My University Film & Video Association (UFVA) Fellowship
presented me a number of firsts. It was my first time in California, my first
visit to Chapman University, and my first UFVA conference. My experience was
unforgettable, from arriving at the John Wayne Airport to attending the closing
banquet at Bowers Museum.
The scenery was beautiful, most of the people were cordial,
and I benefited from educational and professional development. Meeting the UFVA
Board of Directors at the welcome event and listening to each of them was great.
Before and during the conference, I appreciated the advice and helpfulness of
Joe Brown, UFVA Fellowship Coordinator.
At the conference, held at Marion Knott Studios, I attended numerous
film screenings and panels. Pastriology and
The Voice That Broke the Silence,
which took me back to Oaxaca (Mexico), were
my favorite films.
Individual presentations were given on a variety of
interesting topics. My favorite panels included "Storytelling Trends in 2013,"
"Teaching Story Structure: It's All Greek to Us," and "Using
Graphic Novels in Fairy Tales: How Superheroes & Enchantment Transform
Narrative." They dealt with story structure, pitching, and the
relationship between movies and comics, manga, and anime.
Universities from all over the nation were represented, and
there was plenty of time for networking and interaction. Of course, I also met
the other seven UFVA fellows and shared a graduate student presentation panel
with them. I also got to know students and instructors with whom I shared
similar creative interests. I enjoyed meaningful interaction with several
presenters and many more instructors and professionals between sessions and
during the coffee breaks.
Various obstacles almost prevented me from attending the
2013 UFVA Conference, especially since I had just returned from my study abroad
experience in Oaxaca one month earlier. I am glad that everything worked out
and that the UFVA Fellowship provided this wonderful opportunity.
Photos
Click on a photo for a larger image (slideshow).
Click on a photo for a larger image (slideshow).
John Wayne Airport
Chapman University
Orange, CA (near Chapman University)
Marion Knott Studios
Downtown Disney
Closing Banquet at Bowers Museum
The Alley Cats Doo Wop group and 1950s Car Show at Chapman University
