes these young filmmakers to be more intentional with their visual choices and storytelling, reinforcing the importance of revision and the constant development of their craft.”
Beyond the technical skills of cinematography and editing, the festival aims to instill a deeper confidence in every participant. By stepping into the roles of screenwriter, director, and producer, students learn that filmmaking is a process-driven art form where the work put into the journey is just as significant as the final product.
“I hope students leave the experience with a sense of pride in what they’ve created,” said Weiss. “By sharing their work publicly, students learn that their voices and ideas matter. They walk away understanding that filmmaking is not just about the final product, but about showing up, putting in the work, and trusting the creative process.”
Our students proved last night that when they are given the tools to tell their stories, the results are nothing short of a powerful statement.
